Reliability of the Tiptronic Automatic Transmission

[Racks On Racks]

I am in the market for a 2006-2007 A4 and I don't know if i should go for the tiptronic auto trans or the manual. Let me just say that i could care less about the performance between the auto versus the manual. Lets just say I am more concerned or the durability of the transmission more than anything. I plan on keeping the car for a very long time, so would manual be my best option? The only problem is that manual is really hard to find and auto is super easy to find.

Once again, i don't care about the performance between auto and manual, just strictly the reliability. I drive a stick shift car right now, so i don't really care whether my next car is manual or auto since i can drive both. The mods i would be doing would just be a stage 1 tune probably.

What are your thoughts on the durabilty of the automatic transmission? Have you had any problem with yours? How many miles do you have on your auto trans? do you question its longevity?

[kegobeer]

Man, there are tons of threads about what people recommend as far as transmissions are concerned. Please tell me you already searched...

[vce1232000]

I got 202,000 miles on the Tiptronic with a KO4 upgrade the everyday

[moyenecorniche]

I had 208,000 miles on my previous B6 A4. Never any problems with the Tip.

[Audibot]

I'm currently 130k on my Tiptronic. Upgraded and all, and the tip handles it just fine. I find myself often switching between Drive, Tip, and S, and it will gladly downshift or upshift for me without complaint. That's in DC Metro traffic too. If you're planning to leave stock, or just get it chipped, it'll provide all the needs you have.

Make sure it's been kept up on maintenance, since Audi claims the fluid is "lifetime", which is definitely not true. There is a DIY hanging around up here somewhere regarding this.

[txtaco1]

Maybe a dumb question... Is the tiptronic and the CVT one in the same?

I have an 06' with the CVT and I hate it. 108k and was just advised it's throwing 2 codes and there is an fluid leak at one of the seals.

[80sGuy]

^^No they are not the same, but good to hear that your CVT can make it up to 108K. Are you original owner? If not when did you acquired and at what miles?

[AJacksA4]

Maybe a dumb question... Is the tiptronic and the CVT one in the same?

I have an 06' with the CVT and I hate it. 108k and was just advised it's throwing 2 codes and there is an fluid leak at one of the seals.

No...


One is called CVT and one is called Tiptronic

[Racks On Racks]

^^No they are not the same, but good to hear that your CVT can make it up to 108K. Are you original owner? If not when did you acquired and at what miles?

I am assuming CVT isn't as reliable as the tiptronic?

[80sGuy]

They are pieces of sh!t and are notoriously known to fail. I'm speaking from personal experience here. Transmission replaced at 39K just months ago. I'm one-owner, car is 100% barebone stock and it doesn't even have tinted windows. Flawless maintenance record and care provided.

[Audibot]

No...


One is called CVT and one is called Tiptronic

Sometimes. THe CVT was marketed as Multitronic or some jazz like that.

But as said, it is a CVT and as such, a totally different design and operating principle.

[Audibot]

They are pieces of sh!t and are notoriously known to fail. I'm speaking from personal experience here. Transmission replaced at 39K just months ago. I'm one-owner, car is 100% barebone stock and it doesn't even have tinted windows. Flawless maintenance record and care provided.

CVTs should be relegated to Nissans and ATVs.

[pat_do]

I'm quite happy with mine. Well....it's not fast as I would like it to be in 'd'. But when you use the tiptronic and are going beyond 60mph, the torque converter lock up does feel nice!

Quite happy i'd say.

Next car is S-tronic for sure!

[80sGuy]

^^Yes when it is rolling on the highway it is the smoothest thing ever, but horrible in stop & go city traffic!

[80sGuy]

Maybe a dumb question... Is the tiptronic and the CVT one in the same?

I have an 06' with the CVT and I hate it. 108k and was just advised it's throwing 2 codes and there is an fluid leak at one of the seals.

CVT is infinitely looped by cone(s). If you ever get in a golf cart you'll know what I mean, very smooth and shiftless feel, whereas 'regular' automatic transmissions are driven by gears positioned like planetary (or called planetary gears) which rotates to engage. In theory, CVT boxes are good and can also be reliable but I think it is not powerful enough to support the big hunk of metal in our cars.

[JayDog747]

PEOPLE! PEOPLE! Please. If you own a CVT, do us and yourself a favor and chop that son'bitch up, throw it away and collect the insurance and BUY a Quattro!

OP the trans can handle what you want. Whether it's a tip or stick, just make sure you change the fluid after you buy it. And then every 50k after that. That goes for the rear diff too.

[80sGuy]

Since my warranty already paid for the repair I'm gonna drive it to the max. My car is immaculate condition - 9.98/10 on both exterior and interior...it is that new looking! If I do buy another Audi, it will not be a CVT that's for sure.

[dalmation53]

Since my warranty already paid for the repair I'm gonna drive it to the max. My car is immaculate condition - 9.98/10 on both exterior and interior...it is that new looking! If I do buy another Audi, it will not be a CVT that's for sure.

I find it funny how you only reply to threads regarding anything with ''CVT'' in it.. LOL

[80sGuy]

I like to input what I know and experience best, and no I also reply to other topics.

[Aim high]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the obvious torque converter issue with the tip on a b7. I can't be sure but I'm 90 percent positive mine has this issue. Just promise me you'll do this when you test drive the car.. Get your speed up to about 35-40 mph and then coast while barely applying any throttle (while being consistent with throttle). Look at your rpms. If they fluctuate at all you more then likely have a car with a failing torque converter. Rpms will typically fluctuate between 50-150 rpms. This is the most common issue with this trans and like I said, I think it's an issue with mine as well. However, I still drive mine everyday with a stage 2 tune and she seems to be ok so far. We will see

[wootwoot]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the obvious torque converter issue with the tip on a b7.

That's because these issues aren't as common as a vocal minority makes them sound. Most tip owners don't have these problems.

[Aim high]

I understand that it obviously doesn't happen to everybody's car.. But when a thread is posted about a torque converter scare, people who experience this problem tend to show a significant enough number to cite a problem.

[txtaco1]

^^No they are not the same, but good to hear that your CVT can make it up to 108K. Are you original owner? If not when did you acquired and at what miles?

I'm second owner... I got it in 2009 with 51k on it. Throwing F209 and 5B34 codes. The shop says "Gear monitoring switch and lower unit limit exceeded. Also leaking at rear main seal"

I've been googling the codes and can't seem to find anything which seems odd. I know I've read multiple threads about the CVT being a piece of crap! :(

[szaer]

I understand that it obviously doesn't happen to everybody's car.. But when a thread is posted about a torque converter scare, people who experience this problem tend to show a significant enough number to cite a problem.

I agree, I think this is an issue with the transmission and I think there was a TSB about it. Enough people to complain and want an extended warranty. I know mine does it when cold, but then goes to normal (so if you do test drive one, test it in the AM, be the first to drive it and see how it goes around 35-40 mph (4th-5th gear ish). Not sure if a fluid change would help, I'll be doing one soon. To be honest, I think the transmission can handle quite a bit of power, but the reliability isn't the best. There is someone who just had an issue needing his whole transmission replaced at just over 100 miles. As well as a multitude of other people experiencing jerking. Many B7 A4's will probably be fine, but the fact that there are reports of failure that early for a part thats like 7 grand to replace (new) is quite upsetting.

[txtaco1]

PEOPLE! PEOPLE! Please. If you own a CVT, do us and yourself a favor and chop that son'bitch up, throw it away and collect the insurance and BUY a Quattro!

OP the trans can handle what you want. Whether it's a tip or stick, just make sure you change the fluid after you buy it. And then every 50k after that. That goes for the rear diff too.

In the last few months, I've done the vacuum pump, rear coolant flange, LPFP, N205 valve. Audi did the PCV and intake runner control arm under TSB advisory... Just had my indy do the starter... Still needs motor mounts, all control arm bushings replaced, and fans and fan control module. Now when I was looking at that starter saw the tranny leaking and this stuf... BEST thing in the word would be if this MF'r would catch fire! :)

[Sanjman]

Maybe a dumb question... Is the tiptronic and the CVT one in the same?

I have an 06' with the CVT and I hate it. 108k and was just advised it's throwing 2 codes and there is an fluid leak at one of the seals.

obviously not.

Because CVT mimicks gears in manual mode (pushing the stick to the right for +/-), it's easy to confuse.

6 speed tiptronic (auto) only comes on B7 A4 Quattros.
CVT is an expanding gear essentially and comes on FWD B7 A4's only.

[B72011]

I like to input what I know and experience best, and no I also reply to other topics.

Wow, if I were you I'd sell that baby. Claim a fresh tranny and get top dollar with that along with the great cond. Then go quattro.

[80sGuy]

^^Not easy finding another Dolphin Gray stock/non-modified B7 in such good condition and low miles.

[JayDog747]

In the last few months, I've done the vacuum pump, rear coolant flange, LPFP, N205 valve. Audi did the PCV and intake runner control arm under TSB advisory... Just had my indy do the starter... Still needs motor mounts, all control arm bushings replaced, and fans and fan control module. Now when I was looking at that starter saw the tranny leaking and this stuf... BEST thing in the word would be if this MF'r would catch fire! :)

Well...I haven't been to Dallas since the '80's but I'm for a road trip.;)

[dalmation53]

I like to input what I know and experience best, and no I also reply to other topics.

Oh don't take it the wrong way man i was saying because i know what happend to you at 30k miles. horrible..