G52 vs G55

dhdenney

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Oct 23, 2005
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Kentucky
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2012 Audi A3 TDI Ibis white
Someone recently posted this excerpt from the Bentley.

5-speed transmission, all 2005 models and 2006 models to chassis 6M624265: Use G 052 726 A2 Volkswagen trans oil.
5-speed transmission, 2006 models from chassis 6M624266: Use G 055 726 A2 Volkswagen transmission oil.

My transmission falls into the second category. I changed my transmission oil about 7K miles ago with G52 (just to purge wear metals). Was not aware of the recommendation at the time but does anyone see any reason for me to change the oil to the G55? Does anyone know the difference?
 

PDJetta

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'04 Jetta GLS TDI Pumpe Duce Platinum Grey w/ Leather
I know for a fact that the G052 A2 is a mineral based oil (non-synthetic) and less expensive than the synthetic stuff (there is a synthetic G052 as well). I do not know what the G055 oil is. Before 2004, Bentley stated the 02J was to use either G050 or G051, based on its subcode. Both of these oils were a synthetic oil. Then, my Bentley CD (for 2004/2005)has a footnote in the Fluid Capacities table stating all 02J transaxles were to use G052 (A2) mineral based oil. So, VW has been changing their views on gear lube.

Most likely you will be fine leaving the G052 in, but if it were me, I'd change it to the specified fluid. I think one reason for the new fluid spec is either for ease of shifting in cold weather, or because of humming noises on turns that some vehicles experience w/ the G052 (there was a TSB about this).

--Nate
 
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dhdenney

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Joined
Oct 23, 2005
Location
Kentucky
TDI
2012 Audi A3 TDI Ibis white
Thanks for the insight. I checked the price on Impex thinking it might have been a synthetic and it was a little over $11 a bottle. So I need to decide if I shell out ~$23 + ship plus the time to do it or just leave it alone. I can't tell any difference in the two oils.
 
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