DATE: 29 Sep 06
Name: dieseldave2006
Year: 2006
Make: VW Jetta
Model: TDI
Date of auto production: - ?
Engine code: TDI
Transmission Code: - ?
Date of DSG Production: - ?
Purchased, New or Used: new
Miles when purchased: 60 (obviously "test driven" by others when it was a "new car" being delivered per my order from the Port of Houston)
Current miles: - 19000
Area of country: - Houston TX
Fuel Statistics: - 34 / 43
It has experienced the "shudder" at a stop a few times while new. It has not done this for quite a while. No problems. I do question the life of the wet disk clutches compared to a cheap to replace, dry clutch standard, and the ability to hold up to agressive driving and "enhanced fuel settings". This is my first "automatic" (I do not like spongy autos, but drive alot in traffic and like the trick technology of the DSG, and I am getting older..). I am also 1/2 way to the dreaded $$$ oil change, but I am a DIY guy, so I am interested in the special tool you are talking about.
I do wish there was a setting between D and S, so it will drive like I would. I end up getting frustrated at the quick shifting and lugging 1400 rpm while in D. The damn thing upshifts too soon while I am moderately accelerating, resulting in lugging and loss of expectation. We all know TDIs are useless below 1900 rpm. In S, the cruising at 2900 rpm in 3rd gear for miles is a bit wasteful and annoying when I am not accelerating, and I am waiting for the shift, but have to get it up to 3K before it will shift. These frustrations usually put me in the manual mode, which, without operating a clutch, is difficult to get used to when the radio is up and the sun is making the tach hard to see. On my daily commute, I go through all three modes, depending the situation of traffic, the sun, and my laziness and frustration. Looking back, I would probably be better in a standard, unless in a drag race in S mode. I also hate going from S to D in order to slide over and hit the manual mode. The manual mode should be accessable directly from the S mode.
There are a lot of uncertainties with the DSG, and I hope you are gaining a lot of good data with this thread.