ZF Gearbox Service DORTMUND!

[invisiblewave]

I know this has been asked in the past, but is there any resource in North America who might do something similar? It would be an incredible service to access, within driving distance of course.

I've done extensive online searching for ZF facilities in the US with no success. They're all wholesale-type part suppliers as far as I can tell, none of the ones listed on the ZF site appear to do any actual servicing.

[Jxander]

I've done extensive online searching for ZF facilities in the US with no success. They're all wholesale-type part suppliers as far as I can tell, none of the ones listed on the ZF site appear to do any actual servicing.

I did same and also no success.

Jim X

[invisiblewave]

I've made a definite decision to get it done at the dealer before my warranty expires. Just have to decide which dealer!

[Itzmann]

I had never read this thread until today. Very entertaining, on the one hand, and very disappointing in the other that people in Europe can do a maintenance that is apparently not recommended/documented/trained for in the U.S. Doing a mere fluid change in the U.S. will certainly not cover the mechatronic maintenance/rebuild.

Does anyone know if the W12 gearbox has a radiator similar to the one that was found dirty on Englishphaeton's V10? Should I ask that it be cleaned?

I had totally forgotten about the 20,000 mi transmission fluid replacement that was mentioned in this forum several years ago and for which I just downloaded the official flyer. My VW dealer did not mention this at the 60,000 maintenance we just did a few weeks ago!

Furthermore, the service technician said he's never done it because when he recommended it to some of his clients no one took it and so he's stopped bringing it up.

This is so screwed up. Anyway, since I just dropped the car for A/C service, they'll look into this now. They'll send me a $ quote.

Finally, can someone please explain why this required for W12 and not for V8? This is not an idle question –I have the V8 Touareg that has the same 4.2L engine and a 6-gear transmission that is possibly similar to V8 Phaeton.

[Paximus]

Itzmann
...Does anyone know if the W12 gearbox has a radiator similar to the one that was found dirty on Englishphaeton's V10? Should I ask that it be cleaned?

The 5HP24A gearbox on the W12 doesn't have that radiator referred to on the V10.

There's a little discussion on the W12 ATF change in this thread: W12 Service Bulletin (Transmission Fluid Change every 20K miles)

Cheers,
Chris

[perfrej]

About the 20kmiles fluid change in W12... My owners manual's maintainence schedule clearly states that transmission fluid should be changed every 30000 km. It also mentions the interval for V8 transmissions, while the V6 TDI is mentioned as "filled for life".

Now, this is for a 2006. What's in the US version of the maintainence schedule?

p

[Zaphh]

Now that's interesting: I never saw a schedule for transmission oil change for a V8 other than it's for the life of the car...

What is the schedule for the V8 per the manual ?

[Jxander]

Finally, can someone please explain why this required for W12 and not for V8? This is not an idle question –I have the V8 Touareg that has the same 4.2L engine and a 6-gear transmission that is possibly similar to V8 Phaeton.

I believe the Touareg 6 speed automatic is Japanese built by Aisin as opposed to our ZFs in the Phaeton. However, I think most enthusiasts recommend a periodic change for this transmission as well. They are prone to valve bodies failing.

Jim X

[perfrej]

Now that's interesting: I never saw a schedule for transmission oil change for a V8 other than it's for the life of the car...

What is the schedule for the V8 per the manual ?

I'm currently on an ice-breaker (at quay) and will be back home tomorrow evening. I'll scan the German manual that I have for MY2006 and even translate for you all It has the intervals for V8 and W12 in it if I remember correctly.

/p

[Itzmann]

Anyway, since I just dropped the car for A/C service, they'll look into this now. They'll send me a $ quote.

$575 for replacing the transmission oil at the 60,000 mile service.
And the fun thing is that now that now that this is a service item, by skipping on it, the extended warranty would have grounds to deny a claim on a transmission failure.

On the other hand, I did do the 60,000 mile service at 50,000. And Shiva-like, on yet another hand... I did not do the transmission oil at 40,000.

[Golodkin]

Yesterday, I had my GP1’s V6 tdi transmission fluid changed + mechatronic maintenance at ZF’s.
As wouterjansen60 had his appointment the same day, we kept a mini Lowlands GTG over lunch on a Dortmunder terrace.

All went very fine, both our cars got the “Herr Sagert Control Stamp”, we both had to pay the same amount (416 EUR = $ 530) and both our P. shift and drive noticeably smoother.

[invisiblewave]

You lot don't know how lucky you are to have access to this facility!!!

The latest discussion with the latest dealer got me nowhere. Their techs say to leave it alone, despite what I've told them about what ZF recommend. They say they'll do it if I insist, but that if something goes wrong afterwards the warranty may not cover it because the flush wasn't recommended by VW!!!

[Paximus]

That's ridiculous! Would they disclaim the warranty if the engine oil was changed in between the Service Now warnings as well?!

[invisiblewave]

What they're saying is that it's not part of the VW recommended maintenance. I also called the PCC line and they said the same thing, there's no service schedule for changing the ATF.

Point taken though, it is, indeed, ridiculous.

[Paximus]

So if an ATF cooler line became snagged on holiday in another state and you had to have an ATF service because of loss of fluid (not claimed on warranty of course, no time to get prior approval), that would safeguard the gearbox warranty?

[DBadged]

I have been dbadged since buying a V10 with8000mls 6 years ago first reg; to Bentley.Could'nt sell em so probably given to their poncy salesmen.Had 850R estate -most saw it as oldmans estate -won british touring then banned.I love my V10 nobody knows what it is. I tell um its a passet on steroids its really on speed.Nothing to touch it. ULTIMATE QQCAR. Before u ask i was debagged 37 years ago this Nov.This is my first time on a comduter an ipad spent the last 5 days looking at phaetons.Took me 4 goes to register on this site & seriously worth it.Scared of computers crazy when i'm so into fine engineering. hence the ultimate A PHAETON. There is some real -rap out there but this site is fantastic.Thankyou all very much for inputs i've learnt so much , especially Stu i'm booked to see Herr Sagert end of Oct. Jon

[EnglishPhaeton]

I have been dbadged since buying a V10 with8000mls 6 years ago first reg; to Bentley.Could'nt sell em so probably given to their poncy salesmen.Had 850R estate -most saw it as oldmans estate -won british touring then banned.I love my V10 nobody knows what it is. I tell um its a passet on steroids its really on speed.Nothing to touch it. ULTIMATE QQCAR. Before u ask i was debagged 37 years ago this Nov.This is my first time on a comduter an ipad spent the last 5 days looking at phaetons.Took me 4 goes to register on this site & seriously worth it.Scared of computers crazy when i'm so into fine engineering. hence the ultimate A PHAETON. There is some real -rap out there but this site is fantastic.Thankyou all very much for inputs i've learnt so much , especially Stu i'm booked to see Herr Sagert end of Oct. Jon

Welcome Jon,

you don't need to be afraid here!! However for someone so scared of computers the Phaeton isn't the obvious choice

The V10 is indeed a very fine QCar, I am sure that Herr Sagert will look after you and your car, he is becoming something of a cult figure here!

One question Jon, where are you located? It REALLY is helpful if/when you require help.

Regards
Stu

[Prince Ludwig]

Before u ask i was debagged 37 years ago this Nov

Debagging



Seriously, though, welcome to the forum

Harry

[EnglishPhaeton]

Debagging



Seriously, though, welcome to the forum

Harry

Harry,

probably went to the same public school as you......

Stu

[DBadged]

Harry,

probably went to the same public school as you......

Stu

Public school my ass Bath Tech: Proud Somerset Cider Drinker

[Prince Ludwig]

Stu,

I may have been to public school but I didn't board so missed out on many of the usual pleasures of such institutions

H

[EnglishPhaeton]

Stu,

I may have been to public school but I didn't board so missed out on many of the usual pleasures of such institutions

H

It's good being English (British)!


Stu

[DBadged]

Stu.
Good to be a Brit ? Not if u want VW Dealer advice for a Phaeton.Could be worse .Having spent 4days on vwvortex gladto be driving my V10 here & not in USA.Re computers & Phaetons -I did use a PC 6 years ago with help to research Phaetons & saw enough from owners to realise this is a very special car. 78000 trouble free miles untill hammering through France on way to Millau.Another fantastic engineering feat.A pleasure to drive German excellence over under & around French English awesome construction. Hit a heatwave still drove hard -started to get lumpy gearchanges in1&2. Back in Mendips Somerset -up on ramp in mates garage -trany oil low - took 1L to top up.After 2 years of Phaeton techs.always serviced &repaired ourselves.A little knowledge is abad thing.65miles later in Poole & warm box is playing up again.Hence the ipad & this new wealth of facts.Now in Jersey will hardly use car untill i go to Dortmund in 6 weeks -unsure of atf compatability.St Malo only 75mins away.Wondering if French VW techs more tuned in or maybe German VW garages inDortmund or Essen or Dusseldorf. Any advice greatly received. Jon.

[EnglishPhaeton]

Stu.
Good to be a Brit ? Not if u want VW Dealer advice for a Phaeton.Could be worse .Having spent 4days on vwvortex gladto be driving my V10 here & not in USA.Re computers & Phaetons -I did use a PC 6 years ago with help to research Phaetons & saw enough from owners to realise this is a very special car. 78000 trouble free miles untill hammering through France on way to Millau.Another fantastic engineering feat.A pleasure to drive German excellence over under & around French English awesome construction. Hit a heatwave still drove hard -started to get lumpy gearchanges in1&2. Back in Mendips Somerset -up on ramp in mates garage -trany oil low - took 1L to top up.After 2 years of Phaeton techs.always serviced &repaired ourselves.A little knowledge is abad thing.65miles later in Poole & warm box is playing up again.Hence the ipad & this new wealth of facts.Now in Jersey will hardly use car untill i go to Dortmund in 6 weeks -unsure of atf compatability.St Malo only 75mins away.Wondering if French VW techs more tuned in or maybe German VW garages inDortmund or Essen or Dusseldorf. Any advice greatly received. Jon.

Jon,

you MUST ONLY use ZF Lifeguard 6 in your transmission, this is made by Shell and is available in the UK but I have lost the Shell details (sorry). Lifeguard 6 is available from VW dealers (and probably Landrover dealers cheaper).

Try and get under the car (as a matter of some urgency) and check the transmission fluid radiator, it may well be blocked up and causing the fluid to overheat. Mine did this and then fried itself, resulting in ZF replacing it for me.

There are pics somewhere in this thread if I remember rightly.

Stu

[cowboy_]

I would like to post the answer I got from ZF in regards to servicing the transmission on the US:

Hi Juan:

We have a partnership with BOSCH, they have been trained on our transmissions and have access to the genuine parts to ensure proper operation. Check out this link for one in your area: http://www.boschcarservice.us/



Mit freundlichen Grüßen/Kind regards
Tom Galla
Product Manager - Flywheels, Hydraulics & Passenger Car Transmissions


I know is not the same, but is the closest we can get to service the transmissions on this side of the pond.

Juan

[Victor R]

Thanks for posting this, Juan.

I found several places within a doable drive from my house.

Victor

[cowboy_]

Sure.

It will be nice if anybody take his/her car to any of this shops and post the experience around here for the rest of us.

Juan

[cowboy_]

Well. I'll be the first one posting my experience. I took my car yesterday to one of the shops listed on the Bosch site so they can take a look at my transmission because I was having like a moment of Neutral changing from 1st to 2nd, at around 2000 rpm, and they found out that my transmission was low on ATF(4.5 quartz to be precise).

I'm going to take the car for a short drive today and tomorrow and if everything is fine I'll take it on a 500 miles trip and see how's behaving.