What's the general consensus on the DSG boxes on MK5, MK6 Golf GTIs, ED30/35s? I understand that if serviced correctly they tend to be fairly reliable, with the main issue being sensors going that results in fairly costly repairs. Are the varieties of DSG boxes on the above models different in any way both internally and software wise? Does the DSG in the MK5 GTi feel underwheling to that in a much newer ED35 for instance? Would updated software fix this etc?
DSG - MK5, MK6 Golf GTI, ED30/35
- Thread starter Drollic
- Start date
I've owned both MK5 and 6 (gti) Service schedule for the DSG box is 40k though many overlook this so check the history - costs 180ish for the service (Dealer)
Neither of mine missed a beat. If you're worried about repair bills, purchase the named component warranty from VW.
You'll find in standard form they perform well in drive mode and would rarely if at all need to use S as pressing the gas fully in drive will utilise the max power available. ~30mpg is achievable but you'd need to sustain sensible driving for some time, you'll find consumption floating around 23-28 with mixed driving. (applicable to both models)
No knowledge of software updates, but I'd be weary of this if you do decide to purchase a warranty package, as above, you may be satisfied with these being standard.
I understand that the ed30's are quicker more hp, I've no experience of these - and you'd be better off mapping a normal gti, instead of paying the extra for the edition models, if power is all you're after.
Neither of mine missed a beat. If you're worried about repair bills, purchase the named component warranty from VW.
You'll find in standard form they perform well in drive mode and would rarely if at all need to use S as pressing the gas fully in drive will utilise the max power available. ~30mpg is achievable but you'd need to sustain sensible driving for some time, you'll find consumption floating around 23-28 with mixed driving. (applicable to both models)
No knowledge of software updates, but I'd be weary of this if you do decide to purchase a warranty package, as above, you may be satisfied with these being standard.
I understand that the ed30's are quicker more hp, I've no experience of these - and you'd be better off mapping a normal gti, instead of paying the extra for the edition models, if power is all you're after.
Last edited:
Caporegime
- Joined
- 8 Jan 2004
- Posts
- 32,868
- Location
- Rutland
I had a 2.0TFSI A3 with the 6 speed wet clutch DSG and it was fantastic and reliable (bought at 40k, was still faultless at 115k when I sold it).
Main points for me:
Needs a service every 40k, was about £150 a pop.
Mine had a common (universal?) issue that if you coasted up to a roundabout almost reaching a stop and accelerated hard to get into a gap the box would be caught napping and would do nothing for 1-2 secs which was a bit brown trousery!
Later boxes were the 7 speed dry clutch type which I've not tried.
Main points for me:
Needs a service every 40k, was about £150 a pop.
Mine had a common (universal?) issue that if you coasted up to a roundabout almost reaching a stop and accelerated hard to get into a gap the box would be caught napping and would do nothing for 1-2 secs which was a bit brown trousery!
Later boxes were the 7 speed dry clutch type which I've not tried.
VAG are improving their DSGs though. The early C7 A6 s-tronic had a bit of that slow down and then accelerate issue, but the later variants of the same gearbox appear to have different software and down change more as you slow down so its ready whenever you accelerate again.
Are both these kind of issues fixable with software updates on the MK5 GTIs?
Let up brake slowly when on a hill until clutch engages, then transfer to gas. No roll back. Handbrake for very steep hills.
Shove it in sport approaching roundabouts to avoid the dreaded lag.