DQ250 Mechatronics replacement - source form OS?

[harlie]

Hello,

I’m not sure where this thread should go given how many models share the DQ250 – mods, please move if there’s a better place - nearly need a DSG section.

My story: I’ve just purchased a 59000k vRS Octavia (it’s really a mk6 GTD in a frock). It needs a new Mechatronics unit – I got it absurdly cheap. If I pay the dealer to fix this - it is still really cheap. Actually now feel sorry for the original owner, reports that it has been like it from new and the dealers just fobbed her off – told her it was normal. Then when she went to trade it they didn’t want it… Apparently other guy looked at it ran a mile. Mean old me swoops.

It’s an odd symptom; I’ve researched a lot and found the same stories reported by some owners of the last mkV GTi and R32, and some 2009 Skodas. Appears to be a batch of units made in 2008.

I read on here that the dealers are charging $2900 for a new unit + oils, filter, gaskets and labour – they have to have software loaded too, so no DIY. If pushed they are coming to the party but only for the original owner (Skoda’s or VW’s customer) with dealer service history. Rules me out so please don’t bother with the dealer will change it – I got screwed on the Injector issue with the old mkV and I've talked to Skoda.

For the record our old mkV golf now has 170ks – DSG is still perfect.

My question: Has anyone sourced a Mechatronics unit from OS?
There are several repairers, I've contacted 3 and all are happy to deal with Aus customer. They can supply exchange recon units (what we get from the dealers here!!!!), new units, or repair yours (if you want to wait for it to go over and back). Shipping is quite reasonable, it comes in a wooden create, you send the old one back. I'm still working on return shipping.

Software – the Mechatronics contains the trans ECU. 2 of these companies preload the firmware, including a stage 1 DSG tune if wanted , they need details of what’s currently in the car from VCDS. So it arrives plug'n'play ready to go. If yours gets repaired the software should stay on it – which is what the 3rd company offers.

I have a guy from work going over for 3 weeks next month, I am even thinking of sending it with him for repair which would be the cheapest option – he is going to the city!! However, I’m a bit worried about the issue mine has, apparently it’s not easy to find once the unit is open, so I am probably safer to get a full recon unit.

Interested in peoples thoughts.

[grtuned]

How much cheaper???

[Umai Naa!!]

The biggest issue with buying overseas Vs through the dealer network, is you may not have the access to the most recent revision, or even the correct part.

[harlie]

Price difference
Dealer, exchange unit = 2503. Which has come down heaps, no surprise they have stock... But remember this is a blank ECU, you then esentially have to pay them to put it in because it needs factory programming, or tuning company at least.
Exchange recon from all 3 companies is roughly the same with current exchange at about - 1200. Brand new - 1700

The biggest issue with buying overseas Vs through the dealer network, is you may not have the access to the most recent revision, or even the correct part.

Good points. The part is correct, I can see the part number. The software version currently offered is the same as I currently have, or I can have it delivered with a stage 1 or 2 DSG tune, once we go to a DSG tune we loose the "most recent revision" anyway, the revision you end up with is the revision the tune was based on. Anyway, nothing stopping me taking it to the dealer to get an update later - at least it will drive.

[grtuned]

To be honest all the so called new units from VW are exchange.

You always take a risk buying overseas if something go's wrong,
it always will put you off the road longer even if the company is reputable and offers any wty taking out sending back and forth then reinstalling. But for $1,000 cheaper I'd take a chance after checking out there service and if you feel you can trust them.

[Umai Naa!!]

Not always.

You do have the option of buying a new one outright.

[grtuned]

My belief is that all new units are fitted into brand new cars and if a replacement is required you will get a reconditioned unit. Even if there's no X in the part number I still think there reconditioned units. I'll believe it when there is 100% proof it's new,
how could you ever tell?

[Umai Naa!!]

X is exchange.

No X is brand new.

[harlie]

To be honest all the so called new units from VW are exchange.

You always take a risk buying overseas if something go's wrong,
it always will put you off the road longer even if the company is reputable and offers any wty taking out sending back and forth then reinstalling. But for $1,000 cheaper I'd take a chance after checking out there service and if you feel you can trust them.

Yeah, and it's considerably more than $1000.

2500+software so it has to be fitted by dealer v 1200 with software already loaded.

Tuning company running special for DSG tuning 150euro... so for under 1500, a replacement unit preloaded with tune. mmm.

For the record $2500 at the dealer is an exchange unit NOT new.

[harlie]

So…. This has taken an interesting turn.

During this thread, I called the dealer parts dept for a price on the mechatronic. After he punched in the VIN, he refused to give a price – refused in a good way – just said “no dude, if it needs replacing they are sorting these – you should not be calling for a price on these”.

So, I’ll give it a shot. Wrote to Skoda Aus, booked the car in. I now find out what’s been done in the past to try and rectify this, multiple resets, oil changes, even new clutches!!

Got a call on Friday – Skoda Aus is putting in a new Mechatronics unit. Yeeha Should have it back on Wednesday.