S5SCMSB2021

Has anyone here used a substitute for ZF Lifeguard Fluid 8 (I know Audi rebrands it as Audi/VW ATF Automatic Transmission Fluid (Item# G060162A2)) such as Liqui Moly TOP TEC 1800 ATF (Item# LM20032)? According to LM, Top Tec 1800 ATF meets the Audi specs for G060162. But if you talk to an Audi parts or service department they say there is no equivalent to G060162 - even the ZF LGF8. I figure that is them trying to get as much $$$ as possible at $40+ a liter because I think it has been established that Audi just rebrands the ZF LGF8. The documentation from ZF doesn't have the LM Top Tec 1800 ATF, but I'm wondering if anyone has used it before or corroborated that it is acceptable for the ZF 8HP65A in the S5.

SMac770

No one will argue, successfully, that any Audi part number for ATF for the 0D5 is anything but straight ZF LG8. The trans is made by ZF and Audi is going to put in it whatever ZF tells them to. As to substitutes for LG8, or anyone manufacturer rebranding of LG8, I imagine ZF will not be helpful.

Not sure you can find real LG8 for less than $40/L these days; ZF has some kind of supply issue going on. Apparently, they were coming out with a "LG8 ATF" to shore up supply. No idea what that is or how it's different.

Even if you saved $15/L, for the rarity of the operation, maybe every 4-5 years, not sure there's that much value for the trouble. Though the BMW thread on the question seemed to have people using the 1800 without identified issue.