DSG...To be scared of?

[golf nutter]

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.

[Tfsi_Mike]

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!

[DJM]

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.

[Tfsi_Mike]

DSG wasnt available on the Cupra :( only on the less powerful Fr when I bought mine 

[baldwined30]

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+)

[Deako]

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.

[Tfsi_Mike]

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?

[baldwined30]

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?

[RENNTAG]

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. 

And makes a funny little fart noise if you change up at the right RPM 

[rich83]

Im not saying anything..... 

[Deako]

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.

[Deako]

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.

[golf nutter]

some mixed opinions then. 

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.

[rich83]

some mixed opinions then. 

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!

[Deako]

some mixed opinions then. 

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.