Ok after hours of searching online, talking to Audi locally, Talking to JHM, etc… i need advice. I’m sure this question has been answered a billion times and i cannot apologize enough for not finding it myself and looking like an idiot for asking this simple question.
I just simply want to do the transmission service on my 2005.5 S4 Tip. I have ran into a few websites stating a TSB for the fluid. I called Audi. They said it takes the updated green fluid, but they do not show anything in their system as to if my car has had the TSB update (not even sure if the TSB is a real deal, but anyways) Audi wants $338.10 for 7 liters of fluid, $111.24 for the filter, and $63.80 for the gasket. (Labor done by me.) you have got to be kidding me. So!.. i did my reasearch and everybody and their mom sells a service kit for my car, not bad pricing either.
My big dilemma is the fluid. JHM recommends Redline D4 over the D6 fluid. Both my local parts house AND Redline recommend the D6 over the D4. JHM said they would not put that into the transmission until it has been extensively tested and shown to have no ill effects compared to the D4. My local parts house actually recommends the Pentosin ATF 1. Audi recommends the OEM fluid, but it is $48.30 a liter compared to the Pentosin which i can pick up for 40 bucks a gallon (5 Liters) at my local shop (i have a $20 coupon from buying my radiator there). I’m pretty competent and can do the service myself with VCDS, a pump and some ibuprofen. (not my first time doing it)
All im looking for is the kind of fluid to use. I don’t want to have my transmission go out after doing the service due to wrong fluid. Way too expensive to replace/rebuild the tranny.
I’m not really interested in “if it should be done or if it is infact a lifetime unit.” its getting done either way. I’m approaching the 100k mark and am anal about maintenance on my vehicles.
My question is this: What fluid is best to use in the transmission?
Redline D4
Redline D6 (supposed to be a thinner, more stable version of the D4 with higher boiling/flashing point)
Pentosin ATF 1
OEM
I know people prefer to use OEM fluids but i’m not going to spend 50 bucks a liter for the fluid, so its really down to the options i have listed (among others if anyone has a recommendation)
I would trust JHM on the subject. Searching around on audizine people have had good experiences with the D4. Redline is going to be superior to Pentosin and OEM fluid imo.
I have used D4 now for a long time. If you had less miles I would say D6 as its thinner. But with more miles and more ware I have seen the D4 do great. the D4 is already a little thinner then the stock unit so I have kept with D4. The BMW guys also like the D4 over the D6 as well.
I remember way back in the day when JHM was working with redline on testing the transmission fluid. One of the big points was the anti ware anti corrosion and fluid stability.
If that isnt enough to make you feel better then think of it like this. JHM gets lots and lots of praise for there testing. JHM is pushing the performance of these cars and the automatic cars are no exception. If they use the D4 in there supercharged S4 automatic cars that says something. JHM deals with performance driving and the dealer deals with not performance drivers. If JHM suggests it and uses it there is a reason.
Thanks so much for the quick responses! I knew there was a reason why i like this site better than that “other place”. I guess Redline D4 it is then. (is redline really superior to Pentosin???) i figured JHM wouldn’t steer me wrong…i just needed the support from some of the more knowledgeable guys here before i make the jump on the fluid. I cannot figure out why everything is so darn expensive on this car lol. and Justincredible…thanks for the link. I have read that thread several times and i believe that is the thread i used on my first audi transmission job, along with all the other automatic vw/audi transmissions that are serviced this way.
once again…thanks!
much appreciated.
infact, it makes me want to move my build log over to this website (just don’t want to post extra stuff to annoy people…i feel a build log can increase a car’s desirability when the new owner knows what has been done --or hasn’t – on the car)
Bring your build over here. We are all car guys and we all love every car build no matter how big or small. This site is blocked by the other site due to so many people getting sick and tired of the other site and its crap. This is just hardcore no drama car guy stuff. What we usually say over here. Is if one of the posts over here helped. Fine one good guy on the other site and bring them over here for help when you see they need it.
The cool thing about AR is no question is stupid even if its been asked 100 times. Sure the search function is cool but so is getting the latest up to date thoughts by menbers. Its great to double check what any company said JHM or other wise. Thats what we are all doing here.
IF you owned a B8 S4 we would all be telling you to get GIAC this or APR that. Each car has its stand out companys and products. Its good to know what is good and what you should stay away from
D4 has a very solid reputation of working well in every application that redline says it can be used in. I would use it without hesitation.