Redline D6 ATF Alternative?

[Charles.waite]

So I saw on ECS they listed Redline D6 ATF as compatible with our cars. Its $11/L from them. The proper Audi G060162A2 ATF is $40-50/L depending on where you buy it.

Now I'm all for proper fluids and given my shitty transmission has a failing Torque Converter/Valve Body I'm seriously considering changing the ATF and filter (using Phil's excellent DIY ).

Now I've been an avid proponent of only using the OEM fluids on these Tiptronics (the 09L at least) as they appear to be VERY fragile and finicky about fluids, fluid levels, etc but this D6 fluid has me intrigued.

Now I looked into the Redline D6 and its Dexron VI based fluid (hence the D6) and on their product page it 6HP26 as a compatible transmission. Now I know thats not the same as the 6HP19 that we have, but would it work. LINK

Disclaimer, I'm not going to be the guinea pig for this, at the moment this is more of a thought experiment/discussion. Also if I'm mistaken about the transmission types, chime in, as I'm not 100% positive we have the 6hp19A rather than the 6HP26 as I keep reading differing info.

As far as part numbers, looking at ETKA all our transmissions take the G060162A2 fluid, which was confirmed (sorta) by my local dealer who said he didn't have a part number but that it said ATF Green.

Thoughts are appreciated.

[swoardrider]

We definitely have the 6hp19a, and I'd be leery of using anything but the correct ZF fluid for the tranny. Only person's opinion I would probably trust on alternative fluid recommendations would be Sam from 517 trans.

[Charles.waite]

We definitely have the 6hp19a, and I'd be leery of using anything but the correct ZF fluid for the tranny. Only person's opinion I would probably trust on alternative fluid recommendations would be Sam from 517 trans.

Ok that's what I thought. Well then given how many special fluids ZF has (basically a different one for each trans) I doubt the 6hp19a and the 6hp26 would have compatible fluids.

I figured I would do a little research though when the dealer's parts desk quoted me $500 JUST for the fluids, filter, and gasket. Only $400 from gap. Still ridiculous. Wtf kind of magic fairy dust does ZF put in these damn ATFs?!

Sounds like redline is probably out. And from my random searching I've found not a single fluid so far listed as compatible with the 6hp19a.

This blows. I hate to spend $400 on a failing transmission only to find out the fluid isn't the problem. It's just so far above the threshold of "what the hel, why not" status.

I haven't given up yet though. If anyone has any bright ideas lets hear them.

[swoardrider]

http://www.517trans.com/catalog/11c.php
^^call Sam, then report back, please

[Charles.waite]

Well thats the thing, a new trans is ~$4300 from them. Not including shipping. Not including labor. As much as I like to do everything DIY, theres no way I have the room or the equipment to install a Trans. Especially one as bulky and cumbersome as the Tiptronic.

Now the cost isn't that bad, considering what you get. BUT, I don't know its worth it with this car. I LOVE my b6, my b7 I'm not super attached to. So I almost prefer to sell the car while the trans isn't too bad. My GF is being obstinate though (its her car) and she doesn't want to sell or deal with the transmission. I still owe a good deal on the car, but I think its paid off enough so that I would be coming out roughly even.

I'm just between a rock and a hard place. If the B7 was a Manual (I wouldn't even be having this problem, haha) I'd for sure get the trans fixed but I'm not a big Automatic guy at all.

Haha, I just need someone to hold me and tell me its all going to be ok.

HYaving said that, I might give him a call anyway if only to find out final costs. 1/2 the reason I hate the Tip so much is because it sucks to drive beacuse its failing. Its possible I'd really love it again if the Ttrans actually worked as it was supposed to. Plus I could chip it.

[swoardrider]

Update
I took the car to JHM a few weeks ago, and had them do a bunch of work, including the 4:1 diff. I also had them flush the tranny. They recommended the Redline D6, and said they've used it in a lot of S4s with no issues. So I gave it a shot. Seems like the car doesn't shift as smooth when cold, but is about the same as the OEM fluid when warmed up. Time will tell.

[Charles.waite]

Update
I took the car to JHM a few weeks ago, and had them do a bunch of work, including the 4:1 diff. I also had them flush the tranny. They recommended the Redline D6, and said they've used it in a lot of S4s with no issues. So I gave it a shot. Seems like the car doesn't shift as smooth when cold, but is about the same as the OEM fluid when warmed up. Time will tell.

For realz?

Damn, I might have to look into this. I'd be VERY interested to see how the fluid holds up in your tranny. I assume it takes some punishment at the track! Far more than my Soccer mom Avant ever will.

[drroy]

another alternative would be ZF lifeguard 8, is seems to be compatible for any of the 3 fluids that could be in the transmission G 060162 A1 / A2 / A6. a case of 12 costs $265 shipped , all said and done about $22 a liter, you could sell the 6 liters you dont use ( i would buy them)

http://www.thectsc.com/index.php?p=p...=193&parent=62

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

We offer OEM, Rendline D4 ATF, Pentosine, and Febi transmission fluids. All fluids meet Esso LT 71141, Shell LA2634 & M-1375.4, Texaco ETL 7045 & ETL 8072B requirements.



Let me know if you have any questions.

Jason