zarmstrong92

I'll try to keep this as short as possible.

Maintenance schedule only says "change ATF", and mentions nothing about either of the two filters. Also, the inline filter looks like a major PITA to replace due to its location, even though it is only held in by three bolts.

Of course, all the online retailers suggest replacing the filter(s) for obvious reasons...

The maintenance schedule is very specific about replacing other filters ie. cabin filter/oil filter, and probably some other filter I'm forgetting about.

The maintenance schedule says nothing about it, so why should I spend the $60 + weekend time replacing it?

Any input is greatly appreciated,
Zack

KevinGary

Unless you have the 2.0, Audi does not even recommend changing the ATF. Despite Audi's claim of lifetime ATF, I typically have mine replaced, along with the filters, every 50k miles.

Calimus

With mine at 148k miles, the dealer won't even change the fluid in my trans. They said there is a larger chance it would do harm then anything else.

I found that to be an interesting statement.

zarmstrong92

I do in fact have the 2.0t CVT.

The 2013 maintenance schedule recommends doing it at 35k/75k/115k, for my car at least...

But like stated above, the 3.0t's have a lifetime ATF (so they say anyways).

Vodka G

Nah nothing is "lifetime" I am planning to change my ATF when I reach 100k on my 3.0T

blackfxgt

My C6 3.2 has over 230k and never changed fluid in the trans. Still shifts perfect and no slippage. I won't
change it in my C7 either. I remmember I changed it once in my old C4 it created more problems after.

dshahs420

This. You'll probably do more harm changing it because it may kick up some sediment that's settled into the bottom of the fluid and can get stuck in between the gears.
If you insist on changing it never do a flush as that can kick up a lot of debris into the gears. Rather do a 3X3 drain and full. Drain the oil, put in the same amount that was drained, drive around for 10 minutes and repeat for a total of 3 drain and fills.

porksoda

With my BMW i had the same issue, the dealership refused to change the oil and i heard people were having issues with the ZF transmission after the flush n change. I did end up getting it changed elsewhere and my transmission started jerking from 2nd to 3rd. Later on another mechanic just happen to check my fluid and said it was too low and he topped it up and my jerk went away.

Nedstand

Same here, with a 2005 BMW X5 & a 1999 MB E320.

Then I found a mobile mechanic who used to work at Santa Monica BMW and MB and he told me.... the dealers only care the cars get through the 50K warranty period. After that, the cars are a cash cow for the service department.

I changed the trans fluid on both vehicles every 30K miles since we do 99% city & hill driving, and we changed the filters every other time. I never had a problem with the trans on either car, and often they "felt" like they drove better/smoother after the trans fluid change.

This was a hotly debated issue on BMW and MB boards also. My takeaway is that if you live in the flatlands and do mostly highway driving, no need to change, but if you live in the city/hills and cycle the trans a lot, then change the fluid. My $0.02

Calimus

Well, in my case, I'm well out of warranty with 149k miles on the odo and 150k coming up rapidly. I drive 100 miles a day at 90 of it is pure highway. Since I'm not the original owner of the car, I can't say if the trans was ever serviced.

I certainly don't believe the lifetime fluid sales pitch, but I have also read many of the stories of the trans failing or shifting rough after a service. With the mileage mine has, I have to wonder if I'm better off leaving it the hell alone.