Synchromesh in 02Q manual transmission

[bmwM5power]

Has anybody tried Synchromesh ( Pennzoil or GM) manual transmission fluid in MK7 TDI 02Q manual transmission yet? I know there is a lot of feedback from the previous generation TDIs but I have yet to see one from the MK7. Is it suitable for this transmission? Yes, I know to stick with OEM, I was just wondering, I got one car with a little notchy shifting and was wondering if I should try to see if this can smooth things out a little.

 

[Lug_Nut]

Pennzoil Synchromesh isn't up to the GL4 specifications for friction modifiers desired for hypoid final drives due to the sliding of the pinion faces against the ring faces caused by the pinion shaft and ring/axle being on two separate planes.
That said, I used it in my B4, A3, A4 VWs with no issues during my ownership. It did permit worn, high mile, synchronizers to function more easily and quickly and that's why I stayed with that 'not appropriate' gear oil.
I use it in my Saab as it avoids a sticking (non-engagement) issue with that car's freewheel when cold and using _______ 'empty ell'. However that final drive in the Saab is a bevel drive having the input pinion shaft and the axle on the same plane and having no sliding of the meshed R&P faces, not hypoid with offset axes and a tooth face to tooth face slide component.

Would I use it in my '15 Golf? When I have issues that are synchronizer related? Absolutely. but not until then.

 

[adjat84th]

The synchros in the newer 02Q are only brass on 4th and reverse (I think) gears. The others are a stamped steel with a felt-like material on the face that does the synchronizing/speed-matching action vs the ridged face of the older brass rings. A cost-cutting measure at its finest.
At some point, I had used a RedLine fluid cocktail in mine and it was pretty awful. Switched back to stock and things have been just fine.
Always could give it a try, and switch back if you don't notice anything. Just know, the synchros are not brass in these particular version of 02Q and you could not see the same results as the older manuals.