DSG worth the risk?

by CAR Magazine on 19/11/2012

Comments: 1

Question: I am considering buying a late-model VW Golf 5 GTI with about 90 000 km on the odometer. I would like a model with the DSG transmission, but have read complaints about the high cost of repairs when something goes wrong with the gearbox. How reliable are DSGs? These cars are quite expensive second-hand. I don’t want to be stuck with a high repair bill shortly after buying one. Should I play it safe and stick to a manual gearbox?
MARIUS DE KLERK, Cape Town

Answer: We also had our doubts when the DSG technology was first launched, but we have since received very few complaints regarding the reliability of the unit. However, the manual could potentially be a safer choice because it employs simpler, proven technology.
That said, the DSG gearbox is good at preventing over-revving and clutch abuse, which are both likely on a hot hatch. The sheer number of DSG-fitted GTIs on our roads should also tell you something. If you find a well cared-for example, you should be okay. It is more important who owned the vehicle and how it was cared for than the gearbox specification.

CATEGORIES : Technimail

http://twitter.com/CMWYW Pieter

I had a Golf 5 GTI, 2008 model with the DSG box. When it works it works well and there is no better sound when it changes gear at higher revs. However I had 2 problem with my gearbox. The first was that the vehicle would surge at speeds between 10-20 km/h while moving in slow traffic. I makes it seem like you are learning to drive in a manual car. That got sorted out by replacing the mechatronic unit in the gearbox. As I understand it, it is the brain of the gearbox, that contains some valves and solenoid and and a float type valve. this float valve was the unit that was giving the problem. It was luckily replaced under warranty. They cost upward from R15 000 I believe. This caused me months of frustration to prove the problem to VW as the problem was not always present. The other problem I had was the change up from 2nd to 3rd gear was sometimes erratic as if the gearbox hesitates on which gear it is supposed to be in, that problem never got sorted out and it became clear after speaking to other DSG drivers that this is the nature of the DSG gearbox. It is an auto box that behaves more like a manual gearbox and you will feel it if you drive one. I loved it and sure you will too. Just make sure to test drive the car at normal operating temperature to make sure the clutch packs are still fine and the mechatronic unit is not messing around. I have also heard of a problem with the Dual mass flywheel on the box that makes for clunky or hesitant gear changes ,so check that out also.