Hi Ive had a DSG oil and filter change at a VAG garage. I stressed I wanted the gearbox filter change - and I asked them after to confirm it was done which they said it had.  So far as I know the gearbox filter can only be removed if the battery is taken out first. Because I was a bit dubious about whether they would do all the work they promised, before I took the car in I put a sticker over the bolt head that holds the battery in place - and guess what? the sticker was still in tact when I checked the engine bay after the service. This means that battery never came out! Does anyone think this means Ive not had the filter changed? 

 

so I've done this a few times, and you can absolutely do it without taking out the battery tray, just the airbox.

 

you need a low profile socket and something like this - http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004ZDVFWK?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00

 

its fairly straightforward. 

 

If you have your suspicions, I would ask them if they did, and then how they did it in much more detail. 

Hi, I have done at least 50 dsg 6 speed oil changes and I have never removed the battery or the battery tray.

A long wobble extension gets to the socket and it's easy.

Edited 12 April, 201511 yr by FLAPPERJACK7

If your suspicious you could remove the filter and on top of the filter is a manufacturer date stamp.

Many thanks for these answers Guys.