Final quest for advice. Transmission choices.
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Final quest for advice. Transmission choices.
Fortunately, I am not going to be charged for the many hours of fruitless diagnosis on my transmission. I'm going to need a new one.
So my choice is between a ZF remanufactured unit (which my shop says is quite often a new unit anyway), or I send my tranny to Level 10 and have them rebuild it with an upgraded spec.
I'm leaning strongly toward the ZF OEM unit. Even though the Level 10 unit is supposedly made stouter, it comes with a 120 day warranty and could take weeks to finish. I've also heard that their support is questionable.
The OEM unit comes with a 12 month warranty and could be wrapped up in a week.
The cost is the same. (Don't ask unless you are interested in sending me some cash.)
There appear to be no used 5HP19FLAs around, so that option is out.
So my choice is between a ZF remanufactured unit (which my shop says is quite often a new unit anyway), or I send my tranny to Level 10 and have them rebuild it with an upgraded spec.
I'm leaning strongly toward the ZF OEM unit. Even though the Level 10 unit is supposedly made stouter, it comes with a 120 day warranty and could take weeks to finish. I've also heard that their support is questionable.
The OEM unit comes with a 12 month warranty and could be wrapped up in a week.
The cost is the same. (Don't ask unless you are interested in sending me some cash.)
There appear to be no used 5HP19FLAs around, so that option is out.
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Northern NJ
Are you able to find any reliable data on the performance of the LEvel 10s? We already have a
pretty good sample size on the base ZF units right here. Personally, I'd be a bit wary about giving up the OEM warranty without having a pretty decent understanding of how the Level 10 performs long term.
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Joined: Jan 2004
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Several thoughts...
I'd go with the ZF over the L10. 1. there seems to be very little evidence that the L10 is necessary - most trans problems are TC or VB related, not hard part related. 2. L10 support, as you mention, seems limited and/or slow.
If you want to upgrade at all, consider the L10 TC and maybe the VB. My choice was to go with a TC only. If the VB goes, its a relatively easy replacement with the engine and trans in the car.
Finally, there is a guy in Las Vegas who is selling a 5HP19FLA - EMP with 24K miles. You'll need to determine if you have an FAQ or EMP. On the inside cover of your manual there should be a sticker with the trans codes. There is also a metal plate on the bottom of the trans, near the bell housing, with this info.
If you're interested in the Las Vegas tranny, let me know and I'll search for the guys AW handle.
Mike
If you want to upgrade at all, consider the L10 TC and maybe the VB. My choice was to go with a TC only. If the VB goes, its a relatively easy replacement with the engine and trans in the car.
Finally, there is a guy in Las Vegas who is selling a 5HP19FLA - EMP with 24K miles. You'll need to determine if you have an FAQ or EMP. On the inside cover of your manual there should be a sticker with the trans codes. There is also a metal plate on the bottom of the trans, near the bell housing, with this info.
If you're interested in the Las Vegas tranny, let me know and I'll search for the guys AW handle.
Mike
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Jan 2002
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I'd probably lean towards the ZF reman. Aren't the reviews on Level 10 still somewhat mixed?
Thought I remember reading that a few had failures too, but I admittedly didn't follow the discussion that closely.
Is a complete rebuild from an authorized ZF shop not an option? Or would it be the same price as just buying one?
And wasn't Ming2.7T stockpiling an extra tranny? I thought he mentioned selling the car soon. Would be worth asking, at least.
Is a complete rebuild from an authorized ZF shop not an option? Or would it be the same price as just buying one?
And wasn't Ming2.7T stockpiling an extra tranny? I thought he mentioned selling the car soon. Would be worth asking, at least.
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