Looking at DSG fluid options - Red Line DCTF?

[danmm7]

I am approaching the time when i will have to replace my DSG transmission fluid. I decided to do it on my own, since it seems to be an acceptable DIY project, if all the right tools are available.

My question is which fluid to get. There are 4 different German made fluids that are recommended for our DSG transmissions (dealer-OEM, Febi, Motul, Liqui Moly) and there is also Red Line DCTF.

http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=146&pcid=9

I've had great experience with Red Line fluids in the past. Used them in regular Auto Tranny and Manual Trans situations. Never used them in Dual clutch transmission, especially complex 7-spd Audi/VW units.

This specific Red Line DCTF is listed as "Suitable for: VW TL 052 182 VW TL 052 529 (AUDI)", plus it's a match for a bunch of other German car specs. It seems very "universal" and i am not sure if this is a good or bad thing.


Why am i even looking at this Red Line fluid?

Well... first, when i was reading about some of the DSG failures, some 'experts' were blaming the internal DSG electronic component failures on the OEM fluid being too abrasive. Some people even posted that Audi/VW came up with revised version of the OEM fluid that is better/less abrasive. However, i could NOT find the part number for the new OEM fluid. The local Audi dealer had no clue about new vs old DSG fluid. They have one kind only.

Second, ... the OEM/German fluids are significantly more expensive than the Red Line DCTF. I am not sure if this is due the their quality being better than Red Line or to price mark up, import taxes, etc?!?

Third,... what if the Red Line fluid is actually better for the Audi DSG than the OEM fluid and it prolongs the transmission life? Red Line makes some attractive claims, such as "Allows high-temp operation without varnishing valves and clutches" and "extended drain intervals".


The question is... has anyone here used Red Line fluid in their DSG transmission?
Am i playing with fire by ignoring the German/OEM options?


Thanks!
DM

[Jones2012s4]

Also curious as I am approaching my second interval.

[Silverbullet S4]

Also interested. At 33K and ticking till first flush and while I most likely won't be doing it myself, if this stuff is as good or better than OEM, I'll bring my own fluid to an indy.

[Jones2012s4]

I just quickly looked up the specs on all fluids listed. The redline DSG oil has the highest viscosity at 100c. As well as the highest flash point.

[4RCFED]

^
Is this good or bad?

[B8 S4]

I have heard good things about Redline, not too sure about our platform usage though

[shadycrew31]

I am considering using Motul DCTF, seems to get good reviews.

[bhvrdr]

I just quickly looked up the specs on all fluids listed. The redline DSG oil has the highest viscosity at 100c. As well as the highest flash point.

We probably need to find the viscosity of the OEM fluid though and try and match improve on cold viscosity too to make sure we are not using a fluid that deviates too much from oem. Id make sure to use a product that is oem compliant for warranty reasons. See if aoa will give you the approved specs. I don't believe they should be able to require you only buy the OEM fluid unless they can prove it is the only fluid that meets the required specs of the tranny (which they very well may be able to do). I remember for awhile the lifeguard stuff was the only approved fluid zf would recommend for the 8speed tip. Mike

[Jones2012s4]

We probably need to find the viscosity of the OEM fluid though and try and match improve on cold viscosity too to make sure we are not using a fluid that deviates too much from oem. Id make sure to use a product that is oem compliant for warranty reasons. See if aoa will give you the approved specs. I don't believe they should be able to require you only buy the OEM fluid unless they can prove it is the only fluid that meets the required specs of the tranny (which they very well may be able to do). I remember for awhile the lifeguard stuff was the only approved fluid zf would recommend for the 8speed tip. Mike

True, but I would be more concerned with lubrication at higher temps, since this appears to be where are lot of issues occur. I gathered this information, cannot seem to find basic OEM specifications. If someone can find them, please add.



MOTUL PROPERTIES:

• Color Visual Amber
• Density at 20°C (68°F) ASTM1298 0.845
• Viscosity at 40°C (104°F) ASTM D445 33.8 mm2/s
• Viscosity at 100°C (212°F) ASTM D445 7.3 mm2/s
• Viscosity Index ASTM D2270 189
• Flash Point ASTM D92 196°C / 385°F
• Pour Point ASTM D97 -45°C / -49°F

REDLINE PROPERTIES:

• Vis @ 100°C, cSt 8.1
• Vis @ 40°C, cSt 40.7
• Viscosity Index 177
• Pour Point, °C <-45
• Pour Point, °F <-50
• Brookfield Viscosity @ -40°C, Poise 85

LIQUI MOLY PROPERTIES:

• Viscosity at 40 °C 33,0 mm²/s
• Viscosity at 100 °C 6,85 mm²/s
• Viscosity at -40 °C <20000 mPas
• Viscosity index 174
• Color / appearance gelblich
• Density at 15 °C 0,855 g/cm³
• Flash point 200 °C
• Pour point -48 °C

FEBI PROPERTIES:

• Density at 15° C 0.841 kg/m³
• Flash point > 200 ° C
• Pour point -45 ° C

[shadycrew31]

Here are the specs for Febi DSG fluid.

Density at 15 °C 0,849 kg/l DIN 51 757
Viscosity at 40 °C 33,2 mm²/s DIN 51 562-1
Viscosity at 100 °C 7,1 mm²/s DIN 51 562-1
Pour point -45 °C DIN ISO 3016

[shadycrew31]

Some people have speculated that pentosin makes the OEM fluid but no one can confirm this.

[SpfldS4]

The VW recall was due to the temperature sensor being poorly crimped in the DSG gearbox which resulted in jerkiness in shifting. Replacing the mechatronic unit fixed this. No where does it state that the fluid type was the reason. This is purely information to help you make a decision.