MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: golf nutter on July 28, 2011, 08:58:15 pm

Title: DSG...To be scared of?
Post by: golf nutter on July 28, 2011, 08:58:15 pm
i hope to soon be in the market for a mk5 gti.  however, for some reason i am sure i have heard not so good things (read expensive!) regarding the DSG gearbox.  for instance, i heard that there's something that can go wrong on the DSG and it cost 6k to fix!!!  not sure if this Chinese whispers or not.

so...should i avoid a DSG?  what are the expensive things that can go wrong with it and their causes...i.e to know what to avoid in terms of missed special servicing etc.  i have seen some nice cars with that 'box fitted but have bypassed them and looked at manuals instead.  if anyone can either put my mind at ease or alay my fears i would be grateful.  thanks.
Title: Re: DSG...To be scared of?
Post by: Tfsi_Mike on July 28, 2011, 09:10:03 pm

Only experience I have had of DSG have been in Hurdys Ed30 Dsg and SteveJnr @ Statlers ED30.

Albeit the cars were highly tuned but the box made the shifts seamless and soooo fast!
Title: Re: DSG...To be scared of?
Post by: DJM on July 28, 2011, 09:16:35 pm
I was the same as you, and have ended with a manual but half regret it if im honest.

As with anything, you search for it on net and only going to hear the bad things as no one posts how it does its job nicely, they only going to post when theres a problem. But with the number of cars sold to how many have issues its slim.

I was looking at a 2006 model so was slightly put off as mileage is higher etc. But same with if you get a manual and box goes its going to be costly. Its just pot luck with second hand cars out of warranty.

Other option is to get a warranty from AA or whoever to cover your back.
Title: Re: DSG...To be scared of?
Post by: Tfsi_Mike on July 28, 2011, 09:17:54 pm

DSG wasnt available on the Cupra :( only on the less powerful Fr when I bought mine  :sad1:
Title: Re: DSG...To be scared of?
Post by: baldwined30 on July 28, 2011, 09:30:54 pm
Loads running mods, no issues. Jonnhyc had a really powerful golf running DSG, no probs! They are a lot stronger than given credit for!

Mine is still A1 after 40k and 20 of those stage 3 (2+)
Title: Re: DSG...To be scared of?
Post by: Deako on July 28, 2011, 09:35:06 pm
Mines knackered at the moment at 55k miles, DSG service done on time. Dealer don't know whats wrong with it. I wanted them to change mechatronics unit, which they ordered in......but apparently VW are making them jump through hoops before they change it. Now they are trying to blame the clutches. If their testing tomorrow proves ineffective, feck knows what they will do.
Title: Re: DSG...To be scared of?
Post by: Tfsi_Mike on July 28, 2011, 09:36:27 pm
Mines knackered at the moment at 55k miles, DSG service done on time. Dealer don't know whats wrong with it. I wanted them to change mechatronics unit, which they ordered in......but apparently VW are making them jump through hoops before they change it. Now they are trying to blame the clutches. If their testing tomorrow proves ineffective, feck knows what they will do.

Do you have to pay for any bits replaced if they dont fix the problem?
Title: Re: DSG...To be scared of?
Post by: baldwined30 on July 28, 2011, 09:39:29 pm
Mines knackered at the moment at 55k miles, DSG service done on time. Dealer don't know whats wrong with it. I wanted them to change mechatronics unit, which they ordered in......but apparently VW are making them jump through hoops before they change it. Now they are trying to blame the clutches. If their testing tomorrow proves ineffective, feck knows what they will do.
really?? what was the tell tail signs then?
Title: Re: DSG...To be scared of?
Post by: RENNTAG on July 28, 2011, 09:45:45 pm
Mine has done 70,000 miles with no issues.

I love the way it just keeps going through the gears. no pause between any gear shifts, just keeps pulling.  :driver:

And makes a funny little fart noise if you change up at the right RPM  :grin:
Title: Re: DSG...To be scared of?
Post by: rich83 on July 28, 2011, 09:47:37 pm
Im not saying anything.....  :scared:
Title: Re: DSG...To be scared of?
Post by: Deako on July 28, 2011, 10:02:11 pm
Mines knackered at the moment at 55k miles, DSG service done on time. Dealer don't know whats wrong with it. I wanted them to change mechatronics unit, which they ordered in......but apparently VW are making them jump through hoops before they change it. Now they are trying to blame the clutches. If their testing tomorrow proves ineffective, feck knows what they will do.

Do you have to pay for any bits replaced if they dont fix the problem?

If i do, ill be charging them back to the company i work for (who i bought it from). I should hope i don't though.
Title: Re: DSG...To be scared of?
Post by: Deako on July 28, 2011, 10:02:57 pm
Mines knackered at the moment at 55k miles, DSG service done on time. Dealer don't know whats wrong with it. I wanted them to change mechatronics unit, which they ordered in......but apparently VW are making them jump through hoops before they change it. Now they are trying to blame the clutches. If their testing tomorrow proves ineffective, feck knows what they will do.
really?? what was the tell tail signs then?

Really jerky take offs and braking when the gearbox is hot. It literally jumps as it bites. And when you are braking you nearly hit the car in front as the car lurches forward.
Title: Re: DSG...To be scared of?
Post by: golf nutter on July 28, 2011, 10:14:19 pm
some mixed opinions then.  :confused:

for me its the complexity of it that worries me...a manual gearbox can be expensive to put right, but a dual clutch could be crippling.  i also wonder about being detached from the driving experience using the paddles.

does the car auto blip the throttle on downshifts with dsg?

hmmm....decisions, decisions.
Title: Re: DSG...To be scared of?
Post by: rich83 on July 28, 2011, 10:17:56 pm
some mixed opinions then.  :confused:

for me its the complexity of it that worries me...a manual gearbox can be expensive to put right, but a dual clutch could be crippling.  i also wonder about being detached from the driving experience using the paddles.

does the car auto blip the throttle on downshifts with dsg?

hmmm....decisions, decisions.

Of course... if it didn't it wouldn't work!
Title: Re: DSG...To be scared of?
Post by: Deako on July 28, 2011, 10:21:53 pm
some mixed opinions then.  :confused:

for me its the complexity of it that worries me...a manual gearbox can be expensive to put right, but a dual clutch could be crippling.  i also wonder about being detached from the driving experience using the paddles.

does the car auto blip the throttle on downshifts with dsg?

hmmm....decisions, decisions.

Don't get me wrong, i love DSG and would spec it every time. Just make sure you have a warranty.  :happy2:
Title: Re: DSG...To be scared of?
Post by: Fletch..gti on July 28, 2011, 10:46:54 pm
06 gti dsg never missed a beat ok only dine 17 k but still .
Yes some go wrong but so do the engines on the car etc etc . If you want one just go
Get one trust me you will love it .
Title: Re: DSG...To be scared of?
Post by: gulfstream11 on July 29, 2011, 08:01:21 am
My mechatronics were changed on 40,000.It was,nt my car then. I,m a big manual fanboy and was a touch nervous when buying a DSG car.Like the previous posts say its seamless when changing gear and I,m loving it... Still nervous tho
Title: Re: DSG...To be scared of?
Post by: Hurdy on July 29, 2011, 08:57:36 am
I've had 3 DSG cars and the first one had it's mechatronics unit fitted under warranty. Love the DSG box and the ED30 was amazing when fitted with a limited slip diff :evilgrin:

Next car on order also has a seven speed DSG :happy2:

These boxes do have some issues, but generally they are sorted within warranty. By far the main issue has been the mechatronics units going gaga with symptoms of jerking from a standstill, "kangarooing at low speeds and mine even stalled three times on take-off - the last one was whilst exiting a T-junction, so a major safety issue (but fixed straight away by Audi). I have only had the ED30 out of warranty (older than 3 years and obviously modified), but can see peoples nervousness about buying one out of warranty. An aftermarket or VW extended warranty would be the safest bet, but ensure that an aftermarket one covers the gearbox fully (except the clutchpacks of course which will still be deemed consumable parts)  :smiley:
Title: Re: DSG...To be scared of?
Post by: Kalpsn2000 on July 29, 2011, 04:49:06 pm
The DSG is a great box :happy2: My old man has it in his TDI and I got it in my GTI (I was thinking about getting a manual until I drove his car and a couple others with DSG).

As with anything mechanical or electronic in life there is a chance it will develop a fault. But the percentage of faulty DSG boxes doesn’t seem to be high. Also most mechatronics faults I have read about have been early on while the car was under warranty.

If the car has been serviced/maintained well then you shouldn’t have any problems.
Title: Re: DSG...To be scared of?
Post by: golf nutter on July 29, 2011, 04:54:04 pm
is it the mechatronics that runs into the '000s of £ if it goes pop?
Title: Re: DSG...To be scared of?
Post by: Hurdy on July 29, 2011, 05:44:21 pm
is it the mechatronics that runs into the '000s of £ if it goes pop?

When the DSG boxes originally came out VW insisted on replacing full gearboxes rather than just the mechatronics units and this is where the idea of "£00000's" came from. A replacement mechatronics unit will still cost around £1,000 though if it goes pop out of warranty unless you can get a second-hand replacement one. :smiley:
Title: Re: DSG...To be scared of?
Post by: Saint Steve on July 29, 2011, 06:58:14 pm
From a previous survey I ran on here, cars on 57-early 08 appeared to be more prown to have issues.
Early 06 to 07 late had less issues AFAIR....

DSG every time for me personally...
Title: Re: DSG...To be scared of?
Post by: baldwined30 on July 29, 2011, 07:22:12 pm
I had a Z4 before this golf and the manual was spot on and an S2000 when i was 22, the manual in the Mk5 doesnt feel as slick. I test drove an R32 with a man box and wasnt keen, thats the reason i went for the DSG. Although i do miss the control you have with a manual!
Title: Re: DSG...To be scared of?
Post by: sjt144 on July 30, 2011, 07:20:14 pm
New Mechatronic unit is £1600 plus around £400 fitting.  I know cause mine has just been replaced yesterday.  See my post 'Suspect Something wrong with my DSG....' posted yesterday.

My first DSG box...can't see me going back to a manual now.  Fantastic.  However, with fingers now burned, I wouldn't buy without a warranty.  Warranty Direct do cover the VW Mechatronic Unit.  I was quoted just under the £400 mark.

Title: Re: DSG...To be scared of?
Post by: golf nutter on July 30, 2011, 07:48:12 pm
thanks for all the replies guys...although i shall buy a warranty from click4warranty, i will be going manual...safe, known quantity, etc.   :happy2: