The Stig

I recently purchased my first Audi and I would like to replace my manual transmission fluid. I need some advice on selecting the best fluid for my A4's transmission. I have already replaced the rear differential fluid with mobil 1 gear oil. However, my mechanic recommended using the OEM Audi/VW manual transmission fluid, despite the hefty audi dealer price tag of $32 per liter. I have read several reviews about Amsoil, Red Line Gear Oil and Mobil Gear Oil....which is best for the transmission?

Allroady DungBeetle

OEM is excellent honestly. Redline is fine, Amsoil is OK (normally I love their products and i am a dealer for it) but in the B5 trans it's not that great - doesn't work all that well.

Just don't use Royal Purple, that stuff has made many (including my own) transmission feel/shift terribly. That said there are a rare few that like it.

Mobil is meh, just OK.

Really the OEM is very good oil and actually in this RARE case worth the $$ in my opinion.

The Stig

Thanks for your advice. A local shop that specializes in audi's/vw's gave me a quote of $180 (for the labor) + $100 (fluid) to change the manual transmission fluid. Do you think that this is a fair price for this job? How difficult is it to do it yourself?

Allroady DungBeetle

WOW!! It's about a 20 minute job. You do need the drain plug tool - but that's $20 to buy one. DIY

600whpA4

Motul300 is also a good gear oil to use in our transmission. I run that or Redline.

The Stig

Where can I find the tools or DIY guide to change the fluid?

AudiRacerA4

get some redline MT-90 and mix in a little redline shockproof (about 25%)

Omega Supreme

TRY THE B5 FAQ AT THE TOP LEFT CORNER!!