How reliable are the 8 speed auto's when tuned with stage 1?

[fitch303]

I was considering trading my 13 A4 in for an S4 but I got such a good deal on my a4 that I've now decided against it. My car has 60k miles on it and I can't stand how slow it is, I previously had a CC manual with apr stage 1. My question is how well do these trannys hold up over time with the tunes? And how often do they need to be serviced?

[a4audi4fun]

No data to support this statement but I doubt very much that a Stage 1 tune will have any impact on auto transmission life unless you are continually doing hard launches or WOT operation. During "regular" driving, I'm guessing there's less than 70% of the time when you are taking advantage of the improved boost and even then you are probably heavier throttle only for 15-30 seconds. I base that on how often I get push to higher boost levels when driving around my area. It's all up to driving style and I would be in the conservative low/middle range rather than full throttle for extended periods.

My 2c worth

[adamazing]

I'm not sure I can even recall anyone blowing up a ZF 8 Speed on our platform yet. It's pretty damn sturdy.

[Copecetic]

I'm not sure I can even recall anyone blowing up a ZF 8 Speed on our platform yet. It's pretty damn sturdy.

This. When I first bought my car I searched high and low for problems with the Auto Quattro tranny.

There's so little out there it seems as though no one has really been able to tear one up yet.

Other than slapping a better mount on the transmission for stage 2+ tunes I can't find any real upgrade/issues.

[earhythmic]

Allroadcorbin is well over 100k and has a K04. It's robust, but should be serviced around 80k. http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...Lifetime-fluid

[Lambda13]

Allroadcorbin is well over 100k and has a K04. It's robust, but should be serviced around 80k. http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...Lifetime-fluid

Yep, he's my former roommate. Can vouche it runs just fine.

My ZF6 is handling the k04 well too.

[KFizz]

I think the transmission is handling power so well that Audi is now using it in the S4 in place I'd the DCT. BMW might be doing the same thing.

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[hyperunion]

I think the transmission is handling power so well that Audi is now using it in the S4 in place I'd the DCT. BMW might be doing the same thing.

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It may be a stronger version of the zfhp8 in the new b9 s4.. but exactly the point!. Its a better transmission for the newer generation higher torque motors!. Manufactures like long term reliability, . And with regular fluid changes it's pretty stout!. Like mentioned the new BMW m5 is going away with the dct twin clutch , and switching to a high Torque zfhp8 version as well. Along with a very trick switchable awd setup!.

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[bluefox280]

And how often do they need to be serviced?

Depending on usage, owners have been changing fluid on the 8-speed automatic transmissions every 50k-75k miles.
Some owners, who heavily tracked their vehicle, have done it even more often - around 30k-40k miles.
If you fluid is aged, a fluid drain and full service will make a difference in feel and crispness.

- Erik

[weagle1856]

Also to add to what everyone else on here has said, there may also be a TCU tune as well so it will handle the shifting better to accommodate the extra power. I wish my B6 had this flash to accompany the extra power with the ecu flash.

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[KFizz]

So in closing.... The 8 speed ZF, in a few variations, is pretty well the best automatic transmission you can get in a factory vehicle. Within reason.

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[hyperunion]

Also to add to what everyone else on here has said, there may also be a TCU tune as well so it will handle the shifting better to accommodate the extra power. I wish my B6 had this flash to accompany the extra power with the ecu flash.

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No tune as of yet!.. only mod available is a vag com switch to disable the automatic upshift.. a few have done it,

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[OzeyeruZ]

I have a 2013 B8.5 A4 ZF8 as well, Ko4 with E85 for over 10k miles now with 2 episodes of running the 1/4 mile. No issues whatsoever, planning on doing a full carbon cleaning and ZF8 fluid flush etc. next spring. These trannies are pretty stout as everyone says so far.

Ox


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[Rollin Thunder]

I'm running an APR K04 with all the supporting goodies on an 8spd auto and it's been able to tackle everything I've thrown at it without hiccup.

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[fitch303]

Will Audi do the service even though it is not recommended? or will I need to find an independent shop?

[bluefox280]

or will I need to find an independent shop?

An independent shop would be your best choice as they typically are more cost effective.

- Erik