A6 2.5TDI multitronic - gearbox guaranteed to fail?

[a6mother]

Hi,

I recently bought a 2.5 tdi A6 from 2003 and 80000 miles with a multitronic box. I previously owned a 1.9tdi on a manual that had a number problems.

After the purchase I came across a horror story of multitronic box failure. Doing further reseach on the net and on this forum I realised that there are many other sad stories related to multitronic box failure and the 7 plate clutch replacement "remedy".

The car works fine so far but I grew very nervous after hearing about this general multitronic unreliability.

I would like to clarify a few things - if anyone has the knowledge, I would apreciate very much:

1- Are ALL these boxes guaranteed to fail due to design fault? ...or are the multitronic failures still a minority?

2- Does anyone know of multitronic boxes reaching 150000 miles on the same clutch assembly and belts?

3- How much does it cost to a) - have a new box installed and b) - have the 7 plate clutch replacement.
The car i bought has one stamp from audi and 4 from specialist.

4- Is it possible to have a different box (tiptronic or manual) fitted instead?

[paul b]

I don't know about the cost of new boxes etc, but people should normally change the automatic transmission oil on cars every 40k. However on the 'Multichronics' as they have recently been referred to, ensure the automatic transmission oil is changed every 30k, just to be on the safe side. Regular automatic transmission oil changes will reduce the risk of damage to the gearbox. It is not a given that the box will fail, but if it makes you feel more comfortable, ask Audi about the 7 plate conversion. Some people on this forum have managed to get Audi to pay part of the conversion, so there is hope! I have heard of people making it to 100k+ on the Multitronic gearboxes, so don't become paranoid about it.
Good luck with the car. They are great cars.
Paul

[shabazmo]

My 2.5tdi multi box is still going strong st 110K miles. I changed the oil at 44K 84K and now 110K miles. My local audi dealer told me that they now flush the box out with oil at the 40K mile service. So I will now change the oil every 22K miles. At about £50 for the oil, its money well spent. Has anyone gone past 110K miles?

[Crasher]

I would suggest 20K ish cahnges as you say and the filter every 40K.

[shabazmo]

Crasher, You have thrown me? where is this filter and can it be changed without having to drain the oil.
Saw your profile, so I won't ever disagree with you, but contact you soon ref my camshafts

[Crasher]

The filter is in/part off the feed pipe to the cooler.

[a6mother]

Thanks for your replies.
I will change the oil as advised.

They are great cars, I agree.
I'll let you know if it pops...

[a6mother]

Crusher, I came across one of your recent posts where you tell someone with a 2003 multitronic that they have the 7 plate clutch from fabrication.

My car has been manufactured in oct 2002 registered in jan 2003. Would you know if it has the 7plate clutch from factory?
On the sticker it says engine code BFC 120kw ghearbox code ---GHD.

One thing that I was trying to figure out is whether the engine is the 155bhp or 163 bhp. The seller advertised it as 155ps... but 120kw means 161bhp...


I did some further searches on the multitronic. The big problem appears to be with the older 6 plate clutches - which is a design fault. Audi still sells cars with multitronic boxes, although they are only petrols or for 2.0 and 2.7 tdi engines, now with 8 speed.

[Crasher]

I should be able to tell all from your chassis details so PM me your reg or chassis number.

[quattrapig]

Multitronic is Two wheel drive Tiptronic is quatro so the box change answer is no.As from another post of mine Quattro seems to handle the load better. Multitronic on the big engine I belive the failure rate is quite high.