DSG is all a bit confusing.

[wb47]

I am looking at the 2012 model Tiguan (155TSI) but I want a car that is easy and simple to use in automatic transmission,

However reading through the Tiguan forums I see the constant attention required on the DSG whilst driving and how it breaks down alot (is this true?).

The threads on the states problems were mostly on 132TSI models will the 155 TSI still have these issues?

Are these problems consistent on all 7 gear vehicles?

Thanks

[mutare 23]

I am looking at the 2012 model Tiguan (155TSI) but I want a car that is easy and simple to use in automatic transmission,

However reading through the Tiguan forums I see the constant attention required on the DSG whilst driving and how it breaks down alot (is this true?).

The threads on the states problems were mostly on 132TSI models will the 155 TSI still have these issues?

Are these problems consistent on all 7 gear vehicles?

Thanks

WB

Problems, I havent encountered any, but it is different. You have to learn how the system works quite differently to a 'normal' automatic. I'm still learning and, enjoying the process.

Cheers

[wai]

First, don't necessarily draw any conclusions from the negative comments you find here. People are far more likely to post adverse comments rather than favourable ones. If you were to take all the negative comments from owners of DSG transmissions and compare them to the total number of DSG transmissions sold, you would find them to be a very small proportion.

A DSG transmission is different to a normal automatic transmission in the same way that a manual transmission is different to a normal automatic transmission. It is a manual gearbox that can be operated automatically or as a "clutch pedal less" manual.

Without a clutch pedal, the controller has to have some way of knowing what to do, and here it picks up signals from the brake pedal and accelerator pedal position. There can also be a slight delay in moving off, and you have to use different techniques when reversing and for hill starts.

The best way to think of a DSG is that the brake pedal serves two functions. It is a brake pedal, AND it is a "pseudo-clutch" pedal. That is, when the brake pedal is pressed, it disengages both clutches, so you cannot press both brake and accelerator. The brake will override the accelerator. Just as you would not leave a manual transmission in gear with the clutch out and just held on the hand brake (the engine would stall), with a DSG you would not have it in D(rive) just held on the hand brake. The engine will not stall, but it is the same as "riding the clutch" on a manual transmission - the clutch(es) will wear out prematurely.

As far as driving is concerned, there is no difference between a DSG and a normal automatic transmission.

[Ben J]

I've driven my girlfriends polo which has the DSG (not sure if the issues you're referring to are tiguan specific or anything) but as far as autos go, it was quite nice to drive. Its just like any other auto, put in D and go. The sport mode and manual modes are nice too though. I almost sent us both through the windscreen once when driving in manual mode on the highway, cruising along in 7th for a long time, then went to down shift, forgot it was an auto and slammed on the pedal where my clutch should have been

[Blackdakdak]

I think, like all gearboxes, in all makes, that some will break, but the majority will work fine. I had 2 Foresters, one had an auto that broke, the other was flawless - except for only having 4 speeds. I'm very happy about the much better fuel consumption the 7 speed gives me, especially when I leave it in D.

I'm very new to the DSG (2 months now) and gaining confidence every drive. It does require a slightly different approach to driving, but I think that it offers the best of a few different worlds. Where else can you get a cruise mode (D), a revhead mode (S), and a manual mode (tiptronic) in one car?

---------- Post added at 10:04 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:02 AM ----------

Had a similar experience on my first use of tiptronic - went down a few gears too many, too fast....had my wife giving me the WTF death stare!

[kryten2001]

I'm not a fan of automatics generally, but I LOVE DSG.

The system saps next to no power and gear changes are instantaneous. They are a VERY good compliment to a turbo'd car, as the turbo is in constant spool with a DSG. They feel like they're a direct connection from the crank shaft to the wheels, unlike a regular auto which feels sloshy.

After driving DSG's for a few years, you will hate driving a regular auto, and manual's will become a real pain as well. I've done many track days on mine, and there's very little disadvantage even when 'racing' compared to a manual. You still get full back pressure when you need engine braking, and you can run it in full manual mode if you need to (I do as I want to hold high RPM's on my big turbo).

Not hard to drive at all, they just feel a little different.

My missus has absolutely no problems whatsoever driving hers, so I doubt you will

[99Reza]

My advise is to take one for a test drive, put it in a Manual mode and drive the car like you stole it. Then you will realise how good this box is. That's exactly what I did when I took delivery of my Tiguan, just to see how good the box is, it lives up to my expectation.

[kryten2001]

My advise is to take one for a test drive, put it in a Manual mode and drive the car like you stole it. Then you will realise how good this box is. That's exactly what I did when I took delivery of my Tiguan, just to see how good the box is, it lives up to my expectation.

Yep. Similar designs on Ferraris, Porsches and who knows how many other exotics. Good enough for them, good enough for me.

Even under WOT with nearly 400hp going to the wheels, I don't even feel a slight bump when mine changes gears. Love em.

[haggis]

Have had the DSG for 3 months now and love it!! Takes a few weeks to get used to, but when used appropriately ie; sport mode when required and 'D' for everyday you cant go wrong...

However some practice with the 'manual' mode is required with the 7 gears and all...

[wb47]

thanks all for your replies, looks like i will get the DSG after all, but what is the best way to drive a DSG w/o wearing it out prematurely?

Does this mean DSGs will have a shorter life-span than normal autos by the way they are used/designed?

Thanks again.

[wai]

thanks all for your replies, looks like i will get the DSG after all, but what is the best way to drive a DSG w/o wearing it out prematurely?

Don't stop with it in D, S, or manual mode and only have the handbrake on. You must have the foot brake on to disengage the clutches. The same goes for crawling in traffic.

In other words, treat it like you would a manual in similar circumstances. Generally, once in second gear, there should be no problems. Above all, NEVER try and hold the car on a slope using the accelerator. This will burn out clutches.

As forthe life-span, it all depends on how you use it.

[wb47]

Thanks again, however reading through the forums, the main complaints and problems that arise (on the DSG) is the jerky and uncertain take off with people claiming it can be potentially dangerous (if not fatal), really how bad is it? I mean after all millions of the units were sold globally, so it can't be that bad right?

Thanks

[BMan]

Hi all,
I've had a DSG gear box on the Jetta 2.0 FSi for the last 4 years and to me nothing is more pleasurable to drive. I have (as of last week) decided to move up to a Tig and placed an oder for the 155 TSI. Test driving the vehicle, I found the 7 Speed DSG a lot smoother than the older 6 Speed that I had in the Jetta. I also noticed that the 155 TSI Tig has an auto hold function which remembers the position of the foot brake when stationary at lights etc. I am assuming using this function would not be using the hand brake (which is also electronic in this vehicle) and therefore not causing premature wear on the DSG.

Can anyone confirm this?

BMan

**
On order Tig with the lot.

[wai]

I also noticed that the 155 TSI Tig has an auto hold function which remembers the position of the foot brake when stationary at lights etc. I am assuming using this function would not be using the hand brake (which is also electronic in this vehicle) and therefore not causing premature wear on the DSG.

Can anyone confirm this?

That's right. As long as you have Hill Hold (Assist) activated, or your foot is on the brake, the control system wil disengage the clutches. The car is held on the brake and not by riding the clutch.

[BMan]

Thanks Wai. Appreciate the confirmation.