I own a 2005 A6 and I wanted to do some routine maintenance. I asked about a transmission fluid change and the dealership said that Audi A6's have lifetime transmission fluid that should not need to be replaced.

Is this true?

 

Opinions may differ, but I believe that true lifetime fluid is a myth. If you want the tranny to last 150,000 miles or more then you should probably change the fluid at least every 50,000 miles. I changed the ATF in my 05 4.2 when it had slightly less than 40,000 miles.

 

Well its a gimic really. The fluid itself "should" last forever, but dirt and other contaminates get into the fluid, along with leaks, so it will never last forever. They say that so you will ignore it until the transmission fails and you have to buy a new trans. Audi being the way that it is makes it pretty hard to work on ZF transmissions so they charge you top dollar for a re-manned unit from germany or charges you an arm and a leg for a new one installed. $7,000+.
If you keep an eye out for leaks, and change the fluid every 60-80k the trans will probably last just as long as the car.

 

agreed... its BS. Have it changed @ 60k. If your dealer wont, go somewhere else.

 

well my 99 ZF tip trans made it to 203k without a fluid change. had a seal leak develop that I have a feeling may have been prevented/prolonged by servicing the transmission at a normal interval.. but you never know

 

I appreciate the honest answers.

 

I have had two different service reps from audi tell me two different things. One said yes the other said no. My mechanic now says no doubt yes do it. my old a6 2.8 never had it done and went 180,000 no prob. My newer a6 gets around 280 ft/lbs so he said its more important now than ever with the extra strain on the trans. Good luck!