zen_

I know this topic has been addressed many time before, but some of the threads are pretty old and I'm not too bright. My vehicle (06 3.2) has 115k miles on it and has not had the ATF fluid changed, and I am starting to get the shuddering and kicking that other owners have described when the "lifetime" fluid isn't so lifetime. I took it to my local mechanic the other day for some other work, and inquired about changing the fluid, but they didn't want to do it right away because the VW dealership wanted $45 / liter for the OEM fluid (G055-005-A2 I believe) and they thought it would need 7 liters.

I was reading in one of the threads that Motorcraft Mercon SP is the same fluid. So my question is pretty simple, do I try to find the G055-005-A2 fluid cheaper somewhere (seems about $30 / liter), or try the Motorcraft Mercon SP fluid that seems more readily available at under $10 / quart? Is the full produce name XT-6-QSP MERCON-SP? Only seeing it come up in Ford Diesel truck forums and the one reference to it on this forum.

dzywicki

I have used Amsoil Signature Series Fuel Efficient ATF in 2 A6's (05 and 07) with zero problems. If you are just doing a drain/fill it will be less than 5 quarts. If you drop the pan and change the filter, it will closer to 6 quarts. You can order directly from amsoil.com website. It runs ~$11.50/quart.

http://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-produc...?code=ATLQT-EA



If you want the ZF Lifeguard flud, best prices are from thectsc.com. You will want the Lifeguard 8 which matches the G055-005-A2 spec.

uberwgn

Blauparts sells the correct fluid and it meets the VAG written spec. I don't recall the cost, but at a fraction of the dealer fluid.

zen_

Thank you for the info guys.

Any opinions on the whole Blauparts kit with the filter and gaskets, even a pump? Looks like a really good deal.

raj99

As I'm sure you're aware this topic has been extensively discussed on the forum. It's great that you are changing your ATF, since as you know nothing is 'lifetime'...especially fluid

There are folks who've done this change with a number of different fluids (i.e. OE, Amsoil, etc...). Personally I did mine with the ZF fluid (8), since I looked at the cost of the fluid and amortized over the course of a few years the difference is hardly noticeable. CTC offers a VERY good price on this and I'd recommend them as a good retailer, since they drop ship direct ZF product (BTW, ZF is the manufacturer of the actual tranny).

http://www.thectsc.com/products/zf-l...er-192-62.html

Good luck mate.

zen_

I was read through a lot of the discussions and saw something about the ZF fluids being upgraded from 6, to 6+, to 8, and the transmission possibly needing a firmware update to adjust for the different viscosity. I know my local Audi dealer will be no help at all with this...so that's also a concern.

raj99

All you need to do is give the local Audi dealer your vin and they will be able to tell you the ZF fluid you require, since they will know it the tranny has been flashed with the upgrade. You will either need 6 or 8, since 6+ is no more and superseded by 8.

boonies

I think you are right on target. The cost of fluid would be cheap if we were ever faced with a problem from using the wrong fluid.

I have 117k on my wife's A6 3.2. Fluid never changed and I have to admit to being concerned about doing a change with so many miles. Anyone here done a first change with high miles? If so, what were your results?

Prospeeder

Perfect smooth shifts. Waiting is just wearing it out faster and faster. New fluid cant hurt, its a ridiculous myth it causes failure. Iv serviced some for the first time close to 150-160k, they sure never shift as well as maintained one but they work. Left without fluid change any longer they just die.

KevinGary

Same here. I have stuck with the ZF fluid all three times that I have had it changed. I am now at 136k miles.