DSG paddle shifters & DSG known issues?

[Yetizone]

I've just started to look for a MK5 GTi with DSG and I'm noticing that there are some with paddle shifters and some without. Can you guys please help with a few questions that are starting to arise from search...

1. Were paddle shifters a cost option when the DSG equipped GTi's were launched?

2. Did they become standard fitment as the MK5 GTi ran towards the end of its production run?

3. If not originally fitted, can paddle shifters be cost effectively retro-fitted?

4. What questions to ask the owner regarding servicing or any known problems that a DSG equipped car may have had?

Any pointers most welcome 

[MattPoss]

1) When the GTI was first released they were and option. I test drove a 2005 GTI with DSG but no Paddles

2) I believe they became a standard factory fit item (I think after 2006 but not 100% sure)

4) Make sure the car isn't jerky when setting off forwards or backwards, it's a sign the Mechatronics Unit is on it's way out which costs ££££. Should have had a DSG Service aswell  (Every 40,000 miles)

Matt

[MitchGTI]

the 40k service is there a time on that aswell or is it just 40k?

[OEM+ DUB]

Hi there,

The DSG should be serviced (according to schedule) every 4 years or 40,000 miles, whichever comes sooner.

[Nasir]

The dsg paddle shifters were standard from 2006 MY (around mid 2005). 90% of all GTI DSGs have paddle shifters.

[no golf clubs at all]

Sept 2005 (model year 2006), with paddles here. Reckon they were standard then, I drove a March 2005 that didn't have them.

[Yetizone]

Thanks for the info folks - very much appreciated.  

So the mechatronic unit is the potential achilles heel of the DSG GTi...? Mmmm - thinx...? If this fails, what sort of cost is an owner looking at for the replacement part and fitting - via main dealer or specialist?

I did a little research via google and there seems to be reference to each mechatronic unit being linked to the vehicle VIN number and so a new unit has to be custom made by VW for the car. Is this so? Seems crazy as the subsequent manufacturing and despatch times would / could be significant?

[gti_jim]

There's a few big things that I know can go on the GTI - ABS/ESP pump, Air Con compressor, and DSG Mechatronic unit - All will cost £800-1.5k to replace depending on what it is and where you go.

Yes they're v. expensive if they go, but I wouldn't let it put you off buying one . All I did was negotiate a 2yr warranty when I bought the car last year which covers all of the above and more (costs a dealer about half what it would you or I). I'll take out a new warranty for about £300pa from a reputable 3rd party warranty provider when it expires.

Thus, IMO the only gripe with DSG is the cost of dsg oil services every 4 years/40k miles (£140-165).

Jim

[h4rdy]

I understand there is a company who will repair the DSG Mechatronix unit for £400(?) which includes a 2 year warranty.

There was a topic recently.

[Fletch..gti]

Dsg 40,000 not every 4 years for a service
But alot of people do them sooner

[MitchGTI]

was just wondering as ive just got a DSG its 5 years old only done 28k but doesnt appear to have a DSG service on the history going to get it done anyway i think out of peace of mind!

[Fletch..gti]

Mine to 06 plate dsg only got 16,000 but will
Get a dsg service this year . Alot of owners
On here get them serviced before 40k

[jamma]

1) When the GTI was first released they were and option. I test drove a 2005 GTI with DSG but no Paddles

2) I believe they became a standard factory fit item (I think after 2006 but not 100% sure)

4) Make sure the car isn't jerky when setting off forwards or backwards, it's a sign the Mechatronics Unit is on it's way out which costs ££££. Should have had a DSG Service aswell  (Every 40,000 miles)

Matt

Re point number 4, when I backed out of a car park yesterday the car was like a kangaroo , jerking badly. Since then it has not done it though. I have just bought mine from a main dealer so I have the warranty, is it worth me asking them to check it out?  Or shall I just see if it does it again?

[MattPoss]

Might as well get it checked out, peace of mind if nothing else, especially as it will be free if it's under warranty

Matt