Audi's MultiTronic Gearbox
Discussion
My x reg (138K) A4 had a replacement multitronic gearbox at 74,000 miles and it has now failed again - although the garage is suggesting it may be the clutch this time.
Really love the car - and the gearbox when its working but there seems to be a longevity problem with it!
Anyone else experienced this?
Really love the car - and the gearbox when its working but there seems to be a longevity problem with it!
Anyone else experienced this?
Bought my 52 plate A4 cabrio 3.0 multitronic from a private seller in March with 44k on the clock and a FSH, although the last 2 years of servicing were in independent garages rather than main dealers. I had the gearbox oil changed immediately but unfortunately a really nasty vibration developed at around 50k, this shakes the whole car through the floor once the car is warmed up.
So I took it to my local independent who said it was a transmission fault, told me to see a gearbox specialist, rather than go to a general gearbox place I had it transported to IndeTech in MK, who said I had buckled wheels and changed the oil again. I changed the wheels and tyres via good old Ebay but the problem still got worse so the car is now in the main dealer at York who says it needs a complete new gearbox as they can't isolate the problem to either the clutch, ecu or valve assembly.
We are yet to be quoted a final price, there seems to be some discounting possible but it could still be about half what the car's worth.
I had two multitronics as company cars and did around 100k in those, they were 02 and 04 plate cars so still relatively early models. Because of this previous good experience I took a chance with an older multitronic but this has bit me big time! Has anyone had any recent experiences of the cost of full gearbox replacement or of success or otherwise in going for a recon box, (I am reluctant to go down the recon route despite the potential saving as we recently did this with my son's Alfa 147 and it failed after a couple of weeks so had to be done twice!).
This has really shaken my confidence in my car and Audis in general.
So I took it to my local independent who said it was a transmission fault, told me to see a gearbox specialist, rather than go to a general gearbox place I had it transported to IndeTech in MK, who said I had buckled wheels and changed the oil again. I changed the wheels and tyres via good old Ebay but the problem still got worse so the car is now in the main dealer at York who says it needs a complete new gearbox as they can't isolate the problem to either the clutch, ecu or valve assembly.
We are yet to be quoted a final price, there seems to be some discounting possible but it could still be about half what the car's worth.
I had two multitronics as company cars and did around 100k in those, they were 02 and 04 plate cars so still relatively early models. Because of this previous good experience I took a chance with an older multitronic but this has bit me big time! Has anyone had any recent experiences of the cost of full gearbox replacement or of success or otherwise in going for a recon box, (I am reluctant to go down the recon route despite the potential saving as we recently did this with my son's Alfa 147 and it failed after a couple of weeks so had to be done twice!).
This has really shaken my confidence in my car and Audis in general.
corb2000 said:
Bought my 52 plate A4 cabrio 3.0 multitronic from a private seller in March with 44k on the clock and a FSH, although the last 2 years of servicing were in independent garages rather than main dealers. I had the gearbox oil changed immediately but unfortunately a really nasty vibration developed at around 50k, this shakes the whole car through the floor once the car is warmed up.
So I took it to my local independent who said it was a transmission fault, told me to see a gearbox specialist, rather than go to a general gearbox place I had it transported to IndeTech in MK, who said I had buckled wheels and changed the oil again. I changed the wheels and tyres via good old Ebay but the problem still got worse so the car is now in the main dealer at York who says it needs a complete new gearbox as they can't isolate the problem to either the clutch, ecu or valve assembly.
We are yet to be quoted a final price, there seems to be some discounting possible but it could still be about half what the car's worth.
I had two multitronics as company cars and did around 100k in those, they were 02 and 04 plate cars so still relatively early models. Because of this previous good experience I took a chance with an older multitronic but this has bit me big time! Has anyone had any recent experiences of the cost of full gearbox replacement or of success or otherwise in going for a recon box, (I am reluctant to go down the recon route despite the potential saving as we recently did this with my son's Alfa 147 and it failed after a couple of weeks so had to be done twice!).
This has really shaken my confidence in my car and Audis in general.
Spoke to an Audi Tech on Friday whilst my car was being serviced. He called the gearbox "multitragic" abd has seen the inside of thoem more than any other gearbox in his career.So I took it to my local independent who said it was a transmission fault, told me to see a gearbox specialist, rather than go to a general gearbox place I had it transported to IndeTech in MK, who said I had buckled wheels and changed the oil again. I changed the wheels and tyres via good old Ebay but the problem still got worse so the car is now in the main dealer at York who says it needs a complete new gearbox as they can't isolate the problem to either the clutch, ecu or valve assembly.
We are yet to be quoted a final price, there seems to be some discounting possible but it could still be about half what the car's worth.
I had two multitronics as company cars and did around 100k in those, they were 02 and 04 plate cars so still relatively early models. Because of this previous good experience I took a chance with an older multitronic but this has bit me big time! Has anyone had any recent experiences of the cost of full gearbox replacement or of success or otherwise in going for a recon box, (I am reluctant to go down the recon route despite the potential saving as we recently did this with my son's Alfa 147 and it failed after a couple of weeks so had to be done twice!).
This has really shaken my confidence in my car and Audis in general.
'nough said!
Audi's in general are pretty good. There are just a few engine and gearbox combination to stay away from, dont let the multi tronic put you off. While it is a terribly thing, its not fair to dismiss the entire brand base on component.
Last time I priced up a new box it was Nearly £5k, more than the car was worth actually (53 plate A4) but have done a few before at £3500, depends massively on which model it is and how much % good will, if any, you are likely to get.
A quick call to any Audi centre parts department would get you a price in minutes. All you need is the Vin number.
Last time I priced up a new box it was Nearly £5k, more than the car was worth actually (53 plate A4) but have done a few before at £3500, depends massively on which model it is and how much % good will, if any, you are likely to get.
A quick call to any Audi centre parts department would get you a price in minutes. All you need is the Vin number.
Tame Technician said:
Audi's in general are pretty good. There are just a few engine and gearbox combination to stay away from, dont let the multi tronic put you off. While it is a terribly thing, its not fair to dismiss the entire brand base on component.
Last time I priced up a new box it was Nearly £5k, more than the car was worth actually (53 plate A4) but have done a few before at £3500, depends massively on which model it is and how much % good will, if any, you are likely to get.
A quick call to any Audi centre parts department would get you a price in minutes. All you need is the Vin number.
Fair commentLast time I priced up a new box it was Nearly £5k, more than the car was worth actually (53 plate A4) but have done a few before at £3500, depends massively on which model it is and how much % good will, if any, you are likely to get.
A quick call to any Audi centre parts department would get you a price in minutes. All you need is the Vin number.
Hi All
wonder if I could get some help on the backgrounds of the Multitronic Gearboxes. I bought and A6 3.2 Quattro direct from Audi Dealership in January 2007. (O5 Plate). In August this year whilst driving, the car started shuddering violently and smoke poured out of it. Had to have it lifted onto a truck to get home. Anyway, Audi took it in and started all the "out of warranty nonsense" but told me it needed a new gear box and it would be £5500. I am arguing the toss with them as the car is automatic and has only done 34000 miles. The dealership cannot tell me why it needs a new gearbox so I having to pay £600 for an independant specialist to report on it after they strip it down as there is no way this is through wear and tear etc and I have been told by specialist that it is definately a fault with the manufacture. Any advice or help on this would really be appreciated as I now have Trading Standards involved in this due to Consumer advice passing the case on to them.
wonder if I could get some help on the backgrounds of the Multitronic Gearboxes. I bought and A6 3.2 Quattro direct from Audi Dealership in January 2007. (O5 Plate). In August this year whilst driving, the car started shuddering violently and smoke poured out of it. Had to have it lifted onto a truck to get home. Anyway, Audi took it in and started all the "out of warranty nonsense" but told me it needed a new gear box and it would be £5500. I am arguing the toss with them as the car is automatic and has only done 34000 miles. The dealership cannot tell me why it needs a new gearbox so I having to pay £600 for an independant specialist to report on it after they strip it down as there is no way this is through wear and tear etc and I have been told by specialist that it is definately a fault with the manufacture. Any advice or help on this would really be appreciated as I now have Trading Standards involved in this due to Consumer advice passing the case on to them.
AFAIK, your car does NOT have the multitronic gearbox (it was fitted to FWD versions only, not Quattro's) but I could be wrong (has been known 
).
Think it's rare that a normal auto breaks that early in life so would have thought Audi would help out, maybe a call to their customer services dept?
Ultimately it IS out of warranty (so not "nonsense") unless you got an extended warranty that is still active so I don't think they have any legal requirement to sort it so I doubt consumer stuff and trading standards will be able to do anything.
).Think it's rare that a normal auto breaks that early in life so would have thought Audi would help out, maybe a call to their customer services dept?
Ultimately it IS out of warranty (so not "nonsense") unless you got an extended warranty that is still active so I don't think they have any legal requirement to sort it so I doubt consumer stuff and trading standards will be able to do anything.
Edited by Dracoro on Monday 21st September 11:22
kirstylawrence said:
Hi All
wonder if I could get some help on the backgrounds of the Multitronic Gearboxes. I bought and A6 3.2 Quattro direct from Audi Dealership in January 2007. (O5 Plate). In August this year whilst driving, the car started shuddering violently and smoke poured out of it. Had to have it lifted onto a truck to get home. Anyway, Audi took it in and started all the "out of warranty nonsense" but told me it needed a new gear box and it would be £5500. I am arguing the toss with them as the car is automatic and has only done 34000 miles. The dealership cannot tell me why it needs a new gearbox so I having to pay £600 for an independant specialist to report on it after they strip it down as there is no way this is through wear and tear etc and I have been told by specialist that it is definately a fault with the manufacture. Any advice or help on this would really be appreciated as I now have Trading Standards involved in this due to Consumer advice passing the case on to them.
Is nothing to do with multi tronic its tip tronic as quattro. Tip tronic failure is very uncommon unless mileage is over say 120,000 miles. wonder if I could get some help on the backgrounds of the Multitronic Gearboxes. I bought and A6 3.2 Quattro direct from Audi Dealership in January 2007. (O5 Plate). In August this year whilst driving, the car started shuddering violently and smoke poured out of it. Had to have it lifted onto a truck to get home. Anyway, Audi took it in and started all the "out of warranty nonsense" but told me it needed a new gear box and it would be £5500. I am arguing the toss with them as the car is automatic and has only done 34000 miles. The dealership cannot tell me why it needs a new gearbox so I having to pay £600 for an independant specialist to report on it after they strip it down as there is no way this is through wear and tear etc and I have been told by specialist that it is definately a fault with the manufacture. Any advice or help on this would really be appreciated as I now have Trading Standards involved in this due to Consumer advice passing the case on to them.
The car is out of warranty as you get 3 years or 60,000 miles.
Used car warranty is 12 months so thats out too.
But should have some good will if it has a full dealer service history, this usually applied to low milage vehicles under 5 years old.
Sorry to hear of the problem, I dont understand why they cant tell you why it needs a new gearbox. Sounds like its had some major internal failure to the extent that is blown out a load of its oil, hence the smoke.
Why are you paying some one £600 to tell you that??
http://www.zf-group.co.uk/car_service.htm
The gearbox is made by ZF, you could try emailing/ring them to see if an exchange box is cheaper direct from them, than it is from Audi. Of course you still have to pay someone to fit it.
The gearbox is made by ZF, you could try emailing/ring them to see if an exchange box is cheaper direct from them, than it is from Audi. Of course you still have to pay someone to fit it.
Tame Technician said:
Audi's in general are pretty good. There are just a few engine and gearbox combination to stay away from, dont let the multi tronic put you off. While it is a terribly thing, its not fair to dismiss the entire brand base on component.
well I'm definitely put off multitronic.just out of curiousity TT, and hoping it's a shortlist, what are the engine/transmissions to avoid?
Or if that's too much to ask are the A6/A8 2.7-4.0 diesels/tiptronics, any manuals as well, on that list?
Gearboxs:
All manuals are good. You wont find many A6 manuals with the bigger engines thought, but they do exist, and should be cheaper due to the market having no understanding of whats actually a good idea. All A8's are Auto.
Any A3 or TT with DSG is bad.
Tip tronic are generally trouble free, but as with any auto transmission they do suffer from failures at high mileages, say over 120k miles. Largely, we believe, because they are sealed for life (there is no set periodical oil change, and the oil is expected to last the life of the car).
ALL multi's are very bad, but in fairness the very latest ones seem to be trouble free.
Engines:
2.5 TDI well worth staying away from.
2.7 + 3.0 TDI's we have very few issues with, just to odd EGR cooler leaking and sticking manifold flaps. Dont see enough 4.0 TDI's to know, the few we see have been ok.
In essence is you plan to run a car much beyond 120k miles, I'd avoid autos entirly.
If you like/need an automatic it needs to be tiptronic not DSG and definitely not multi.
All manuals are good. You wont find many A6 manuals with the bigger engines thought, but they do exist, and should be cheaper due to the market having no understanding of whats actually a good idea. All A8's are Auto.
Any A3 or TT with DSG is bad.
Tip tronic are generally trouble free, but as with any auto transmission they do suffer from failures at high mileages, say over 120k miles. Largely, we believe, because they are sealed for life (there is no set periodical oil change, and the oil is expected to last the life of the car).
ALL multi's are very bad, but in fairness the very latest ones seem to be trouble free.
Engines:
2.5 TDI well worth staying away from.
2.7 + 3.0 TDI's we have very few issues with, just to odd EGR cooler leaking and sticking manifold flaps. Dont see enough 4.0 TDI's to know, the few we see have been ok.
In essence is you plan to run a car much beyond 120k miles, I'd avoid autos entirly.
If you like/need an automatic it needs to be tiptronic not DSG and definitely not multi.
Tame Technician said:
Tip tronic are generally trouble free, but as with any auto transmission they do suffer from failures at high mileages, say over 120k miles. Largely, we believe, because they are sealed for life (there is no set periodical oil change, and the oil is expected to last the life of the car).
TT, if you happen to spot this - out of curiosity is the Tip 'box literally sealed for life - i.e. impossible to change oil and filter - or is it just that the service schedule doesn't require it so it doesn't get done?I don't have one, but in the past when I've run cars beyond 100k I've always tended to change every fluid going at some point - just wondering whether that's still an option for a consciencious Tip owner, or whether they just have to sit back and wait for the inevitable...
Steve081974 said:
TT, if you happen to spot this - out of curiosity is the Tip 'box literally sealed for life - i.e. impossible to change oil and filter - or is it just that the service schedule doesn't require it so it doesn't get done?
I don't have one, but in the past when I've run cars beyond 100k I've always tended to change every fluid going at some point - just wondering whether that's still an option for a consciencious Tip owner, or whether they just have to sit back and wait for the inevitable...
Already answered, see here:I don't have one, but in the past when I've run cars beyond 100k I've always tended to change every fluid going at some point - just wondering whether that's still an option for a consciencious Tip owner, or whether they just have to sit back and wait for the inevitable...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Had to happen - after reporting the issues previously I had with the occasional flashing prnds display on my B6 Audi A4 multitronic with only 35.000 on the clock ,it has now started to happen more often and today was my first day when I selected a gear and it failed to a) show as a selection on the dashboard display and b) failed to engage properly. I know I need to get a new ECU fitted (when they'll change the multitronic oil?)
Once this is sorted (and the famous 40,000 mile oil change is done) - chances of the multitronic gearbox failing?
cheers
Once this is sorted (and the famous 40,000 mile oil change is done) - chances of the multitronic gearbox failing?
cheers
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