These are good transmissions. They do better with service intervals of 60-80K miles - fluid and filter change, use only the proper fluid ! VW said maintenance free, what a load of BS!

Some cars out there with 300-400K miles, so don't see that 200k is a ticking bomb - provided the fluid and filter service has been done.

 

Awesome thank you. I'll make sure to keep up maintenance

 

Does it make a difference if it's a manual or auto cause I have an auto

 

It makes a huge difference but the advice above about fluid and filter change every 60k-80k miles is for the automatic (aka tiptronic). And by the way, if you're planning to do this service yourself, read up on it first as it's not a simple as just draining the old oil and filling it up again.

 

year,model,engine,and mileage is a big help

 

I've had experience with three of them: (1) A '99 Passat who's trans broke around 120K miles (something came apart in the torque converter, punched a hole, dumping the OEM fluid in a huge puddle), (2) a '96 A4 that was still shifting like new at over 270K miles when sold, using MaxLife ATF, and (3) an '05 A4 3.0 with almost 180K miles, no issues, MaxLife ATF. The '99 now has a used, replacement transaxle, and around 150K on it.

 

Alright so semi hit or miss. I have a 2001.5 B5.5 with the 1.8T it is currently sitting at about 167k miles.

 

So far this is all I have done to my car since I got it.

Replace spark plugs
Replace valve cover gasket
Oil change
Coolant drain/refill
Replace serpentine belts
Timing belt service
Clean intercooler & piping
Replace turbo & oil lines

 

with all the sludge issues with that 1.8 don't forget to service pcv/components, a clogged or dirty system really contribute to a lot of problems down the road,no pun intended.

 

Already taken care of thanks for the heads up:thumbup:

 

I changed my fluid what came out was not transmission fluid anymore lol and only 3 quarts came out. I was having slow shifts vibration issues. I didn't flush its too old and risky. I used the maxlife atf and a new filter. I put in about 6. Transmission is smoother and all my vibrations are gone.. I'm happy to say feels like a new car even if my car has 182k and is 16 years old. I will happily say I will go over 200k with no issues. Well I hope. My turbo probably will die in its place haha

 

lol well my transmission seems to definitely need to be drained and refilled a few times to get my fluid back to pink from black, and I already replaced the turbo with a brand new one along with much more maintenance so I'm happy to say ill get 300k miles or more on the engine now (currently sitting at 167k) now.

 

Since half can't be drained yea but regardless made a 100% difference I did mine at around 178k. It's still a lousy trans setup no dip stick is a huge joke almost up there with my mom's 09 535i x drive.. No oil dipstick

 

Wow sounds pretty interesting tho

 

VW ATF is not pink, are you sure you are using a compatible ATF.

 

Yep, should be slightly amber/mostly clear (if Euro ATF) or red if domestic, compatible ATF.

 

I read many using the Valvoline multi-vehicle (Red bottle) with good results. I used it in my 2002 BMW 530iA and still shifts like it should.
TomK

 

That's what I always use, but I've already said that enough time that I don't want people to think I'm a Valvoline salesman!

 

I am fairly certain I'm using the right stuff. I'm using this Red Line 30504-12PK D4 Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) - 1 Quart, (Pack of 12) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000T9TMAQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_yT6LzbJF06NXK

 

Even with meticulous maintenance and changing the transmission oil every 64,000km, my 2005 Passat GLS TDI Wagon's transmission broke down last spring at around 300,000km.

Had it rebuilt by transmission shop for 2k$ and obtained a 3 year warranty. Dealer replacement for rebuilt was estimated at 4.5k$.

Considering that I bought this Passat new in 2005 and that it has provided a reliable ride with no major maintenance repairs, I still have it and it still provides a good ride.

Before I found out that I could have my B5.5 transmission repaired for a lesser cost than a dealership replacement, I acquired a 2014 Passat TSI. While I find the Passat 2014 1.8 TSI to be a great car with fuel mileage matching my B5.5 TDI, I just want to tear out the seats because they are far from being as comfortable as my B5.5. So pissed at the seats that I am thinking of replacing this B7 by an Audi A6 event if it won't provide TSI matching fuel mileage...