DSG: Problems, Questions, Likes and Dislikes

**Ryan_R** · 24-10-2012, 04:53 PM

Bit like an Alfa perhaps - fantastic to drive and own when they work (at least my APR Stage 1 with extra interior features is).

**lankfert** · 24-10-2012, 05:08 PM

My car has now done 104,000kms, i have done 12,000kms of that. What i was saying is that you only hear about all the problems. Thousands and thousands of these cars are sold and i am sure the percentage of failed ones would be very small.

**DkN** · 24-10-2012, 05:08 PM

Originally Posted by Ryan_R

5. Buy the DSG tuning software from Harding Performance.

Don't see why it has to be from APR. Options also available from Custom Code, GIAC and Viezu, plus the more expensive (by that I mean about same price as APR), but longstanding and arguably more proven option from HPA. I myself always recommend Custom Code.

Originally Posted by Sharkie

I don't doubt that HP's DSG tune will improve it dramatiaclly, but for a Multivan (and any non-performance VW) I see little point in spending $$$ on that and very likely voiding any VW warranty on it in the process. If I had a DSG Golf R, I'd take the chance though ....

If you can't justify the price of a full DSG upgrade I think Viezu has a "light" DSG tune option that comes with their ECU tunes. Perhaps a tune like this, that would also improve performance, power delivery and possibly economy depending on the type of tune you choose, is more justifiable. Unsure how much of the DSG issues the "light" option would fix though.

WRT car issues, every brand has them. DSG issues are a bit more widespread than they should be, but I doubt owning one Accord Euro without issues means all Hondas are so much more reliable. That said, I would avoid the old 7 speed dry clutch DSG if I were buying a new car. I'm guessing here but the new DQ500 for the Tiguan was probably borrowed from Audi, they have had these for quite some time now without much issue, no idea why VW went ahead and made their own crappier version on the Golfs to begin with.

**Ryan_R** · 24-10-2012, 05:39 PM

Nothing to do with APR. I can only recommend the one I've personally experienced. I haven't seen any other posts from customers of the other ones yet.

**DkN** · 24-10-2012, 05:53 PM

Originally Posted by Ryan_R

Nothing to do with APR. I can only recommend the one I've personally experienced. I haven't seen any other posts from customers of the other ones yet.

No accusations intended, I recommend Custom Code equally because I'm their customer, but I'm just pointing out there are lots of options.

**Hawkeye** · 24-10-2012, 05:54 PM

My experiences with DSGs are ...2009 Golf Mark V 103 TDI which has now got 54K on it and has had no problems with the DSG whatsoever...I can recommend the Superchips/Bluefin tuning on it as it now has 132Kw and 395Nm and the tuning operates the DSG much more efficiently giving it a range of around 900Kms per tank!

And Superchips guarantee that your fuel consumption will decrease on the diesels or you get your money back...can't be bad.

I have a 2011 Golf 118 TSI DSG and found the DSG wasn't working the same as the DSG on the TDI. It was looked at by a dealer who replaced the clutch pack in May this year and it has been running much more like a "normal" DSG and I have no problems with it...the car has now done over 18K.

So maybe it was a bad batch of DSGs that have caused these problems as there doesn't seem to be any logic to it!

Also remember 6 speed DSGs should be serviced at 60K with the oil and filter in them changed so maybe that has contributed to problems with 6 speed DSGs on older cars.

**Finance_Analyst** · 24-10-2012, 07:00 PM

If you read the manual, says you should never put the car in neutral stop start, especially if you are letting it roll

**Candyman** · 24-10-2012, 07:07 PM

Had a MKV GTI with DSG

No problems over 80,000 km but got the mechatronics replaced just before I sold it as I thought it would sell better (out of warranty, VW did goodwill repair)

Current Golf R. Replaced mechatronics unit after a few months when I got a false neutral. DSG was faultless and would have happily kept it as is but warranty, why not. Dealer suggested it.

I'd buy another DSG VW.

Love the tech, love the options it gives. Manual seems so boring and ancient.

Mind you, not sure I'd be so confident keeping it out of warranty.

That's why I got extended warranty and will trade it before that finishes

Still, both DSG units have been more reliable than Subie autos I've had and way more reliable than a Honda Accord the wife owned (pos)