DL382 - DL501 - DL382 quattro - 100% new oil - 0% residues
S tronic gearbox change: MotulEvo process at Shiftech centres
The S tronic gearbox is the Audi name for the Volkswagen Group's dual-clutch transmission (DSG). It has been fitted to virtually every Audi with an automatic gearbox since 2003, from the modest A1 to the legendary R8, including the entire RS, S and quattro range. It's a high-performance but demanding gearbox, requiring rigorous maintenance to preserve its legendary driveability. At Shiftech, we offer a complete oil change for all S tronic variants using the MotulEvo process, at our facilities in France, Belgium, Luxembourg and La Réunion.
Why does the S tronic absolutely need an oil change?
Contrary to what many Audi dealerships and car centres still claim, the S tronic gearbox is not "lubricated for life". This is one of the most costly myths for owners of the Audi A3, S3, RS3, A4, A6, Q3, Q5, TT and even the R8 V8/V10.
Audi officially recommends an oil change for the S tronic:
- Every 60,000 km for oil-bath S tronic (DL382, DL501)
- Every 40,000 km under severe conditions: city driving, sporty driving, towing, unlimited German motorways, etc
On the 7-speed S tronic, which equips the majority of the modern fleet, the oil and filter must be checked and replaced according to this schedule - without exception.
The symptoms of a tired S tronic are characteristic and recognisable:
- noticeable jerking at low speeds, particularly in 1st and 2nd gear
- Hesitations when downshifting in sport or tip modes
- Loss of steering wheel paddle comfort
- Spontaneous activation of limp mode
- Engine or gearbox warning light on the instrument cluster
- Shock felt when engaging reverse gear
- On the RS3 and RS Q3: abnormally slow launch control
The cost of a new or rebuilt S tronic gearbox: between €4,500 and €9,000 depending on the model and variant (the DL501 quattro being the most expensive). compare this with the starting price of €499 for a MotulEvo preventive oil change.
The MotulEvo process applied to S tronic
1Cleaning and rinsing
2Draining and rinsing with Motul Transmission Clean additive
3Replacing filters and seals
4Dynamic fluid exchange via the MotulEvo station
5Final check and adaptation
Our Audi automatic gearbox intervention follows a rigorous 5-step protocol, identical for all DL382 and DL501 variants:
1. Preliminary electronic diagnosis Reading of the faults stored on the S tronic mechatronics, checking of the operating temperature, checking of the adaptive clutch values (essential on S tronic 7 where the discs are particularly stressed). If a serious fault is detected, we will inform you before any work is carried out.
2. Draining and rinsing with Motul Transmission Clean additive Circulation of a detergent additive that removes old oil deposits, friction particles from the clutches and varnish from the sump and hydraulic lines. essential on S tronic models with more than 80,000 km.
3. Replacement of filters and seals: Next, the filters and seals are replaced with new ones to ensure that the gearbox runs smoothly and that the new oil flows smoothly.
4. dynamic fluid exchange via the MotulEvo station The machine replaces 100% of the used oil with new Motul oil in a closed circuit, in compliance with Audi manufacturer standards (G 052 182, G 055 529 depending on the variant). A manual gravity drain only replaces 60-65% of the fluid. The quantity injected is precisely that recommended by Audi for your variant (6 to 8 L depending on the model).
5. Final check and adjustment Reset the gearbox's adaptive values if necessary, check the exact level at operating temperature (the S tronic level is very sensitive to temperature and varies according to DL382 / DL501), road test or bench test depending on the centre.
S tronic oil change prices
from €499 including tax in our Shiftech centres, including :
- Motul S tronic oil
- New S tronic filter(s)
- Motul Transmission Clean additive
- Labour
- Pre-intervention electronic diagnosis and post-intervention validation
S tronic gearboxes serviced and flushed at Shiftech
The S tronic has undergone several technical evolutions since its launch in 2003. At Shiftech, we work on all variants.
Audi compact and city cars (8X, 8P, 8V, 8Y, etc.)
S tronic is fitted to the entire Audi compact range, from the A1 (8X and GB with 1.4 TFSI, 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TDI) to the sporty RS3 (8VA and 8Y, Sportback and Saloon, up to 400 bhp). In between, we find the entire A3 range (8P, 8V, 8Y, all petrol and diesel versions) as well as the S3 (8P, 8V, 8Y). On the small SUV side, the automatic version of the Q2 and the SQ2 (300 bhp quattro) are also equipped with this transmission.
Audi saloons and estate cars (B8, B9, 8T, F5, etc.)
On saloons, S tronic is fitted to the A4 B8 and B9 in all their variants (petrol, diesel, mild hybrid), the sporty S4 B8/B9 and the spirited RS4 B8/B9 (only Avant, 450 bhp quattro). The entire A5 family is covered (Sportback, Coupé and Cabriolet, all generations), along with its S5 (8T and F5) and RS5 (8T and F5, Coupé and Sportback) derivatives. In the top segment, S tronic is fitted to the A6 C7 and C8 (Saloon, Avant and Allroad), the S6 (C7, C8) and the formidable RS6 (C7, C8, Avant and Avant Performance - up to 700 bhp on the RS6 GT). The A7 Sportback range (4G and C8), the S7 (C8) and the RS7 (4G8 and C8) complete this category.
Sporty and exotic Audi Coupes (8J, 8S)
The TT range (8J and 8S, all versions) is fully equipped with S tronic, as is its sporty TTS version (8J, 8S, 310 bhp quattro) and the legendary TT RS (8J, 8S, 400 bhp 5-cylinder). Both generations of the R8(Type 42 and Type 4S) use an R8-specific DL501, which requires special treatment.
Audi SUVs (8U, F3, FY, etc.)
In the compact SUV segment, S tronic is available on the Q3 (8U and F3, including the Sportback version) and the sporty RS Q3 (8U, F3). The Q5 (8R and FY, SUV and Sportback) and its SQ5 variant (8R, FY, both petrol and TDI) also benefit from this gearbox. In the top-of-the-range segment, the Q7 4M (all petrol and diesel versions) and the SQ7 4M (TDI 435 bhp and V8 TFSI 507 bhp) are equipped with S tronic. Finally, the large Q8 4M (all versions), the SQ8 4M and the RS Q8 4M twin-turbo V8 (600 bhp) round off the range.
it should be noted that the 100% electric models in the range (e-tron, Q4 e-tron, Q6 e-tron, Q8 e-tron) are equipped with a 1 or 2-speed transmission and are therefore not affected by S tronic.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about BVA S tronic
Starting from €499 incl. VAT, all-inclusive (Motul S tronic transmission oil, filters, additive, labor, and diagnostics). The final price depends on your gearbox variant (DL382 or DL501) and your vehicle model. For RS6, R8, or Q7/Q8 models, expect a slightly higher price due to the larger oil capacity. Free personalized quote available.
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.
Exclusively Motul fluids specifically approved S tronic, complying with VW standards G 052 182, G 052 529, G 055 529, G 055 540 depending on the variant and year of your vehicle. On the RS and R8, a high-performance fluid is preferred.
Allow between 1.5 and 2 hours for a standard DL382 transmission service. For a DL501 gearbox (RS6, R8, Q7), expect between 2 and 2.5 hours due to the larger oil capacity and more complex access.
Yes, at each of our Shiftech centres. You can book an appointment via our online form or by calling the centre of your choice directly.
If your S tronic is showing signs of fatigue (à-knocks, sluggish paddles, hésitation), a MotulEvo oil change can often restore a significant part of the original agrément by éliminating wear particles and completely reénoving the hydraulic pressures of the mécatronics. Many of our Audi customers are surprised at how much more active they are after a preventive oil change
A preliminary electronic diagnosis will identify whether an oil change will suffice or whether more extensive work is required (e.g. changing the electronics, clutch plates, etc.). We are transparent: if we feel that an oil change will not solve your problem, we will make this clear to you before any work is carried out
Yes, the R8-specific DL501 is compatible with the MotulEvo process, with a fluid adapted to its mid-engine configuration. This is a procedure we carry out regularly, particularly in our Bordeaux, Lyon, Paris and Luxembourg centres where the R8 / RS Q8 customer is represented.
All Audi models equipped with an S tronic transmission since 2003 are eligible, including the A1, A3, S3, RS3, A4 through RS6, A5 through RS7, Q2 through RS Q8, TT, TTS, TT RS, and R8. Fully electric models (e-tron, Q4 e-tron, etc.) use single-speed or two-speed transmissions and are therefore not covered by this service.
Other automatic gearboxes treated at Shiftech
The MotulEvo method and our expertise in automatic transmissions extend well beyond the S tronic. If your vehicle is not equipped with an S tronic gearbox, find out more about our services dedicated to other transmissions:
DSG gearbox drain The S tronic's cousin gearbox, fitted to all Volkswagen, Skoda, Seat and Cupra models with automatic transmissions. Same technical base, virtually identical fluid, same DQ200/DQ250/DQ381/DQ500 variants.
EDC gearbox drain The Getrag dual-clutch gearbox from the Renault group: Clio, Mégane, Captur, Kadjar, Arkana, Austral, Dacia Duster, Alpine A110. A mass-market transmission that benefits fully from MotulEvo oil change.
Our other services at Shiftech
DSG / S tronic / PDK reprogramming Faster gearshifts, increased permissible torque, bespoke mapping developed in-house for over 15 years. → Reprogram your automatic gearbox
Stage 1, 2, 3 engine reprogramming Particularly suitable for Golf GTI/R, Audi S3/RS3, Cupra Formentor, Skoda Octavia RS. → Shiftech engine reprogramming
MotulEvo oil change (other gearboxes) The MotulEvo method also applies to [PDK Porsche], [DKG BMW M], [ZF 8HP BMW/Range Rover], [EAT Stellantis], [e-CVT Toyota Lexus]... → All our BVA maintenance services
