Shiftech: specialists in automatic gearboxes since 2008
Audi automatic gearbox fluid change
Your Audi is most likely fitted with an S tronic gearbox, the dual-clutch transmission featured across the manufacturer’s entire range of automatic models. At Shiftech, we use the MotulEvo process to change the fluid in your Audi’s automatic gearbox. This allows us to completely replace your transmission fluid, without the compromises associated with a conventional manual fluid change.
Why should you change the fluid in your Audi’s automatic gearbox?
There is a persistent misconception amongst some dealership advisers: that Audi’s S tronic is a ‘maintenance-free for life’ gearbox. In reality, the fluid in this dual-clutch transmission degrades thermally over time, whether used in town or on the motorway, and gradually loses its lubricating properties.
On an Audi, the first signs that an S tronic is starting to wear out are often subtle: a jolt when shifting from first to second when the engine is cold, a hesitation during a kick-down, or a fleeting sensation of wheel spin on the most powerful models in the range (S3, RS3, RS6). These symptoms are still reversible at this stage, but indicate more advanced wear if the fluid is never changed.
Repairing an S tronic gearbox on an Audi once it has failed costs far more than regular preventive maintenance. It is this difference in cost that justifies changing the fluid at regular intervals rather than waiting until it breaks down.
The S tronic gearbox fitted to your Audi
The entire Audi range with automatic transmission is fitted with the S tronic gearbox, a dual-clutch transmission available in several variants depending on the vehicle’s power output and architecture (DL382 and DL501, in particular). This gearbox shares a common technical basis with the Volkswagen Group’s DSG, but uses a fluid and calibration specific to Audi.
We have developed a MotulEvo protocol specifically for this transmission, which details all the steps, the fluids used and the models concerned.
The MotulEvo process applied to your Audi
1Cleaning and rinsing
2Draining and flushing with Motul Transmission Clean additive
3Replacing filters and seals
4Dynamic fluid exchange via the MotulEvo station
5Final check and adjustments
With an S tronic gearbox, a standard manual oil change only replaces around 65 per cent of the total fluid, with the rest remaining trapped in the hydraulic circuit and the clutch modules. The MotulEvo gearbox fluid change process uses a specialised machine that ensures a dynamic fluid exchange, resulting in 100 per cent fresh oil.
| Criterion | Manual fluid change | MotulEvo at Shiftech |
| New oil in the gearbox | ~ 65 per cent | 100% |
| Remaining residue | ~ 40% | 0% |
| Circuit cleaning | No | Yes |
| Suitable for all automatic gearboxes | Limited | All transmissions |
Prices and duration of the service
An Audi automatic gearbox oil change is available from €499 (including VAT ) at our Shiftech centres. This price includes:
- Service duration: 1h30 to 2h
- By appointment only: Tuesday to Saturday, 9.00 am–12.30 pm / 2.00 pm–6.00 pm
By way of comparison, the complete replacement of an Audi gearbox in the event of a major breakdown represents a cost far greater than several preventive maintenance cycles. It is this difference that makes regular fluid changes economically sensible, beyond the purely mechanical aspect.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Audi gearboxes
Audi's official position has been clear since 2014: the S tronic oil bath requires a preventive oil change, usually every 60,000 km. If your dealer tells you otherwise, ask him to confirm it in writing, you may be surprised. The official Audi service booklet explicitly states this interval, and Audi reaffirms it in several Service Information Bulletins.
Technically, the S tronic is a DSG rebadged by Audi. The two gearboxes share the same mechanical base (Borg-Warner design for the VAG Group) but are calibrated differently according to platform and torque level. The S tronic is exclusive to Audi, the DSG to Volkswagen, Skoda, Seat and Cupra. The MotulEvo procedure applies identically to both.
Yes, our centres service the entire Audi range, from entry-level models to the most powerful S and RS variants.
Sporty driving places greater demands on the thermal transmission. A tighter gear ratio is generally recommended for the S and RS variants.
Other brands and services available at Shiftech
The MotulEvo method and our expertise in automatic transmissions are not limited to Audi. If your vehicle is from another manufacturer, find out about our dedicated services.
BMW automatic gearbox fluid change
The ZF 8HP and DKG transmissions fitted to the BMW range, from the 1 Series to the M models, are serviced using the same dynamic fluid exchange protocol.
Renault automatic gearbox fluid change
The Renault Group’s EDC gearbox, fitted to the Clio, Mégane, Captur and the entire Dacia and Alpine range.
Mercedes automatic gearbox fluid change
The 7G-DCT and torque converter-based gearboxes fitted to the Mercedes range, from the A-Class to AMG models.
Our other services at Shiftech
S tronic gearbox remapping Faster gear changes, increased torque capacity, bespoke mapping developed in-house for over 17 years. → Give your transmission greater responsiveness
Stage 1, 2 and 3 engine remapping Available across the entire Audi range, petrol and diesel alike, with performance gains tailored to each engine. → Unlock your engine’s full potential
