Topic: DSG

[mdwise87]

Hey all.

A really good friend of mine suggested I pose a question here since I'm looking at getting an Audi or VW very soon.

What's your opinion of the DSG transmission? I know, I know, manuals are more fun to drive and I'm still on the fence as to which one I want, but the DSG intrigues me. Any ideas on long term reliability? In researching, it seems that any bigger repairs are a bit more expensive than servicing a manual transmission, but as long as it's still reliable, that wouldn't really bother me.

Any input on this would be great as a future (hopeful) Audi/VW owner.

Mike

[ken]

I think a little depends on luck of the draw.  Some people have had issues, and some are having issues at around 100k.  There is also a major service every 40k that runs a few hundred $.

I didn't like the DSG GTI I had for a weekend because the clutch engagement was pretty variable.  Other than that it was as smooth as any automatic. 

[Castle]

I wouldn't go into owning one without diligent research from owners.  I recently bought a Hyundai that has a DSG option although I got the manual.  On the forums there have been some teething issues due to it being such a new model.

I'm a bit weary of wear and tear since a computer is doing the clutch movements.  Slow acceleration is said to cause more wear because the computer will "ride the clutch" a bit. 

Compared to a true manual or conventional automatic it will definitely be a more expensive choice. 

[ken]

It seems DSG issues are still going on.  Last summer there were still no mechatronics units in the country.   On the GTI, I looked around for a month to find a 4 door with the manual since it was cheaper and I didn't want the DSG out of warranty.

Here's a whole thread about DSG issues.


http://forums.subdriven.com/showthread.php?4465016-DSG-Mechatronic-Failure-Update/page9 

[Castle]

http://forums.subdriven.com/showthread.php?4465016-DSG-Mechatronic-Failure-Update/page9 

Wow that thread doesn't paint a pretty picture. 

Some cars don't offer a standard automatic transmission anymore which makes the problem even worse.  Its not choosing which option on a car anymore, its having to pass on the car all together (if you don't want it). 

With the Hyundai Veloster they were having issues with the DCT grinding gears on downshifts.  They did a TSB on them with a reflash and it sounds like everyone is happy now but no one on the forums is over 10,000 miles yet.  IMO the jury is still out on that.

[mdwise87]

http://forums.subdriven.com/showthread.php?4465016-DSG-Mechatronic-Failure-Update/page9 

Wow! That was extremely helpful and no, does not paint a pretty picture at all.

I appreciate the replies on this one. I may have to circle back to the original idea of getting a manual.

Thanks!

[ken]

You're welcome, glad to help. 

The biggest "issue" with my manual is 2nd gear in the morning, but compared to the old A4 it's not bad.  There was one guy on Vortex who just got his manual replaced because it was winning.

With auto boxes getting so much better, I don't see the need for duel clutch transmissions anymore. They were supposed to be the best for efficency,  but you now have 8 speeds with torque convertors that lock up early and rev match downshifts.

[Castle]

I rev match downshifts.

[Castle]

Funny addition to this:

The dual clutch trans in the Hyundai is having issues in extreme cold.  Some owners are complaining that the trans stops working...at a stop until it warms up.  One guy reversed out of his driveway into the street only to be stuck stranded for a couple minutes till it decided to work again.  Manual FTW!