are passats that bad?

[Mikrou]

Hey Wax,

No need to apologise - it can be daunting knowing where to start.

The wet DSG is a 6-speed and the more reliable one.
It's called 'wet' as it's bathed in oil.
As I understand it the issues with this one tend to come with the higher kilometre models as the clutch was sold in as never requiring an oil change, and thus the associated buildup could ruin the unit (more than happy to be corrected on this point).

The dry DSG is the 7-speed.
The clutch was designed not to need oil for whatever reason.
This lead to a few issues which I haven't really looked in to too deeply.

Accompanying the DSG is a mechatronics unit which is also known to be faulty.
So look for that.

In any case, the wet clutch appears to be much more reliable than the dry clutch.

I don't think the 4WD B6s had anything other than a DSG - but more than happy to be corrected as most of my research was in to the 2 litre TDIs/FSIs

Cheers!

[Guest001]

The injector issue was supposedly fixed by a recall of the faulty Siemens ones.

Yes a search on here for DSG issues will give you a weeks reading.

The later mechatronics were changed due to an oil issue Also seen in a search of Mechatronics

[kleung]

did the 3.2 ever come out with non dsg gearbox? or was it only the petrol 2.0T that had no dsg?

It was only the 2.0T 147TSI that had the standard 6sp torque converter auto. All other autos were DSGs in the B6 range.

if the gearbox fails what is involved mechanically and cost wise in replacing fixing it?

Mechanically, the gearbox is generally pretty good. If there is a failure, it's usually the mechatronics unit.

There's some pricing details here, but the information is a couple of years old.

The wet DSG is a 6-speed and the more reliable one.
It's called 'wet' as it's bathed in oil.

The dry DSG is the 7-speed.
The clutch was designed not to need oil for whatever reason.

Just to clarify a bit further - the main difference between the two transmissions is the clutch packs - with the 6sp DSG, the clutch packs are bathed in oil, while the 7sp DSG uses dry clutches. Both transmissions still require oil for the hydraulics - the 7sp DSG just requires less. It also means that the 6sp DSG is able to deal with waste heat a bit better than the 7sp DSG.

I don't think the 4WD B6s had anything other than a DSG - but more than happy to be corrected as most of my research was in to the 2 litre TDIs/FSIs

Correct - only the two 6 cylinder models got 4-MOTION in Australia, and they both had 6sp DSGs.

The service interval for both gearboxes is every 60,000km or 4 years, whichever comes first.

[Darks RS]

Not sure if the r36 is any dearer, but my local dealer (upon enquiring re service history) quoted a price of $22k for brand new Dsg, brand new mechatronics Unit and who knows what else paid for by VWA. The lady reading the history was a bit taken back. The owner had no idea what it cost as he was a bit peeved that it happened at all.

Hi Wax,

All marques and models will have some issues. This is what happens when you build millions of machines with thousands of parts.

Reading through the forums, the 3.2/3.6L DSG Passat seems to be very reliable. As with all cars, please check that the maintenance has been CORRECTLY performed. VWs are very fussy about the oil, coolant and other fluids used. Depending on age check that the DSG has been serviced and the timing belt and water pump has been replaced.

If the car has been properly serviced the dealer or even better, a VW specialist it should be reliable. If it has been serviced by the local
K Mart/ AutoMasters/ UltraTune or Joe the local mechanic, I would leave it well alone.

[Sloth]

Reading through the forums, the 3.2/3.6L DSG Passat seems to be very reliable. As with all cars, please check that the maintenance has been CORRECTLY performed. VWs are very fussy about the oil, coolant and other fluids used. Depending on age check that the DSG has been serviced and the timing belt and water pump has been replaced.

3.2L doesnt have a timing belt, it is a chain.

A common issue on pre 2008 3.2L (and 3.6L overseas) models was the wrong tensile oil pump bolt from factory backing out / loosening and interfering with the timing chains which nuked alot of engines. Read up on this issue as it would be the most costly issue if it happened. There was a recall in the US for this this issue but not hear in Australia.

VWVortex.com - **Official 24V 3.6L Engine (oil pump bolt) failure thread**

As for DSG failures, VW have a mechatronics unit exchange program, I don't know the pricing for the longitudinal 3.2L engines but I do know of a non dealer mechanic in Sydney who sourced the parts for a 3.2L R32 from VW for around $2800ish.