35K Service & 6MT Trans Fluid Question

**Jkysh** · 12-30-2015 03:46 PM

Hey everyone,

My car is in right now for the 35K service. I have supplied plenty of Motul 8100 Excess for the oil change, and have dropped it off overnight in order for the transmission fluid to be cold in preparation to flush it.

I was told when I dropped it off, that it is not "necessary" in terms of routine maintenance to flush this fluid, but I have also read great things regarding shift feel when this is done every 30/40k miles.

I have been reading that the OEM fluid is pretty pricy, and would like to avoid having to tack on another few hundred dollars to this service if i really dont need to flush it. At the same time, I do not mind paying a bit more if it will maintain my transmission. This is no longer my daily driver, and I would like to keep it as pristine as possible.

Any input? Should I give the okay to flush? Is it worth the extra $ when thinking about longevity and performance? Any input appreciated

**o1turbo30v** · 12-30-2015 07:00 PM

Manual transmissions do not require a fluid change, at least not below 100,000miles, you are being lied to, look in your manual for the 35k mile service you will see no mention of this. I think it's only vw/a3 haldex systems that require a fluid change every 35k miles and that's not a transmission fluid change.

**Jkysh** · 12-30-2015 07:18 PM

To be clear, I was the one who suggested flushing the fluid per some conversation I have had on this board. The dealership looked at me funny and essentially said that if I really want it done, they can do it although it will be somewhat pricey.

I am only still kicking this around because I have heard improved shifter feel is noticible after it is flushed. Along with seeing some before and after pictures of old fluid, I still dont see this hurting the car in the long run at all.

Any one else have any input?

**DGVR6** · 12-30-2015 07:21 PM

Ive done it at 30k.. Shifts were crisp and smooth after.

**roadawg** · 12-30-2015 07:22 PM

I had my trans fluid flushed at 50K. It is not necessary as per Audi's maintenance schedule, but after flushing the fluid the car shifts smoother, most notably when it is cold. The 1 > 2 shift when the car is cold is worlds better.

I don't think its a bad idea, and should make a noticeable difference.

**Vogz** · 12-31-2015 06:08 AM

Originally Posted by Jkysh

To be clear, I was the one who suggested flushing the fluid per some conversation I have had on this board. The dealership looked at me funny and essentially said that if I really want it done, they can do it although it will be somewhat pricey.

I am only still kicking this around because I have heard improved shifter feel is noticible after it is flushed. Along with seeing some before and after pictures of old fluid, I still dont see this hurting the car in the long run at all.

Any one else have any input?

You're not going to hurt anything and upgrading the fluid should make shifts smoother. That said, I wouldn't let the dealer do it, especially if they told you it's going to be expensive. It basically consists of draining the old fluid and refilling with an oil pump. Should take less than an hour for any competent mechanic. I've completed many MT fluid changes in a bunch of different cars over the year and upgrading to a better fluid almost always yields better shifting.

**nbooks** · 12-31-2015 08:27 AM

What fluid is everyone swapping to? I just bought my s with 60k on it and am in the process of trying to determine if it needs a clutch or not...figured fluid would be a good place to start.

Think I'm trying to pick between the two motul offerings.

**Vogz** · 12-31-2015 09:01 AM

I'm partial to Redline. I've used it for years and had very good results.

**blbroo** · 12-31-2015 10:22 AM

I've heard that redline has some issues during winter in cold climates. I flushed mine at 96,000 miles recently and used Fuchs (rmeuropean). The old fluid wasn't horrible, but after doing the trans and diff, the slight whine I was hearing at low load is completely gone. Also, have had no issues with shifting in freezing temps lately.

Both the trans and diff are easy. If you can turn an allen wrench and work a fluid hand pump, you can do this.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...1#post11251726

**nbooks** · 12-31-2015 12:41 PM

Not a fan of redline personally, used to run it in saabs years ago that had issues keeping gearboxes together but thats it. I run amsoil in my evo track car and my s2000. I went with motul engine oil since its on the approved by audi list, don't know how strict they are on gear oil for warranty stuff?

**EHesh14** · 12-31-2015 12:47 PM

Originally Posted by blbroo

I've heard that redline has some issues during winter in cold climates. I flushed mine at 96,000 miles recently and used Fuchs (rmeuropean). The old fluid wasn't horrible, but after doing the trans and diff, the slight whine I was hearing at low load is completely gone. Also, have had no issues with shifting in freezing temps lately.

Both the trans and diff are easy. If you can turn an allen wrench and work a fluid hand pump, you can do this.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...1#post11251726

I just ordered some motul gear 300 since it is so ridiculously difficult to get my shifter into reverse when its cold. I mean use all of my strength to barely have it to push down with the redline

**nbooks** · 12-31-2015 01:24 PM

Yeah that's also part of the issues I have but on oem fluid (I assume) I just can't really find anything to help me decide between gear 300 and motylgear.

**Vogz** · 01-01-2016 12:23 AM

Originally Posted by blbroo

I've heard that redline has some issues during winter in cold climates. I flushed mine at 96,000 miles recently and used Fuchs (rmeuropean). The old fluid wasn't horrible, but after doing the trans and diff, the slight whine I was hearing at low load is completely gone. Also, have had no issues with shifting in freezing temps lately.

Both the trans and diff are easy. If you can turn an allen wrench and work a fluid hand pump, you can do this.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...1#post11251726

I've had fantastic results with redline down to -20F.

**draekin13** · 01-01-2016 11:10 AM

I just did the 35k and my independent Audi shop didn't mention trans fluid flush, however he also knows that come spring I will be upgrading to stage 2 clutch so that may be why he didn't bother.

**jimrobbington** · 01-01-2016 08:59 PM

Originally Posted by Vogz

I've had fantastic results with redline down to -20F.

I can't recall the brand, but I also had some issues in cold weather with aftermarket fluid in my b7 6mt. It was a bitch to shift in the cold. If I were to do it again, I'd go OEM.

OP, I did my fluids at 100k, and even then, it wasn't even recommended.