[arcticWolf7]

So this is something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately because it’s getting a bit too coincidental for my liking. I drive a 2017 Golf R and my best mate has a 2016 S3, so essentially the same car underneath with the same DQ381 DSG transmission, and we’ve both started experiencing similar issues around the same time. His car has started doing this weird hesitation when pulling away from junctions, like the clutch engages but then slips for a split second before properly grabbing, and mine has developed a really harsh 1-2 shift when the gearbox is cold. We’ve both got similar mileage, around 75,000 kilometers, and we both drive our cars fairly enthusiastically but nothing crazy, no track days or launches or anything like that. It’s got me wondering whether there’s a fundamental design issue with these gearboxes that causes them to wear prematurely, or whether we’ve just both been unlucky. I’ve been reading through various forums and it seems like DSG issues are actually pretty common on these models once they get past 60-70k, with people reporting everything from mechatronic failures to clutch pack wear to software issues. I’m thinking I should probably get mine looked at by someone who really knows these transmissions inside out, and I’ve seen a place that offers Expert Audi DSG gearbox repair service in Abu Dhabi, so I might take it there rather than trusting a general garage that might not have the specific expertise. Has anyone else noticed that these DQ381 boxes seem to have a tendency to develop issues at a certain mileage, or is it just that people only post about problems so it seems more common than it actually is? I’m trying to figure out whether I should be proactive and get it serviced and checked, or whether I’m just being paranoid and the cars are actually fine. Would be really interested to hear from other owners of similar age and mileage cars.

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