Gearbox oil change?

[fumbler]

I've recently bought a 6 year old Passat with 100k on the clock. I'd like to know if I can/should do a gearbox oil change?

Also what's the oil viscosity? The manual is a bit short on detail there.

[Crasher]

It isn't a requirement to change it, just to check its level at the inspection service but it certainly wouldn't do it any harm

[fumbler]

Surely someone knows the viscosity?

[Crasher]

Sorry old boy, missed that bit. You need 2.25 litres of 75w/90 or VW part number G 052 911 A2 in 1L containers or G052 911 A1 in 0.5 L containers at £14.25 and £8.73 respectively.

[fumbler]

Many thanks, after much research looking for the key to get the sump/filler plug out it looks like I need a:

M16 security (with a hole in it) spline key

Bought one on ebay for 9 quid. Fun and games finding that out so hopefully this info/terminology will help somebody else out.

[seanrf07]

Hi bud, I emailed a chap on here called crasher, he is the top poster for this site. I too wanted to change the gearbox oil in my A3 since it has now down 164k. He asked for my registration and recommended VAG “G 052 171 A2”
Not sure what the difference is or what the viscosity is. Sites that sell alternative VAG products came up with Fuchs most commonly that was 75w 80 viscosity.
What are your thoughts on this?