SportBiker

Time has come again to do this service and I just noticed that this question wasn't answered. I just called the dealer and asked what fluid spec I was required to use. So I didn't get it from literature or documentation but took my dealer's word for it.

FWIW, the change went great and as I noted, the car shifted super smoothly for quite some time. Our rough shifting is returning just as it had before my first change so it seems the Bulletin's spec for changes is generally correct.

EDIT: I have noticed lots of those parts vendors saying you have to replace the DSG filter and from my past this makes sense. HOWEVER, Audi pretty clearly doesn't think that's needed as can be seen in their own service maintenance guide. As a result at my 75k miles I will again not be taking off the DSG pan or replacing the filter.

vtsquid

Thanks SportBiker for taking the time to post and update this DIY.How critical is it to have the VagCom to perform this service? Is the whole process of bringing the trans up to a certain temp so critical in attaining correct fluid level? Would a cc or two of fluid more or less than optimal be detrimental? Best wishes.

red1bw

Yes. Thanks Sportbiker. I went ahead and used that fluid as it is advertised on many sites as the correct fluid and many folks such as yourself had success with it. I did not change the filter, but plan to next time. What I don't like about Audi is they really don't make known in any of their official manuals fluid specs.
My S4 now has about 100K miles on it, and for whatever reason, I think it is just good practice to change the transmission gear oil at this time. What fluid should I use...I cannot find anything anywhere concerning the gear oil portion of the transmission.
Vtsquid - Vagcom is not important for transmission fluid change. Knowing the transmission fluid temperature is. A $10-$20 IR temperature gun ordered online is all that is needed. Personally I think the gun is better in the aspect of keeping oil off the laptop, Vagcom, and from inside the car. This is what I have used for this type of transmission fluid changes.

SportBiker

As said, the temp is the important part as I'm sure you know by now. Fluid density changes with temp and satisfies the volume requirements assuming you have a level car.

No advice on gear oil since I haven't done the research. I can say I do not plan to ever change it. Germans are known for being precise so if it isn't spec'd I won't bother. Were not at 100k yet bit closing quick.

kdfwagen

When using the IR gun to check the fluid temp can I just point it at the side of the Transmission or do I have to poke it in the fill hole so the IR actually hits the Trans fluid? Also, when changing the fluid are you guys putting the car on jack stands to access the fill hole?

Thanks.

red1bw

You want the fluid temperature... so either the fluid dripping out of the transmission (which it will as it warms up) or inside the hole. In my case the the temperature of the fluid was the same in both spots. If I recall, the temp gun had a half a degree or less of accuracy, and the Audi specs gave a 10 degree range to put the fill plug back in. If you aim for the middle temperature you should easily be within the desired range regardless of how quickly the temperature continues to increase or how long it takes you to get the fill plug in.

I used ramps in the rear (backing it up the ramps and using the emergency brake), and jacks in the front after jacking the front up with a wheeled jack; as I thought that would be quicker than using 4 jack stands safely. The parking pad I did this on was level from left to right, so ramps were fine to level.

kdfwagen

Im curious how many miles you have on your s4 and how reliable it has been for you?

red1bw

112K miles and relatively reliable. If lights come on, I take care of the issue. It has never stranded anyone or broke down. I do all maintenance / repairs myself. The only repairs that come to mind over the last 50K were some subframe stretch bolts (to get rid of a clunking that appeared around 75K miles), and another thermostat at around 105K (it got a recalled Thermostat & Water Pump early in its life). I am starting to get a sporadic CEL for low flow / clogged secondary air ports (both banks). Fortunately, Audi has extended the warranty on this exact issue for 10 years and 120K as it is an emissions issue. So I will likely let Audi take car of that - although that will be the first time this Audi has ever been to a dealer / mechanic since I owned it.

jonet

Thank you for an informative thread!

I'm about to change oil and external filter on the 0B5 gearbox in my Euro 2012 A6 3.0TDi.

Is 0B5 a code for one specific gearbox or are there many versions of this gearbox? Can I be sure that fluid sold as compatible with 0B5 will be the right type for my car?

Do you know if the drain plug "crush ring" is the same as used on the engine oil drain plug? Or do you have the inner and outer diameter?

I'm a bit confused that this post does not mention an external filter. According to ElsaWin my car has an external cylindrical filter that is supposed to be changed with the ATF oil. It could be that the S4 does not have this filter.

There is also a nice post here with pictures and repair guide screenshots regarding fluid and filter change on an S5:
0B5 DSG, S-tronic, 7-speed 35000 mile service, fluid and filter B8 A4, A4, A5,

SportBiker

I have examined my S4 for the external filter but not found one. Some models have it, mine does not appear to be one of them. But you are referencing an A6 diesel in an S4 gasoline thread so perhaps that is the cause.

Just did my 110k ATF change with no filter changes FYI. I will be more seriously considering the filter change next go-round since I found a very small amount of superfine grit in the dumped fluid.