Why should you change the fluid in your automatic gearbox?
Contrary to a belief that is still very widespread, an automatic gearbox is not ‘lubricated for life’. This is one of the most costly myths for motorists in Provence. Manufacturers themselves now recommend an oil change every 60,000 km on average, and as early as 40,000 km for the most heavily used gearboxes: the 7-speed DSG on the Golf GTI/R and Audi S/RS models, the ZF 8HP on BMW M and Range Rover models, the PDK on the Porsche 911 and Cayenne, and Japanese CVTs.
A poorly maintained automatic gearbox first manifests as unpleasant symptoms: jerks when pulling away, abrupt gear changes, hesitation when downshifting, vibrations, or even slippage of the torque converter. On the Mediterranean coast, the combination of intense summer heat, the climbs up to L’Estaque or the Col de l’Espigoulier, and motorway journeys to Aix, Toulon or the Côte d’Azur puts a considerable strain on poorly maintained automatic transmissions. Heat is the number one enemy of ATF fluid.
In the long run, the cost can be very high. Replacing an automatic gearbox costs between €2,000 and €5,000, and considerably more for premium brands: expect to pay between €6,000 and €12,000 for a PDK, DKG or ZF 8HP gearbox in a high-end German car. A simple preventative fluid change costs a fraction of this amount and significantly extends the life of your transmission.

Automatic gearboxes accepted at the centre in Marseille
Our team in La Ciotat services all automatic transmissions compatible with the MotulEvo station, which covers more than 80 per cent of the European vehicle fleet. Whether your vehicle is fitted with a torque converter, dual-clutch or continuously variable transmission, we have the right fluid for your transmission.
Dual-clutch gearboxes
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DSG — Volkswagen, Skoda, Seat, Cupra (DQ200, DQ250, DQ381, DQ500)
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S tronic — Audi (DL382, DL501, DL382 quattro)
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PDK — Porsche 911, Cayman, Boxster, Cayenne, Panamera, Macan
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DKG — BMW M, M2, M3, M4, M5 (Getrag M DKG gearbox)
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EDC — Renault, Dacia, Alpine A110
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7G-DCT — Mercedes-Benz (A-Class, B-Class, CLA, GLA AMG)
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PowerShift — Ford Focus, Fiesta, Mondeo, Kuga, Galaxy
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TCT — Alfa Romeo Giulietta, Giulia, Stelvio, MiTo
Torque converter gearboxes
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Tiptronic — Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen Touareg
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EAT (EAT6, EAT8) — Peugeot, Citroën, DS, Opel (Stellantis Group)
Continuously variable transmissions
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Xtronic — Nissan Qashqai, X-Trail, Juke, Micra, Note
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e-CVT — Toyota and Lexus hybrid models (Yaris, Corolla, RAV4, Prius, CH-R, UX, NX)

FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Most manufacturers recommend an oil change every 60,000 km. For gearboxes under heavy use (dry 7-speed DSG, ZF 8HP on vehicles with over 250 ch, CVT), we recommend a shorter interval, around 40,000 to 50,000 km.
Yes, the MotulEvo machine is suitable for all transmission types: torque converter, dual-clutch (DSG, DCT, EDC, PDK) and continuously variable (CVT) gearboxes. The fluid used is selected in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Prices start from €499 including VAT at Shiftech Marseille (La Ciotat), including oil, all filters and the various new parts. The final price depends on your vehicle model, the type of gearbox (DSG, S tronic, PDK, EDC, EAT, CVT… ) and the amount of oil required. A personalised quote is provided free of charge before any work is carried out.
The entire procedure takes between 1½ and 2 hours. You can wait in our comfortable waiting room, or request a courtesy car so you can go about your business whilst the procedure is taking place.
All makes fitted with an automatic gearbox: Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Porsche, Ferrari, Peugeot, Citroën, Renault, DS, Volvo, Land Rover, Jaguar, Mini, Ford, Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, Subaru, Cupra, Seat, Skoda, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, and many more.
Your Shiftech centre in Marseille (La Ciotat)
- Address: Zone Athelia V, 390 Avenue des Rosiers, 13600 La Ciotat
- Telephone: 04 13 33 37 73
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday · 9.00 am–12.30 pm and 2.00 pm–6.00 pm · Closed on Sundays and Mondays
We welcome motorists from Marseille, La Ciotat, Cassis, Aubagne, Carnoux-en-Provence, Roquefort-la-Bédoule, Ceyreste, Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, Bandol, Sanary-sur-Mer, La Seyne-sur-Mer, Toulon, Aix-en-Provence, Gémenos, Vitrolles, Marignane, Salon-de-Provence, and more broadly from across the entire PACA region (Bouches-du-Rhône, Var, Vaucluse, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Hautes-Alpes, Alpes-Maritimes).
Our additional services in Marseille
Servicing your automatic gearbox often presents an opportunity to optimise your vehicle more broadly. Discover our other services at our La Ciotat centre:
→ Automatic gearbox remapping : Beyond routine servicing, we remap your automatic gearbox for faster gear changes, a higher torque capacity and a mapping tailored to your driving style. Particularly suitable for DSG, S tronic and PDK systems on sports and GT cars. → Automatic gearbox remapping
→ Stage 1, 2 and 3 engine remapping : Increased power and torque, optimised fuel consumption, E85 Flex-Fuel conversion on a dynamometer. We also offer services for motorbikes, including the S1000RR, Panigale and GSXR. → Shiftech Garage, Marseille
→ Car diagnostics and servicing: Multi-make electronic diagnostics, pre-service checks, reading of automatic gearbox and engine fault codes. → Engine and automatic gearbox diagnostic report

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