B7 S4 Tip Tronic Transmission Blew! 6 Speed Swap possibilities?

**euroenvy** · 12-22-2014 12:11 PM

Ok guys so long story short the transmission went out on my 05' B7 after racing an AMG Benz going 150+. Yes I beat him, but ended up having the car towed at a friends parking garage shortly after

It's at a shop right now and they are quoting me $3,200 for another tip tronic. Talked to one of the guys at JHM and said that doing a 6 speed swap would be about the same as getting another automatic transmission. I already went to Audis4parts.com but don't have anything currently for the B7.

Also what parts would I need for a 6 speed swap? If it is unlikely to go through with the swap, where do ya'll recommend getting an automatic transmission? Lower miles would be great. Thanks in advance.

**Audibot** · 12-22-2014 12:28 PM

If you can do it, do it. Otherwise, you could get a used tiptronic transmission for less and have it built up to be bulletproof by companies like Level10 (I forget the other companies offhand).

For starters, you'd need a new subframe (mount positions are different, i think), the 6MT, axles, drivershaft, rear diff, slave cylinder, clutch pedal assembly, ECU/TCU change for 6MT, shifter, update on cluster... I'm sure there's more I'm forgetting.

**WolfS4** · 12-22-2014 12:29 PM

Curious what sort of symptoms/issue you are experiencing with your "blown" transmission? Typically they are pretty bulletproof.

**blocke** · 12-22-2014 12:36 PM

Originally Posted by WolfS4

Curious what sort of symptoms/issue you are experiencing with your "blown" transmission? Typically they are pretty bulletproof.

Interested to hear this as well.

**euroenvy** · 12-22-2014 12:36 PM

Audibot;10351281]If you can do it, do it. Otherwise, you could get a used tiptronic transmission for less and have it built up to be bulletproof by companies like Level10 (I forget the other companies offhand).

Seems like it may be more expensive to do the 6 speed swap. But the other option was to get another tip tronic and upgrading it.

**Audibot** · 12-22-2014 12:40 PM

Originally Posted by euroenvy

Seems like it may be more expensive to do the 6 speed swap. But the other option was to get another tip tronic and upgrading it.

Agree. Cost-wise, I know they'll ship you a bulletproof transmission for like $5k, without having to turn yours in. If you send it to them, it's obviously less. I think 507 is another company I am remembering offhand. But yeah, it's all up to what OP wants to do.

Scotty from Advanced can probably give you more info as to what a swap would entail. He also probably has some good deals on a used transmission, if yours cannot be salvaged.

**euroenvy** · 12-22-2014 12:43 PM

Originally Posted by WolfS4

Curious what sort of symptoms/issue you are experiencing with your "blown" transmission? Typically they are pretty bulletproof.

3rd gear is completely destroyed. Lost all power shortly after the race. Pulled over let it sit for 5 min and tried to drive away, 1st and 2nd go in fine but when you push to third it's like nothing is there, you can't feel any power. It will not make it to 4th even with tip tronic. Reverse for some reason does not go in either.

**SprintBlueWorld** · 12-22-2014 12:50 PM

http://m.ebay.com/itm/291328354205?cmd=VISPEC

If you get this car let me get a coupla parts ;)

**dsgray16** · 12-22-2014 12:50 PM

How did you blow 3rd gear going 150?

You sure there aren't other issues going on?

**WolfS4** · 12-22-2014 12:53 PM

Originally Posted by euroenvy

3rd gear is completely destroyed. Lost all power shortly after the race. Pulled over let it sit for 5 min and tried to drive away, 1st and 2nd go in fine but when you push to third it's like nothing is there, you can't feel any power. It will not make it to 4th even with tip tronic. Reverse for some reason does not go in either.

Sounds pretty bad. Pulled the codes from the TCU as well? How many miles? Checked fluid levels? Personally, I would pick up a good used one if it really is toast.

**euroenvy** · 12-22-2014 12:56 PM

Originally Posted by dsgray16

How did you blow 3rd gear going 150?

Around 3rd gear I heard and felt something really bad still went into 4th 5th 6th, when I slowed down to 60mph car was still driving fine. Was approaching downtown and slowed down for traffic once in 3rd gear I noticed the loss of power and RPM needle went down to idle RPM. The gear selection area on the dash then was highlighted in red.

**dsgray16** · 12-22-2014 12:57 PM

So it went into limp mode I guess.. How many miles? What mods?

**euroenvy** · 12-22-2014 01:10 PM

Originally Posted by dsgray16

So it went into limp mode I guess.. How many miles? What mods?

120K and all stock was about to get a JHM Tune for Christmas...

**Blackstallion** · 12-22-2014 07:11 PM

Originally Posted by euroenvy

Around 3rd gear I heard and felt something really bad still went into 4th 5th 6th, when I slowed down to 60mph car was still driving fine. Was approaching downtown and slowed down for traffic once in 3rd gear I noticed the loss of power and RPM needle went down to idle RPM. The gear selection area on the dash then was highlighted in red.

Hmmm were you able to run the car while the dash was lit up? I had my old s4 dash lite up and I couldn't even get it to turn over...this may be off but have you tried to un/re-plug the ecu

**viridia** · 12-22-2014 07:51 PM

Originally Posted by Audibot

For starters, you'd need a new subframe (mount positions are different, i think), the 6MT, axles, drivershaft, rear diff, slave cylinder, clutch pedal assembly, ECU/TCU change for 6MT, shifter, update on cluster... I'm sure there's more I'm forgetting.

Actually, auto subframe is okay with a manual trans. My original rusted out and I've been running an automatic for awhile now. BTDT!

**BCsniper** · 12-23-2014 06:15 AM

I have a used Tiptronic trans from one of my part-cars if you were looking for another one to swap in. 65VetteC6 also had a complete 6 speed swap but he may have sold it already. I've also got a 6-spd trans but I don't have the rest of the pieces needed for the swap

**SpoolBus** · 12-23-2014 10:04 AM

I'd personally go with the built auto, if you've ever ridden in a transmission built by say level10 (can't recall the company of the one I rode in) its nuts. It will shift hard if built which is something to consider (maybe different levels\packages)

**Kookie** · 12-23-2014 02:09 PM

Get it hooked up to VAGCOM and reset the TCM (not your ECU^^) - Happened in my 2006 Avant years back, this fixed it. So if it isn't mechanical, that should help. You probably overheated the trans and triggered limp mode, this is a damage prevention technique and isn't always an indication of ACTUAL damage.

If it's mechanical, stop listening to what everyone tells about 'mounting points' etc.. this is Audi, they are German, they'll keep the vehicles as interchangeably modular as possible.

The 2.7tt Subframe from the B5 has almost the same mounting points as the B6/7, and if you haven' t had them off yourself and looked at them, please don't make claims and waste the forum's time. Worst case scenario, you need a manual subframe from another B7. Not a very easy undertaking unless you have a lift/shop and the time/money. It can be done, but quite costly.

I'd personally love a high revving V8 with an Auto Transmission that shifted properly(buitl).. the Tip in my 2006 was boring AF, hence my switching years later to a Manual Avant.

**Operator** · 12-23-2014 02:18 PM

Originally Posted by Audibot

I think 507 is another company I am remembering offhand.

Close, 517
http://www.517trans.com/

OP, You can get a low mile used Trans for under $750. http://www.car-part.com/

All depends on what you want to do.

**euroenvy** · 12-23-2014 02:34 PM

Originally Posted by Blackstallion

Hmmm were you able to run the car while the dash was lit up? I had my old s4 dash lite up and I couldn't even get it to turn over...this may be off but have you tried to un/re-plug the ecu

I never thought of unplugging the ECU. Would disconnecting the battery clear the ECU?

**euroenvy** · 12-23-2014 02:44 PM

The 2.7tt Subframe from the B5 has almost the same mounting points as the B6/7, and if you haven' t had them off yourself and looked at them, please don't make claims and waste the forum's time. Worst case scenario, you need a manual subframe from another B7. Not a very easy undertaking unless you have a lift/shop and the time/money. It can be done, but quite costly.

Car is currently at a shop, would they even consider clearing the TCU to see if it will work. This is my first time taking my car to this shop because it is too far to get it towed to the shop where I get all my maintenance work done. The shop is also recommended in this forum in the "Central" section for the Dallas area. But from what I explained to the shop of what happened that night, and what they diagnosed they say my 3rd gear is out and need a new transmission.

**euroenvy** · 12-23-2014 02:47 PM

Originally Posted by BCsniper

I have a used Tiptronic trans from one of my part-cars if you were looking for another one to swap in. 65VetteC6 also had a complete 6 speed swap but he may have sold it already. I've also got a 6-spd trans but I don't have the rest of the pieces needed for the swap

Had a friend tell me about this website, I'll check it out. I might just end up getting one from here, preferably low mileage.

**euroenvy** · 12-23-2014 02:58 PM

Originally Posted by Operator

Close, 517
http://www.517trans.com/

OP, You can get a low mile used Trans for under $750. http://www.car-part.com/

All depends on what you want to do.

I might just end up getting one from http://www.car-part.com/
I have money aside for mods but with the transmission unexpectedly going out. I guess for now I'll just get it replaced and use whatever money that I have left over for mods. I plan on getting a JHM tune, LSD, and coilovers. Was going to get wheels but the money I had set aside for the wheels are now going to be used for the transmission.

**s4avanter** · 12-29-2014 07:45 AM

Did ya try that TCU clearing?

**65vetteC6** · 12-29-2014 07:52 AM

Subframe does not matter if going from auto to manual. Either do downpipes. You need a trans, tans brace, front axles, center drive shaft and rear diff, pedal assembly and that's about it. A little wiring, you can recode your ecu and abs. Probably easier to just replace the auto though.

**Kookie** · 12-29-2014 09:05 AM

Originally Posted by 65vetteC6

Subframe does not matter if going from auto to manual. Either do downpipes. You need a trans, tans brace, front axles, center drive shaft and rear diff, pedal assembly and that's about it. A little wiring, you can recode your ecu and abs. Probably easier to just replace the auto though.

Thanks for the insight Alex - I was more making the point of interchangeability with the subframe comment.

OP, Any updates? Did you reset the TCU to double check?

**euroenvy** · 12-30-2014 01:54 PM

OP, Any updates? Did you reset the TCU to double check?

I'm just going to go ahead and replace the transmission, and ever since it messed up I haven't tried to mess with it. I'll try to talk to the shop and see what they say.

**euroenvy** · 01-12-2015 01:47 PM

**UPDATE**
Transmission got here this morning and car should be ready tomorrow afternoon. $750 for transmission and $700 for labor seems like a pretty good deal.

**BCsniper** · 01-12-2015 01:57 PM

....good to hear since that's what I'm asking for my transmissions and I'd think labor to replace should actually bye more like $300-500 depending on the shop and what all is getting done

**Audibot** · 01-12-2015 02:00 PM

Originally Posted by euroenvy

**UPDATE**
Transmission got here this morning and car should be ready tomorrow afternoon. $750 for transmission and $700 for labor seems like a pretty good deal.

Sounds like a great deal on the transmission. Labor varies--are you only replacing 3rd gear? I wonder if you could get some improved (hardened gears) and throw that in there. Maybe something crazy like a TDI 6th gear to boost fuel economy.

**QIKRNU** · 01-12-2015 02:11 PM

Originally Posted by Audibot

Sounds like a great deal on the transmission. Labor varies--are you only replacing 3rd gear? I wonder if you could get some improved (hardened gears) and throw that in there. Maybe something crazy like a TDI 6th gear to boost fuel economy.

In a tip??

**Audibot** · 01-12-2015 03:27 PM

In the end it's all labor and gears.

**QIKRNU** · 01-12-2015 05:49 PM

Originally Posted by Audibot

In the end it's all labor and gears.

And what alternate ratios does Audi offer for their Tiptronic transmissions?

**Audibot** · 01-12-2015 05:59 PM

Personally I have no idea b/c I've never done that. Might want to hit up some of the guys at Level10 or 507 to see if there are any options.

**QIKRNU** · 01-12-2015 06:06 PM

Originally Posted by Audibot

Personally I have no idea b/c I've never done that. Might want to hit up some of the guys at Level10 or 507 to see if there are any options.

I already have a .528 6th gear.

**Audibot** · 01-12-2015 06:15 PM

Originally Posted by QIKRNU

I already have a .528 6th gear.

Nice! Must be a real sipper then! Slightly jealous, but not enough to rip apart my transmission.

**euroenvy** · 01-15-2015 01:33 PM

Got the car back this morning! And the car drives better than ever. Thanks for everyone's suggestions on here. I would of ended up paying $2,600 for a transmission.

**sea_shackF1** · 01-15-2015 02:36 PM

OP glad you got your car back and that it's now working great.

Something doesn't add up though. Kookie suggested he had a similar situation and a TCU reset was all that was needed. Yet you chose not to even go down that route and just replace the whole transmission at a cost of $1500. What I am I missing here??? First rule of troubleshooting is to ALWAYS start with/eliminate the easy things first, then go from there. Why didn't you at least try the trans reset which would be diagnostics/scan fee (1 hrs labor?) instead of $1500 and car down for two plus weeks?