Transmission service scam?

Question

My 2009 Tiguan has reached 40,000 miles and I called the dealer to find out how much the checkup was going to cost now that they weren't doing it for free. $550 -- holy s**t!

But then he tells me that the transmissionneeds to have a $350 service done to it or the 60,000 mile power train warranty won't be honored. I've looked through all the service and warranty booklets that came with the car and I don't see any mention of this needing to be done.

Is this service really required or is he just trying to improve the dealers bottom line?

Nate Nagel · Accepted Answer

I have no idea, but IMHO any automatic transmission should get a fluid and filter change around 50K miles or so if you plan on keeping the vehicle for a long time.nate

LG · Answer

If it has the DSG, it has to have a fluid and filter done every 40K.

Krak · Answer

What fluid does it have to have changed? The DSG acts like an automatic gearbox but it is not one. It is a relatively standard gearbox except that it has two automatically changing clutches and a somewhat different gear train. But no fluid, other than the standard oil.

There is no mention of a 60,000 mile service in my paperwork, are you dealing with a bona fide VW garage? Why not ask for an estimate from another dealer??

br Krak

David.Smith · Answer

My DSG box had to have the "service" at 40K too. It was an oil and filter change and cost £180.  The oil and filter were £58 and £9 respectively.Then there was the cam belt change with tensioners etc at 4 years.Expensive this modern car owning lark!Dave

LG · Answer

The DSG fluid has a whole bunch of additives in it to do its magic. The bottles even have expiration dates printed on them. The cam belt should have been done at about 120K.

David.Smith · Answer

I was told 80K for the cam belts or 4 years, which ever came first.When I had an Alfa, I think the hand book said 72K miles, but Alfa brought that down to 36K.  Mine were changed at 32K as they were showing signs of deteriation.  I would rather change early than have then break at high speed.  But 32K is a bit off.I still prefer the old duplex or triplex cam CHAIN!  They may have been a bit noisier, but with a diesel, a slight increase in engine noise probably would be drowned out anyway!In the old days!!! if you could hear the cam chain, it was time to change it.I think some manufacturers are returning to chains!Dave

Stuart H. · Answer

I had a 1969 Alfa Berlina 1750 that disabled itself by having the cam chain hop a couple of teeth years ago.

My Canadian spec Tiguan (back on topic) does NOT have DSG but Tiptronic transmission. It is the Comfortline all-wheel drive approximately equivalent to the SEL in the US.

Stuart H.

Krak · Answer

So how did it work out? Did you find somewhere cheaper?

Transmission service scam?

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