John Mason

16 hours ago, The Babbling Ferret said:

Well, the auto box service kit costs around £260-340, depending from where you buy it. 

The rear diff oils (there are two types to be used for the SQ5 with the sports diff. The ATF fluid side is clearly marked. If you mix the oil up, it’ll knacker your diff!!) should be around £80, and an easy job. 

Not sure about the front  

 

That doesn't sound like it would be genuine ZF transmission oil for that price?

34 minutes ago, Magnet said:

This is not unique to Audi John, but I think it’s fair to say that the consensus of opinion is don’t treat it as if it never needs servicing. If you do, it could be at your peril. 
Where does the £1000 figure come from, and have you sought alternative quotes from other independents?

Kind regards,

Gareth. 

Hi Gareth

Have had 2 quotes now from independents, both about the same on parts - oil about £500, pan, filter and gaskets about £300, + labour

One quote was from a gearbox specialist, he also quoted a further £300 ish for diff and transfer oil change at the same time!

That quote was coming in at about £1500 - ouch!

1 hour ago, Mark M. said:

Interestingly, I can't see anywhere that ZF give any mileage recommendations. All they say is that -

 

ZF automatic transmissions are filled with specially developed semi-synthetic oils. At very high operating temperatures, the oil ages faster than under normal conditions. Examples:  Many trips at high speeds  Many trips while towing a trailer  Sporty driving

 

https://aftermarket.zf.com/en/aftermarket-portal/our-catalog/search-by-vehicle/#/

https://aftermarket.zf.com/app/controller/ti/download/Binary/22f16dae-c571-11ec-a2e7-00505690da53.pdf

Hi Mark, thanks for posting 

I just tried navigating the ZF site from your link to try and find some more detail, almost impossible to find any more information!

I will email or call them direct to finalise this conundrum!

12 minutes ago, The Babbling Ferret said:

Audi are talking a load of balls. Listen to the box manufacturer.

No confusion. It’s crystal clear.  It needs servicing within those guidelines expressed by ZF. 

Do you have a ZF8 auto transmission in your vehicle? Yes. 

Therefore……….simples! 

Thanks Ferret, that's quite persuasive!

1 hour ago, Leveret said:

I beg to differ.  Garages have a vested interest in advising over-cautious maintenance work.  You do have something to lose if such work is carried out badly - or unnecessarily.  I have read expert advice that disturbing the innards of, say, the ubiquitous ZF HP 6 box can cause filtered particles to go where they shouldn't - and cause problems soon after the unnecessary oil change.  Unless it has been used harshly and arduously, it should last the life of the car.  If it works, don't mend it!  I would follow the advice of ZF rather than a provincial Audi garage. 

Thanks for posting, this has now added even more confusion to the topic! 

Audi state no service required but ZF recommend an oil and filter change! 

I really don't want to be spending north of £1000 to have it done properly but also want to avoid any potential issues in the future - maybe I should contact ZF directly to get a definitive answer?

Thanks for everyone's input in this very grey area!

Hi Cliff, thanks for your reply, I think for piece of mind I will get the gearbox serviced, I am still confused as to why Audi state that the oil doesn't need replacing, surely oil and filters will always have an expected lifespan?

Good morning I am new to this forum so would first like to say hello to all you members!

I am posting about the 2014 Sq5 gearbox, Audi claim it is a sealed unit and doesn't need servicing, but I am getting mixed opinions as to whether or not this does/doesn't need an oil and filter change ?

The car has done 98000 miles and I would much appreciate any feedback or experience with this 'grey' area!

Many thanks, John