S-Tronic; Sealed for life story.

[quattrokid]

I have a 2005 3.0 TDI quattro with an S-Tronic transmission, it's the first time I have had a V6 diesel and theres a lot to love about it, also a first for S-tronic and also a lot to love. First thing I did agfter checking it over was gave it a full service and scanned it for codes, there were a few but I think most were pretty old, No.6 Heater plug was one which I am plannng to do and it should improve the starting, which is a bit slower than I would have liked.
I have read it's a good idea to get the fluid and filter changed and also if Audi have deals on you can get this done for a fraction of the price. So armed with the latest deal I spoke to my local Audi dealer, ready to make a booking, to be told your transmission is 'sealed for life', fluid doesn't need changed (Gearbox code HNL, maker ZF). So I asked a few more questions, some are sealed for life others not but the sealed for life ones have the same drain and level plugs but possibly not the filter. The reason they have these is in case Audi need to do any work on them, then and only then would the fluid get changed. I don't know if filters exist or are available even to buy.
So what is the feeling among 'real world' owners and those who know for one reason and another. Should I speak to a specialist and just get it done? The cars done 130K with partial history, so I was hoping in the Audi part maybe it got a change before but it doesn't sound like it and that means its.....never been done Would Audi do it if I forced the issue, maybe said I was inteding the odd excursion to the drag strip Or should I do what I am told ( I hate doing what I am told, always have ) and just forget about it, until bits of metal and oil spew out all over the drive?
Sorry if I sound angry but this kind of crap just p'...s me off, appreciate any advice anyone can offer.

[vodoniksteva]

Hy,i think that is not s-tronic,it is 6 speed tiptronic .you should do fluid and filter change in you transmission.about 5-6l of will come out but capacity is about 9l.i have the same car and i have done it my self on mine.

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[niall campbell]

think ZF reckon 80 K & 60 K thereafter for oil change

I am now doing my manual box at 60 K as it really helps

[Scott K]

If you go on the zf website it actually gives instructions on how to do it and sells the servicing kits including a magnet which sits on the sump. The code is 6 HP 19. Great gearbox and pretty bombproof. The zf specialist in Glasgiw are really good and that's where mine will be going for a flush and fluid change. Wouldn't advise going to Audi especially if your dealer still reckons it's sealed for life. A lot of dealers are coming round to the idea they need maintenance.

[quattrokid]

Great, thanks for the replies. So it's not S-Tronic then, it is 6 speed Tiptronic but I thought that was S-Tronic. I will try the ZF website for more info and education. Who's the ZF specialist in Glasgow, that's not far from me so may be worth a shout?

[Scott K]

Great, thanks for the replies. So it's not S-Tronic then, it is 6 speed Tiptronic but I thought that was S-Tronic. I will try the ZF website for more info and education. Who's the ZF specialist in Glasgow, that's not far from me so may be worth a shout?

It's Mackie Automatic transmissions in glasgow.

[quattrokid]

Ah I have heard of them ,they have quite a good reputation too. They used to have a place at Carluke as well but moved everything to Glasgow some years ago.
I have been doing some reading, correct me if I am wrong; S-Tronic is Audis version of the CVT transmission i.e. VW's DSG and usually 7 speed. Tip-Tronic is what I have, an automatic with option to manually change either form the lever of paddles and usually 6 speeds, which ties in with the features I have.
Dealers say sealed for life which most seem to feel is 100k but of course enthusiasts drive their cars well beyond 100k, so it's best not to drive the gearbox to destruction if you can avoid it. ZF seem to recommend 40k service for S-Tronic and 60k for Tip-Tronic. All thh boxes seem to have fill and level plugs and there are kits, Blauparts for example with oil, filter, Gasket and more included, even instructions on how to do it, I guess the same is available form Audi if you ask, I would guess TPS must do the parts even if Audi themselves refuse to use them

[vodoniksteva]

You dont have to use

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[vodoniksteva]

You dont have to use original oil.just look up g062 162 pil mannol ,divinol,ravenol .its about 10$per L

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[quattrokid]

Good information, I may end up doing it myself yet but I would refer to get a specialist to do it. I was looking at the Blauparts site, they do Ravenol but I think they are in the US so not sure what postage etc would be like, I will see how things go but I would like it done before all that hot weather we get in Summer, lol.