Audi a8 d4 transmission fluid change

**damtom85** · 07-06-2015,12:57 PM

Hi all.

As per subject, has anyone done it in this model?

I have Audi a8 2012 3.0 tdi with tiptronic. I noticed in mornings when engine is cold, small jerks between gears. Maybe I wouldn't call them jerks but noticeable delays between gears. I'm on 50000 miles now and manufacturer of gearbox (ZF) says you need to change oil at 50000, but Audi will say that these boxes are sealed for life, which is bull...t.

Anyway anyone done it already?

**JohnF** · 18-09-2015,09:27 AM

I thought ZF gearboxes with reliable circular geary things were sealed for life whereas Audi gearboxes with relatively unreliable linear chainy things needed regular oil changes.

**rowdy-999** · 18-09-2015,09:37 AM

ZF recommend fluid changes at around 80000-100000 if i recall. The Audi sealed for life bull covers their warranty period.
It's a rather involved DIY job ( have a google for some guides ), or search for a local ZF transmission specialist. You're looking at around £300, mostly due to the cost of the correct fluid.

My box has very similar symptoms when cold. I'm not overly concerned. A manual box is generally less smooth when cold as well.

**damtom85** · 18-09-2015,09:39 AM

Have contacted ZF UK to recommend and zf garage or specialist, they replied that they can't recommend anyone, ***?

**slabber** · 27-09-2015,12:37 PM

I'm having mine done (D3) at AM Cars in a few weeks time. They are in Somerset so that might not be helpful I'm afraid, however they are servicing Audis (and other VW stable cars) day-in day-out so really know what they are doing. The oil is approx £31 per litre from Audi and I think it needs 9 or 10 litres and then there is the labour of course. How about looking in Audi Driver magazine for a specialist near you?

**damtom85** · 27-09-2015,01:11 PM

Slabber don't forget about new oil filter, new pan seal, and they should clean magnets also.

Thanks I will have look in AUDI driver

**slabber** · 27-09-2015,01:25 PM

Cheers for that. Just checked AD - you have quattro-tech in St Ives.

**damtom85** · 27-09-2015,01:26 PM

Thanks a lot for that

**damtom85** · 28-09-2015,04:46 PM

That Quattro-Tech from St Ives, don't do oil change in tiptronic because AUDI says 'is sealed for life' , even their website says they do change it. They said if I want badly to be done then they can do it. Well I think with that attitude it will be wise enough not giving them change to mess by gearbox up, as they don't do regularly oil changes in tiptronic.

**slabber** · 15-11-2015,08:34 PM

My car (D3 3.0 TDI) was at AM Cars last week for transmission oil change. Breakdown of costs (including VAT) was: oil - £335.34, strainer - £42.64, gasket - £41.89, labour - £123.88. Parts and oil were genuine Audi. Knowing I was interested in the details they bottled some of the old oil for me to examine, which was pretty dark brown - not that I know anything about this sort of thing! There was a bit of sludge on the bottom of the pan and on the magnets but nothing unexpected. There is no noticeable difference in the operation of the transmission - they said that would be the case and it's always been pretty smooth anyway. The guys at AM Cars are very friendly and helpful and I've been using them for over 10 years - can completely recommend. A no brainer if you are in the West Country. If you aren't it might be worth it even if you factor in a long day or a B&B stopover.

tranny pan after cleaning.jpg tranny pan before cleaning.jpg tranny pan magnet.jpg