Harding Performance DSG Software & Hardware program

[Ricka]

Hi Guy,

What are your thoughts re this from Fairfax’s Drive on 24 August 2013:

“...the six-speeder that was fitted to many GTIs can also cause grief. Most VW dealers suggest a brand-new replacement transmission if the old one breaks, but there’s starting to emerge a group of specialist repairers who’ve been inside the DSG transmission and can rebuild existing ones.

The failures, apparently, involve a single bearing that was simply underdone from the design stage and which can fail at about 100,000km. That mileage is, of course, only an indication and the units can fail earlier or later depending on how the car has been driven and serviced. For that reason alone, a service record is essential. In any case, as the bearing begins to fail and the gearbox wears out generally, small metallic particles attach themselves to the (magnetic) speed sensors inside the transmission.

These sensors determine the unit’s shift points, so an early sign that all is not well is an erratic shift pattern.”

Thanks,

Rick

[Guy_H]

Personally only seen one DSG replaced with hardware problems (worn syncro's on a Pirelli with ~ 100,000km's) but in the thousands of customers we have with GTI's & 6 speed DSG's I have not heard of another. There have been a few mechatronics replacements, but really the percentage is low. We have plenty of customers with well over 100,000km's on their DSG's & still running strong.

In reality I have seen more broken 6 speed manuals in the Golf R's than DSG's. People trying to outspin the syncro's break them, and worn / damaged clutches from eager launches have cost owners a bunch as well!

VW may have more info on long term failures, but I don't think they will share it.....

[Ricka]

Thanks very much Guy. When in doubt ask an expert I always say. Interesting that you have seen more manuals, when DSGs out-number manuals.

Our GTI has given us 8 excellent years but need to consider whether to sell it or do it up eg APR DSG rebuild. Could do mild engine revamp too but has always eaten oil and is now getting about 2000km/litre so not sure, may leave engine alone and use heaver oil (still on factory oil due to extended warranty). Will probably not get much more than $10k for it, it is a lot of car for that money (105k km/leather/sunroof/DSG/rear sensors) so why not keep it...

[Guy_H]

Yep - keep the service up with fresh oils! There are a few high mile 05' models running around our place going strong.

[Jwarnes71]

Do you still do these dsg software upgrades?

[h100vw]

Visit the website

[prez]

I have an 2010 118tsi with the 7spd DQ200. It has its standard shudder issues. I can drive in such a way where it won't shudder but I am always being conscious about not putting stress on the clutches. In this respect, I'm confident there isn't a major hardware issue. Otherwise a beautiful car and want to make the most of a bad situation.

After years of running the Stage 1 Software update for this particular gearbox, is there anyone willing to give a review on how it performs? Is there a noticeable benefit to running this update for street use, or are the shudders as prevalent as ever?

Thanks guys!

[Kachingg]

Are you doing a tune for the the new dq380 7speed wet clutch coming in the 7.5 update?
Do you know what the 380 will handle torque wise, vry much like the 250 i would assume 450-500mn with a tune?