A4 A6 A8 - Audi automatic gearbox problem?

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Thu 8 Mar 2012 11:50
A4 A6 A8 - Audi automatic gearbox problem? - bob930232

Hello

I was thinking of getting a second hand Audi.

But I have heard the automatic gear boxes can be a problem, and very expensive to fix.

Anyone have any real experiences of these automatic gearboxes. Considering A4 A6 A8

How would you be able to detect an early problem on a test drive?

Best regards

Bob

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Thu 8 Mar 2012 13:41
A4 A6 A8 - Audi automatic gearbox problem? - madf

As I understand it, a fluid change at c 100k miles is needed..

Otherwise, trhe gearbox starts to slip/etc...

So watch for evidence fluid has been changed and/or changes slipping, not smooth etc..

If you buy one, get someone to change fluid - who knows what they are doing...

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Mon 26 Mar 2012 21:04
A4 A6 A8 - Audi automatic gearbox problem? - coopshere
VAG have used three types of so called auto gear boxes in recent years and only one type is a true torque converter auto. The others are the DSG box which is not an auto but a multi clutch system that mimics an auto and the CVT which is a totally different system again. The answer to your question will undoubtedly vary according to which box you refer to.

Certainly reading other forums with regard to the A4 the pre 2005 auto box was troublesome and very expensive to repair/replace.
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Tue 27 Mar 2012 12:32
A4 A6 A8 - Audi automatic gearbox problem? - John F

They had problems with their homegrown Multitronic....the main component of which is a sort of very wide bicycle chain.

I think it's best to choose a car with an autobox made by a gearbox company [eg ZF, Getrag, Ainsin] rather than by a car manufacturer.

ZF's 5HP 19, as fitted to old A6's, Porsches and BMWs, is very reliable and sealed for life......[in stark contrast to the more modern Audi DSG box which requires expensive servicing - fine if it's a company car offloaded before this is needed!]

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Tue 27 Mar 2012 12:47
A4 A6 A8 - Audi automatic gearbox problem? - balleballe

There is no such thing as a 'sealed for life' autobox - they should get their fluid changed on a regular basis for the longest possible life

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Tue 27 Mar 2012 15:35
A4 A6 A8 - Audi automatic gearbox problem? - madf

There is no such thing as a 'sealed for life' autobox - they should get their fluid changed on a regular basis for the longest possible life

Agreed.

Mercedes switched to sealed for life gearboxes in the late 90s.

That meant 100k miles.!

Owners not pleased..

Strangely enough, Toyota have never had sealed for life gearboxes...

As upthread, pre c 2000 A8s need oil changes or bang and much wonga to fix..

When I buy a used car, the jobs list includes change gearbox oil...

(I once destroyed a Mini gearbox and engine through lack of fresh oil. Err I lie. lack of any oil. Nice hole in gearbox with conrod protruding..)

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Tue 27 Mar 2012 16:17
A4 A6 A8 - Audi automatic gearbox problem? - TeeCee
Strangely enough, Toyota have never had sealed for life gearboxes...

Toyota use Aisin boxes as Aisin's are a subsidiary IIRC. Others (GM? I am looking at you..) use Aisin boxes as "sealed for life" by filling them with their own snake oil. Guess what happens?

Always amusing to look up your "GM" box on the Aisin website and find out what they say the servicing requirements are. Keeping the same fluid in the box eventually leads to the internal filter being unable to do any more. The fact that modern, end-on slushboxes for FWD applications often do not have a removable sump to allow the filter to be changed makes this fatal.

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Mon 2 Apr 2012 10:26
A4 A6 A8 - Audi automatic gearbox problem? - John F

There is no such thing as a 'sealed for life' autobox - they should get their fluid changed on a regular basis for the longest possible life

Agreed.

Mercedes switched to sealed for life gearboxes in the late 90s.

That meant 100k miles.!

If the expert engineers at the Toothed Wheel Factory on the shores of Lake Constance say it requires no maintenance for the life of the car [14yrs and 122,000m so far] that's good enough for me. What are your qualifications?

Do try to find trouble the 5HP 19 - problems are very rare indeed. Only the reverse gear very occasionally breaks.

Mercedes' main problem was running the gear oil through the radiator to cool it. When seals failed and water mixed with oil, the gearbox ceased to work properly.

If it works, don't mend it.

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Wed 28 Mar 2012 09:27
A4 A6 A8 - Audi automatic gearbox problem? - Mike H

They had problems with their homegrown Multitronic....the main component of which is a sort of very wide bicycle chain.

By coincidence, there have been a couple of articles about buying used Audi A6s in some German motoring magazines in the last few months - the message is unequivocallyy avoid the Multitronic!

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Wed 28 Mar 2012 15:51
A4 A6 A8 - Audi automatic gearbox problem? - madf

Multitronic has the suitable nickname of "Multichronic"

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Wed 28 Mar 2012 15:56
A4 A6 A8 - Audi automatic gearbox problem? - unthrottled

CVTs are a chronic topic. Ever since the arrival of the DAF variomatic they are reinvented on a regular basis with the promise of hitherto unseen fuel economy.

Pity they are not as robust or efficient at transmitting power as boring old cogs. The fuel economy never materialises. The problems do.

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Wed 28 Mar 2012 17:45
A4 A6 A8 - Audi automatic gearbox problem? - madf

CVTs are a chronic topic. Ever since the arrival of the DAF variomatic they are reinvented on a regular basis with the promise of hitherto unseen fuel economy.

Pity they are not as robust or efficient at transmitting power as boring old cogs. The fuel economy never materialises. The problems do.

Not on a Prius?

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Wed 28 Mar 2012 17:55
A4 A6 A8 - Audi automatic gearbox problem? - unthrottled

Lots of...ahem...variables on the Prius. Very low drag, specialised engine (unusual torque curve) etc.

But as a direct replacement for a conventional auto, they don't seem to have been brilliant.

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Wed 28 Mar 2012 19:31
A4 A6 A8 - Audi automatic gearbox problem? - nortones2

Plus the fact that Prius doesn't have a CVT, in the sense of the rubber belt drives and successors. It's a single gear "sun and planet" arrangement. It's described as a CVT but it's a different kettle of fish.

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Mon 13 Aug 2012 16:58
A4 A6 A8 - Audi automatic gearbox problem? - zee_uk

Hi

Before you purchase one, might want to read the info at Audi Gearbox Problems and all the comments at the bottom of the page

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