R36 DSG calibration

[kamold]

I've just taken ownership of a 2009 R36 (yay!) and just wanted to ask other owners for their experiences.

This is the third car I've now owned with the 6 speed wet clutch DSG, and I think its a great piece of technology.

In the R36, particularly in sport mode (but also in drive), the DSG seems to me (i've only had the car 2 days) to be maybe slightly more aggressive on the clutch clamping pressures on downshifts than in the A3 or Octavia vRS.

Is this a calibration choice with the R36 (which I would be fine with), to give it a more sporty feel, or is the DSG in mine perhaps in need of a software update or (fingers crossed its not) could it be the mechatronics unit?

Car was recently serviced at Volksmuller for its 60k so had DSG oil changed.
There are no fault codes from the transmission module.
Upshifts are perfectly smooth and don't feel overly aggressive on clutch uptake.

I have driven a car with a faulty DSG and it was noticably aggressive with clamping, and hesitant to engage from standstill. The R36 is NOT behaving like this.

[snerlo]

I would just drive it and see how you go. Ours is a little like that sometimes depending on whether im using the paddles or stick so it sounds normal but if it really worries you, get it checked out for your peace of mind

[Jakeys]

It's the most sporty model of the three you mentioned so it would make sense the DSG tune is more aggressive. The big concern with the mechatronics is usually slow/poor changes and shuddering from what I've heard, I don't think what you're describing is a problem. I wouldn't worry about it, personally. I wouldn't say mine is overly aggressive, but then I'm a 22 year old guy with a heavy right foot so my opinion is useless.

[kamold]

I'll settle into it over the next few weeks and see how it goes.
Previous owner said he hardly ever used sport mode because of it.

I guess the only way to tell really would be drive another example back to back. Anyone in Sydney want to compare notes?

[Umai Naa!!]

They are adaptive to an extent, so maybe try giving it a reset (Key on, hold brake and accelerator pedals down for 10sec or so, and then fire it up), and drive it your way for a few weeks and see how it goes.

It's probably just a case of it taking forever to un-learn someone else's driving habits.

[kamold]

Ok thanks umai naa, will definately give that a try.

[Jakeys]

Previous owner said he hardly ever used sport mode because of it.

Well, that sounds a little odd. I wouldn't think anyone would avoid using the mode on mine, aside from the obvious holding third when cruising at 60. Although, cool fact, if you put cruise control on in sport mode it's smart enough to pick the highest gear as long as cruise is engaged.

[Timlin]

I wouldn't worry too much - unless it gets worse... my DSG has been noticeably noisier going from 3rd to 2nd in D since I had it flashed awhile back.

It comes and goes dependant on how one drives etc. These DSG units are a complex animal, I'm dreading the day I need to fix/repair it!

That day will come though, they all have a finite life, I'm at 70k now, but I'm not sure what the average life expectancies are on them so I just keep driving until it goes bang!


AT

[Jakeys]

I wouldn't worry too much - unless it gets worse... my DSG has been noticeably noisier going from 3rd to 2nd in D since I had it flashed awhile back.

It comes and goes dependant on how one drives etc. These DSG units are a complex animal, I'm dreading the day I need to fix/repair it!

That day will come though, they all have a finite life, I'm at 70k now, but I'm not sure what the average life expectancies are on them so I just keep driving until it goes bang!


AT

That is a very contentious issue. My position is that it isn't as common as public perception would suggest, before I bought the car I researched the figures and failure rates and they aren't as bad as expected, although there is/was a larger failure rate than would be considered normal. The R36 unit isn't one that was commonly recalled though, and went through a further revision in MY10 supposedly.

That said, I do know someone with an R36 whose unit did fail at around 130kms I think it was, and VW fixed it for him out of warranty. I hope that if my day one day comes they'll do the same for me.

[kamold]

I did the relearn on the transmission as suggested and have only driven for a few kms in sport mode but it already feels less grabby on the downshifts. Thanks for the suggestion Umai Naa, excellent know how as always

[kamold]

Went for a drive tonight for about an hour.

Drove through Galston Gorge for those that know it (5kms of hairpin bends and close rock walls) both ways and got a chance to get a bit of a feel for the car.

Didn't find the downshifts in sport mode too intrusive or aggressive at all.

Loved the sound of the VR6 bouncing off the walls as I finally got a chance to open her up a bit.

Very assured feel on the road. Not exactly nimble (as expected for a heavy wagon with most of its engine hanging over and forward of the wheels) but the whole package is so well put together I can see myself heading out for more late night drives by myself to escape the traffic

Its great to be back in a car that can put the power on the road without tramping, and the brakes felt quite strong (new ATE rotors and ATE ceramic pads up front).

Stay 'tuned' tomorrow for another update

[Jakeys]

Glad you had fun. I've done some driving around Adelaide (Mostly find me on Gorge/Chain of Ponds at night for all the local SA readers) and I agree, it doesn't feel nimble but luckily my last car was the same so I'm pretty used to it. The transmission is phenomenal though, I tend to just leave it to its own devices and focus on the steering and braking to be honest, I have zero complaints about the way it conducts itself in the hills.
It doesn't quite have that stability on the limit of something like an Evo or an STi but I can forgive that given how much it owns those two in daily driver responsibilities.