2013 S6 needs new transmission, dealer & independent says I must buy new from Germany

[bamagrad03]

Is this true? I've now been told by two shops that buying a used DSG and putting it in my car is not possible and I must buy from Germany, $15,000 parts and labor.

Which obviously I won't do, the car running isn't worth more than $22,000.

I cannot imagine a scenario where Audi makes a transmission that commonly fails before 100k miles and literally locks you out of any solution other than buying a new one for $15,000 and hasn't already faced a class action lawsuit for it.

*Edit: So after calling around, including talking with Tioga at Automotive Solutions in Chapel Hill, NC, it's not that the transmission can't be fixed or that there aren't some likely culprits. The issue is that it's likely 1 of 2 things: mechatronics unit or clutch packs. If you don't guess right the first time, and end up doing both, then you're into it for 9-10 grand. And then there's still not 100% guarantee that you're going to fix the problem. So you're risking, even if you get it on the cheap, 7 grand to avoid spending 14 grand for an entire new box. And it's just not worth the risk for most people.

I cannot recommend Tioga enough. Including for out of state folks. The guy was amazing to talk with and knows these cars inside and out. Also Franklin Automotive in Birmingham, AL. I was frustrated at first with the news, but they spent the time to walk me through my options and I felt like they were dealing with me straight. Now to decide what to do...

[DGVR6]

first, what is wrong with the transmission...

[japanada]

What are the issues your having that they are saying a new trans is needed? Normally a mech rebuild solves mose issues

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[bamagrad03]

I don't believe it's a mechatronics issue.

Drives fine for about 20-30 minutes, then low gear 1st or 2nd it slams into gear pretty hard. Eventually it stalls entirely. Let it sit for a few mins it'll start again.

The first time I had a problem, it overheated and threw a warning and I could smell transmission fluid. It was missing low gears/slamming into low gears. I'm trying to find the code it threw but it was basically "overheat due to 2nd gear failure" or something like that.

The shop I took it to has done a number of mech replacements and said this wasn't going to fix it. And that they've never had one stall like that.

[Stubek]

Try to find a used one from a car with low miles being parted out. I had to replace the transmission in my B6A4 (I know, different car) when it had about 95k on it. Transmission was going to be $8k installed. I found a used one for $1,500 including shipping from a donor car that only had about 30k. Shop put it in for $500. Not saying it will be that cheap, but its going to be less than $15k.

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Send xFvse a PM, he might be able to help you find one.

[OlyS6]

You can absolutely use a used transmission. The mechatronic unit itself contains the TCU, and will need to be in a specific series in order to work with your car, so it would be best to find another 2013 S6 that is being parted out for whatever reason. You could go with both a new mechatronic and new clutch pack (I did this recently) rather than an entire transmission. Audi will not service either of these, and will go straight to an entire new trans. Fine if you're under warranty, not so good if you're not.

[bamagrad03]

Try to find a used one from a car with low miles being parted out. I had to replace the transmission in my B6A4 (I know, different car) when it had about 95k on it. Transmission was going to be $8k installed. I found a used one for $1,500 including shipping from a donor car that only had about 30k. Shop put it in for $500. Not saying it will be that cheap, but its going to be less than $15k.

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Send xFvse a PM, he might be able to help you find one.

What they're saying is that because of Audi software restrictions they literally can't swap with a used one. I.e. Audi has set it up so that no independent can put in a used transmission forcing you to buy a new one.

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You can absolutely use a used transmission. The mechatronic unit itself contains the TCU, and will need to be in a specific series in order to work with your car, so it would be best to find another 2013 S6 that is being parted out for whatever reason. You could go with both a new mechatronic and new clutch pack (I did this recently) rather than an entire transmission. Audi will not service either of these, and will go straight to an entire new trans. Fine if you're under warranty, not so good if you're not.

What did your swap end up costing you?

[09S5]

Maybe useful
Good luck brother with this task.

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[OlyS6]

What they're saying is that because of Audi software restrictions they literally can't swap with a used one. I.e. Audi has set it up so that no independent can put in a used transmission forcing you to buy a new one.

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What did your swap end up costing you?

I sourced a new mechatronic for ~$1500 and an upgraded TVS clutchpack for $4k (you can get a stock one for much less). Labor overall was about $2k. And your shop is incorrect about not being able to use a used one. The mechatronic must be compatible, and then you will need somebody who can reflash everything so the car can talk to it.

[Alabama]

What they're saying is that because of Audi software restrictions they literally can't swap with a used one. I.e. Audi has set it up so that no independent can put in a used transmission forcing you to buy a new one.

Brutal. But your edit in your initial post seems to indicate that repairs of some sort are possible. An internet search turned up Eagle Transmission in Mesquite TX and Precision Transmission in Ormond Beach FL. Both claim to be familiar with and able to rebuild Audi DSG transmissions. Maybe worth two calls for more opinions?

[vrod]

What they're saying is that because of Audi software restrictions they literally can't swap with a used one. I.e. Audi has set it up so that no independent can put in a used transmission forcing you to buy a new one.

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What did your swap end up costing you?

That is complete BS if I may say so. If you bought another used transmission, you could even just put your current TCU into the new transmission, do some calibration and be fine.

It most likely has to do with component protection and immo adaption which can only be done with ODIS.

I have already been through an entire swap with an used mechatronic + transmission myself and all I needed was ODIS (which I am lucky to have).

[pointblank9957]

That is complete BS if I may say so. If you bought another used transmission, you could even just put your current TCU into the new transmission, do some calibration and be fine.

It most likely has to do with component protection and immo adaption which can only be done with ODIS.

I have already been through an entire swap with an used mechatronic + transmission myself and all I needed was ODIS (which I am lucky to have).

This put my mind at ease (as much as it can be with an out-of-warranty transmission replacement). The shop doing the repair told me it looks like my mech was on fire... so i'm doubtful the TCM lived

[LifetimeAudi]

If you end up needing a used replacement transmission we may be able to help, we've got a couple of NSK 5C1 trans here

[fastboatster]

That is complete BS if I may say so. If you bought another used transmission, you could even just put your current TCU into the new transmission, do some calibration and be fine.

It most likely has to do with component protection and immo adaption which can only be done with ODIS.

I have already been through an entire swap with an used mechatronic + transmission myself and all I needed was ODIS (which I am lucky to have).

you have a GECKO subscription, don't you?

[akingzkid]

https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...ion-settlement!!

[IamHeyZeus]

If you end up needing a used replacement transmission we may be able to help, we've got a couple of NSK 5C1 trans here

Still have any of these available?

[vrod]

you have a GECKO subscription, don't you?

No I have a friend who does a ton of remote ODIS online coding so he could do it.

Went through mechatronic fix, mechatronic swap, tcu swap and then gearbox swap.
Convinced a gearbox workshop near me to only do the physical swap, I would do the coding stuff.

The 1700€ gearbox I bought back then still works to this day after well over 50tkm. Old one is still at the workshop waiting to get refurbed :D

[Audibellybutton]

What they're saying is that because of Audi software restrictions they literally can't swap with a used one. I.e. Audi has set it up so that no independent can put in a used transmission forcing you to buy a new one.

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What did your swap end up costing you?

I’ve seen people so used dsg swap and clone/program tcu with Pcv flash. Look into that it’s not as complex as you think there’s even some videos on YouTube. I would 1000% get a used one if I were you. Try to find a good one with low miles if you can