The Audi DL382 7 Speed S-Tronic (DSG) transmission is a bit more complex than your average transmission. Most VW/Audi DSG transmissions utilize a single fluid and filter. Depending on the configuration, the DL382 can use up to a total of three different fluids and three DSG filters.
Since this transmission is more complex than normal, it's easy to get confused when servicing it. This is mostly because of the three separate fluid sections. You must take care to make sure that you are filling the correct section with the correct fluid. Due to this complexity, we've put together this guide to make it easier to identify each of the different sections, their purpose and related service information.
Vehicle Models/Generations Covered:
- 2017-2025 Audi B9/B9.5 A4
- 2017-2025 Audi B9/B9.5 Audi A4 Allroad
- 2018-2024 Audi B9/B9.5 Audi A5
- 2019+ Audi C8 A6
- 2019+ Audi C8 A6 Allroad
- 2019+ Audi C8 A7
DSG Section
The DSG section houses all of the solenoids and valves that operate and actuate all of the gear shifting. This section must be filled with DSG fluid. The service interval for the DSG fluid is 40k miles. The typical amount of fluid that you'll need for this section is about 3.5 liters.
This section also houses the three main transmission filters:
Low Pressure Filter
Audi's service literature does not call for the low pressure filter to be replaced when changing the fluid. However, this filter will get dirty and eventually require replacement. We recommend replacing it on the third fluid service, or at around 120k miles.
High Pressure Filter
The high pressure filter also does not have an official service interval. We recommend replacing it along with the low pressure filter at about 120k miles.
Suction Filter
Audi does not list a service interval for this filter and considers it to be a lifetime part. However, we do recommend replacing it along with the other filters. We feel that the best time to service the suction filter is at 120k miles when replacing the other two DSG filters in the transmission.
DSG Section Fluids, Filters and Gaskets:
- DSG Fluid
- Fluid and Low Pressure Filter Service Kit
- Low Pressure Filter
- High Pressure Filter
- Suction Filter
- Transmission Pan Gasket
Febi Bilstein also sells a kit that contains all of the filters and a transmission pan gasket:
DSG Section Hardware
Several of the bolts that are used in the DL382 transmission are designed to only be tightened once. Many of them are also located inside the transmission assembly where a bolt backing out can cause catastrophic damage. Whether you're attempting to service your transmission yourself or just need the hardware to have a shop do it for you, we've put together a complete hardware kit that includes every bolt needed for this service.
It's also important to note that there are very specific torque specs and sequences that must be followed when installing new hardware into this transmission. Failure to do this properly could result in a bolt backing out within the hydraulic section of your transmission, which can damage it beyond repair.
- N10739402 Mechatronic Unit Mounting Bolts
Mounts the mechatronic unit to the transmission
Install by hand, Torque to 8 Nm + 120° Additional Turn -
N10787901 High Pressure Housing Bolts
Mounts the high pressure filter housing to the mechatronic unit
Install by hand, Torque to 8 Nm + 90° Additional Turn -
N10787901 Low Pressure Housing Bolts
Mounts the high pressure filter housing to the mechatronic unit
Install by hand, Torque to 8 Nm + 60° Additional Turn -
N10787701 Suction Filter Bolts
Mounts the suction filter to the mechatronic unit
Install by hand, Torque to 8 Nm + 60° Additional Turn - N91126101 Transmission Cooler Mounting Bracket Bolts
Mounts the transmission cooler to the transmission
Install by hand, Torque to 3 Nm + 60° Additional Turn - N10156207 Transmission Pan Bolts
Mounts the transmission pan to the transmission
Install by hand, Torque to 8 Nm + 90° Additional Turn
Please note that while servicing most of these filters is a fairly straight-forward process, doing things properly will take several hours. We highly recommend taking pictures and/or video as you remove components and hardware as you move through the disassembly process. There is a lot of hardware involved, so taking the time to label your hardware will save you a lot of headache in the long run. You will need to remove the front subframe from the vehicle in order to remove the DSG transmission pan, so having access to a good lift system is key to performing this service.
MTF (Gearbox) Section
The MTF section is often referred to as the gearbox because it houses the actual gears, synchros and shift forks of the transmission. This section must be filled with MTF fluid.
Audi technically does not have a service interval for replacing the MTF fluid in the DL382 transmission and considers it to be a lifetime fluid. Our recommendation is to replace the fluid every 80k miles. This would mean changing the MTF fluid at every other DSG fluid change interval. The total fluid capacity of this section is 3.8 liters.
MTF Service Kit:
AWD Clutch Section
The AWD clutch section is located at the end or tail of the transmission if the vehicle is equipped with the Quattro Ultra all wheel drive system. This clutch is what engages and disengages the transmission from the main driveshaft. When engaged, the vehicle will be in AWD mode. When it is disengaged, the vehicle will be in FWD mode for better fuel economy. This section uses roughly 1 liter of transfer case fluid when performing a normal service.
If you have a FWD Audi with the DL382 transmission, or a vehicle equipped with the Torsen differential based Quattro system, you will not have this section as part of your transmission. Torsen based Quattro systems will have a differential/transfer case here instead.
Audi has a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that recommends flushing this fluid if you start to experience noise or binding while turning. To perform this flush you will simply need to drain the original fluid, fill the AWD clutch section with 0.36L of new fluid, drive the vehicle and let it cool down. Next you simply need to drive the vehicle to bring the fluid up to temp, drain the AWD clutch section and fill it with fresh fluid while also replacing the drain and fill plugs. You will also need VCDS/VAG-COM or ODIS to load the new basic settings for the AWD clutch once the final fill service has been performed.
Technically, there is no service interval for this section. However, we highly recommend servicing this section every 40k miles to avoid any potential binding issues that may occur due to worn clutches. This preventative maintenance is a relatively low price to pay to avoid having to replace the rather expensive AWD clutch pack assembly if it fails.
AWD Clutch Service Kit:
Torsen Based Quattro Front Differential Section
Vehicles that aren't equipped with Quattro Ultra have a front differential section. This section shares it's fluid with the MTF section of the transmission. Because of this, you only need to change the fluid in the MTF section to service it.
Ultimate DL382 Transmission Service Kit
If you're looking to service every section of your DL382 transmission the right way, we've put together a complete service kit just for you. Our DL382 Ultimate Service Kit includes every single filter, fluid, gasket, o-ring, drain plug and piece of hardware required to completely service an Audi DL382 7-speed DSG transmission. Whether you're looking to DIY your transmission service or have another shop do it for you, this kit has literally everything you need.
Maintenance Schedule
To ensure a smooth operating DL382 transmission, we recommend following the maintenance schedule below. If your vehicle isn't equipped with Quattro Ultra, you can ignore the AWD clutch services.
- 40k Miles - DSG Fluid and AWD Clutch Fluid Service
- 80k Miles - DSG Fluid Service, AWD Clutch Fluid Service and MTF Fluid Service
- 120k Miles - DSG Fluid and Filter Replacement Service, AWD Clutch Fluid Service
- 160k Miles - DSG Fluid Service, AWD Clutch Fluid Service and MTF Fluid Service
- 200k Miles - DSG Fluid and AWD Clutch Fluid Service
- 240k Miles - DSG Fluid and Filter Replacement Service, AWD Clutch Fluid Service and MTF Fluid Service