In search of a replacement DSG 6.

[Pneens]

Long time lurker and first time poster. Unfortunately my 58’ Octavia VRS Diesel DSG has failed. It had started making a noise last week under load in 5th and before I could get it in the garage it went into neutral with the gears display flashing. In a VAG specialist in Milton Keynes and they’ve said that the faults were cleared but didn’t resolve and recommend that it’s not economically viable to get in the box and fix as the mechatronic is lightly to be stuffed too. They’ve recommended a second hand box with mechatronic unit, sourced and fitted, filled with oil etc., for about £1600 quid vs £4.2k for new and £3k for skoda refurb. However, they are struggling to source a second hand box; anybody got any advice, guidance, DSG boxes??

 

thanks

paul

[TheClient]

I haven't done it myself (second hand box fit) but I have seen a few threads where people have sourced one and it has worked out ok.

 

Equally, I imagine there are quite a few where it doesn't. If the gearbox you are paying for to replace has it's own faults, you end up having paid installation and commissioning costs and then removal costs, in the hope the seller or car breaker refunds you but the refund would never extend to the labour! So you are out of pocket and starting again. Sometimes a risk worth trying, but certainly a risk.

 

Care needs to be taken on matching the 3 char type code of the box to get correct ratios AFAIR.

 

I'd be more keen on a refurb or remanufactured box myself, possibly someone other than Skoda supplied, if there is a significant saving to be had,  but I would want some warranty for my £££...Cheapest not always best, as with a lot of things in life...

 

There are listings on ebay of remanufacturuers. These guys below in first link have a listing for remanufactured DSG boxes for £995 Fitted, which to me, rings some alarm bells as seems too cheap. I have no experience of them. You should perhaps find some vendors and call and search complaints [company name],  to try to ensure they are a quality operator reputable operator.

 

http://reengineeredtransmissions.co.uk/gearboxes-supplied/2668698

(Ebay price seems to cheap too me)

 

These guys seem to give the appearance of being set up for quality  gbox rebuilds as far as web appearance goes and physical garage pics. But Need to do own diligence. No prices without calling them. Gearbox will have to be sent to them which I'm sure your garage could facilitate.

 

http://www.bristoltransmissions.co.uk/home/

 

NOTE, as stated, I have NO EXPERIENCE and NO affiliation with either of these links, they are just examples of where you could start looking and you need to research them yourself.

 

Some places to start, as said, not recommendations. Does your garage not have a third party remanufacturer they use rather than Skoda?

 

Even better if someone can recommend some rebuilders on here based on actual experience and reasonable cost....

 

Edit: Here is one thread where a second hand box seemed to work out....

 

 

 

Edited 24 November, 2017 by TheClient

[Pneens]

Wow, thanks for the response, even if it didn’t fill me full of hope exactly. I’ve reached out to a number of companies and passed details to the garage I’m using, VagTech in Milton Keynes. I need to be back on the road soon so I’ll need something to happen. The car isn’t worth the £3k Skoda want for a reconditioned box, likewise it’s worth tuppence in its current state. 

 

Unhappy. 

[seriesdriver]

Hi It may be of no help but have you tried contacting an auto gearbox specialist rather than a vag garage ? 

[Pneens]

Thanks Seriesdriver, yes I have, however the Vag indi I’m using has a gearbox specialist they can use but the original advice was to replace the unit for a more economic repair. The theory being that it’s likely the mechatronic unit is knackered too. 

 

Would it be advisable to just let the gearbox specialist look at it?

[TheClient]

They are a complicated transmission, especially for those without experience. It doesn't sound like a very solid diagnosis that is clear to me at this stage. How clear are you? And why is the Mechatronic knackered as well? Just because they sometimes go wrong..... It would be a bit clearer if they have stripped down and had the fault and transmission investigated but that will be money to get that far.... You could try a transmission specialist from the outset and see if they hold a different view...

[Pneens]

Thanks Seriesdriver, yes I have, however the Vag indi I’m using has a gearbox specialist they can use but the original advice was to replace the unit for a more economic repair. The theory being that it’s likely the mechatronic unit is knackered too. 

 

Would it be advisable to just let the gearbox specialist look at it?

[Pneens]

So, thinking on this over the weekend and speaking to a gearbox specialist independently of the VaG garage im using, it seems 2nd hand is too hard to source and a gamble, paying £3k + for a recon box is not worth it versus cars value, so why not spend a few hundred quid with a box specialist, stripping the box and diagnosing the fault. 

 

Then an I can make a judgement call. 

 

Being ever the pessimist I suspect that my car is beyond economic repair.  

[Black vRS Oct]

Out of interest, has the DSG oil been changed every 40,000 miles? 

[Pneens]

Yep. Full Skoda FSH. I’ve had it for less the 40k but I’ve had it done in that time so it should be tip top. 

[Ootohere]

Sorry but Full Main Dealer Service History does not automatically mean that a DSG gets an oil Change at 40,000 miles, Haldex at 3 years or brake fluid changed at 3 years then each 2.

 

?

Were you paying £69 extra or so to have the DSG oil change done?

Edited 28 November, 2017 by AwaoffSki

[DGW]

Speak to Unit 18 Automotive which is in Blakelands.  Ali may be able to help or advise.

Edited 28 November, 2017 by DGW
Location corrected.

[TheClient]

1 hour ago, AwaoffSki said:

Sorry but Full Main Dealer Service History does not automatically mean that a DSG gets an oil Change at 40,000 miles, Haldex at 3 years or brake fluid changed at 3 years then each 2.

 

?

Were you paying £69 extra or so to have the DSG oil change done?

Yep. We've seen that in quite a few posts although the OP says he's "had it done" so I am assuming he means DSG filter and oil. Think you meant £169 (not £69) think fixed DSG service is actually £179 now at dealers.

[Ootohere]

Sorry miss typed the 4x4 oil change price,

I know the price, £179 normal, but then Skoda UK have a National Fixed Price Servicing website and Participating Dealerships etc, over 3 years old etc.

 

(Sometimes best not to use Participating in ripping off dealerships.)

 

Just they never know at the Service Desk if a filter needs changing and 'Full Main Dealership Service History can be hopeless, if they are hopeless at Dealerships. You hope the 'Factory Trained Technicians know, as for the Apprentice or Fitter, then that is a lottery.

 

Simply Fixed, just not cheaply fixed if a DSG oil change is messed up.

http://skoda.co.uk/owners/service-and-maintenance/simply-fixed 

Edited 28 November, 2017 by AwaoffSki

[TheClient]

Dealer fixed servicing and service advisor does seem to have got quite haphazard now.

 

There must be exceptions with some very good servicing dealerships but it seems scheduled service items like brake fluid, dsg, haldex, brake fluid just aren't picked up / reviewed or even advised on. Short termism I suppose probably not a problem for the first 4 years of ownership.... More long term ownership issues.

 

Even when you take to the car in and say "please service per manufacturer requirements" it seems up to the customer to know the schedules, the history and ask for any extras. If Skoda miss it,  they say it is your problem you should have asked!! .  like you didn't take it to the professional accredited experts in the first place.... obviously the customer needs to know a lot more about schedules these days!

 

That's one of the reasons why I try to do most of the service work myself these days. Doesn't work with new car under warranty though...

 

[Ootohere]

They are quick enough with a A/C Service upsell / Advice.   80% worn Brakes etc when not even 20% worn or even measured.

[Pneens]

Yes, to be clear, I’ve had it (full DSG service) done by an independent since I’ve owned it.  

 

Thanks DGW, I’ve heard Unit 18 spoken of positively by a colleague, however, what do you think Ali can help with? Fix it, find a 2nd hand replacement? 

 

I guess for now I’m stuck waiting for the gearbox specialists report. At that point it’s decision time. 

 

God knows what ill do with it if its beyond economical repair. 

 

[Ootohere]

You need that diagnosis with someone with All the gear and more than an idea.

 

Is it the MCU, or MCU and Clutch Packs.  Only the professionals with the knowledge can find out.

No point buying a Used unit unless running in a car, there are good DSG Recon people and then just ones that are cons.

 

Luckily i have one of the best technicians / mechanical engineers / gearbox specialists in the UK only 1 mile away.

 

As to a Google, 

plenty around, go by recommendations from trusted people. This is just at random as an example.

http://vagbolton.com/dsg-gearbox-repairs 

Edited 28 November, 2017 by AwaoffSki

[Pneens]

Thanks Awaoffski

 

Exactly, and that’s why it’s being dropped out and sent to the gearbox specialist to give me that definitive diagnosis cos I can’t make a decision without the full facts. 

 

Im sure there are plenty of great mechanical engineers all over the uk but having not needed one in my many years of car ownership, I am unsure which ones are best. 

 

Ill take a look look at that site. The recon unit I can get comes with a years warranty but it’s the best part of £4K so isn’t viable. 

[0ctavist]

....unfortunately their new website is under construction , so email or give them a call, they speak english, maybe they know someone near you...

 

Good, very competent, top service and not expensive .... the  DSG-Docter of the Nethterlands, now TVS engineering

 

I´ve been in their workshop for several DSG - oil changes

 

https://nl-nl.facebook.com/TVSengineering/

Edited 28 November, 2017 by 0ctavist

[Pneens]

Thanks Octavist - like the company my car is with now, they are a REVO reseller. 

[pastiche]

On my last Octy the dsg went and dealer could not find out what the problem is and even Skoda could not tell, this was in the garage for over a week.Dealer said the new box was about £3000 and at the time I had done 55000m.on a 55 plate. Ended up them giving me £2700 for exchange.About a year ago I went on that web site where you can find out what mot has been done,would you believe it the new owner had done another 25000m more.

[Pneens]

@Pastiche - nice, did the owner pay to have a new box put in it you think?

 

Mine is now waiting for diagnosis. I’m in the hand so of the gods. If it’s beyond viable budget to repair then he’ll knows what I’ll do with it; scrap it?

[Pneens]

Update: it’s dead. 

 

A complete new case as there is a hole in the side from wear the gears punched through

 

It needs new gears

 

It needs new mechatronic unit

 

It needs new clutch packs

 

new box is £3800

they had a 2nd hand unit but the mechatronic unit doesn’t match. 

 

So, what next? I’ll have it relayed home and then bung it on eBay? It’s just a shell now isn’t it so £150 scrap?

 

depressed. 

[Ootohere]

Not really just a shell is it & £150.  You were driving it and it needs a gearbox.

 

Briskoda for sale advert or Ebay / Local ads.  Complete car Spares or Repairs.

Did you put a 'Wanted ad' in Briskoda?