Multitronic Should I Avoid?

[1972_911t]

Im intending to buy a 2003 1.8t multitronic on tuesday with 92k on the clock, has anyone broke the 100k mark with one of these trannies and not had any issues? Should I avoid buying a car with multitronic with such high milage and if I do go for one what should I look for on the test drive as early signs of potential problems?

Is there any warranty companies that will cover these sort of issues? ive been considering a warranty with warranty direct. Think I will give them a ring and see what there stance is on this sort of problems.

Regards Steve

[Max0001]

Hi Steve,
I'd say stay well clear! Unfortunately I didn't know anything about these problems before I bought mine second hand (@48000 miles), and I can only comment on my experiences. From what I can gather the problems with the ECU, clutch pack, and valve bodies are very common indeed. I've phoned about 10 independent transmission shops and they have all said that they've had absolutely loads of failed multitronics in. A good proportion said they now won't even work on them any more, or at best they'll fix them but will give no guarantee. The Audi mobile diagnostics guy who I got round to look at mine said he wouldn't touch an Audi automatic with a barge pole. Praise indeed from someone who must know more than most. Audi UK will not contribute any goodwill compensation towards the cost to fix mine because I didn't buy it through an Audi network dealer (at a premium) which would have given me a 1 year warranty. So basically their stance seems to be that a customer's peace of mind should be based on having a warranty with them rather than customers being able to trust in their engineering skills. The concensus seems to be that the multitronic is flawed in many areas, but I presume Audi can't/won't admit it because that would cost them more than they perceive they will lose through bad press.
Obviously I'm biased, and am feeling pretty burnt at the moment, so you'll have to make your own mind up. But the way I'm looking at it, even if I can get the transmission fixed or even replaced under warranty/goodwill, I'd still always be waiting for it to break again as it appears to be a basically poor design. I suppose in your case if you're prepared to pay for a warranty for the entire time you own the car, and the warranty company honour the arrangement then you can get it fixed each time it breaks.
Sorry if I sound a bit bitter, but having spent the last few days talking to Audi customer 'service' I'm feeling pretty disillusioned.
Cheers,
Max
p.s. Does anyone know if these problems are widely reported in the press? How are Audi getting away with this?!

[1972_911t]

Well it seems I was right to be concerned, after a couple of questions about the trans on the car I was looking to buy the car has magically developed a low speed stutter that he never noticed unill today when taking it to audi for an MOT. Audi quoted him £900 for a repair which I presume is for a clutch change.

Do these failures affect new CVT gearboxes or is it just the early ones?

Steve

[The Glove]

Hi Mines a 2004 04 multitronic. The gearbox failed and was replace in Dec 07. Car had 27k on it at the time. I beleive Audi sorted the multitronic gearbox out on the B7 ie 7 plate clutch conversion etc, but could be wrong.

hope this helps

[The Mirror Man]

We have had one for a year now. Nothing but trouble so far. My wife drives it and has only done 3.5k miles. Now on 103k. It won't accelerate up a hill and now the whole car shakes when under load. Up to you mate but if I knew what I know now I'd have walked away and bought something else.

[B6Andy101]

How about a nice little manual. Just run in and going strong

Link : VW Audi Forum - The #1 VW Group Community

[shabazmo]

I had a 2002 A6 which went for 166k miles with just one problem and had to upgrade from 6 plate to 7 plate clutch (£1000). Now have a A7 with 88k miles and no problems yet. Stay clear of older multitronics