I just purchased an 06 A8, with just shy of 100k on the clock. The first thing that I'm planning on doing to this thing is freshening the transmission fluid and filter.

I've read all the threads that I can find about this (many of which pertain to the 6HP's installed in Jags), and had a nice chat with the folks at ZF here in the states.

So, with that said, here's where I'm at:

Apparently Audi has gone through a couple revisions of the fluid used in these things, and the latest one apparently also required a software update of the transmission control (I'm assuming to set the clutch packs to the fluid's frictional properties).

ZF makes three different fluids which can be used- Lifeguard 6, 6+ and 8. I believe that the Lifeguard 8 is the latest fluid used by Audi, which requires the software update.

When I spoke to ZF, they said that most likely my car has 6+ in it, and that if I could find 6+, that is what they would service it with. Of course, in my research, obtaining 6+ seems pretty damn difficult, as it seems that ZF never brought any into the US.

So, I'd appreciate any input that anyone can give here before I tackle this project.

 

depending where you are, JA Autowerks in NJ does the filter, gasket and fluid change for $250 which is a dam good price. Im will be heading up that way in May to get it done

 

Nowhere near there, as I'm in the Rockies. Further, I wasn't asking "who to take the car to to get this done," (as I do all my own work), but was asking for any further info regarding which fluid to use, and how many drain/ fill cycles others have used to get the highest percentage of old fluid out.

 

Well if you have the proper tools go for it, I ve service my tranny more and about 7L came out of it. This is not like most transmission where you drain and fill a few times to try and get out most of the fluid mainly because of the cost and time it takes to do that.
I have also heard about the updated trans fluid but never heard anyone getting it with the D3 yet. I think the new fluid is blue from what i've heard. I also usually get my fluids from wordpac since i have an accoutn with them and they cost about $25 per Litre.

 

Problem is, from what I can find, it looks like the Lifeguard 8 is the only fluid that you can get your hands on, so I think the software update will be part of this deal.

ZF advised me to get at least two drain and fills in this thing, both to get as much of the old fluid out as possible, and also since you are changing fluid types.

Looks like I'll be ordering goodies to do this next month, and tackling this sometime soon.

 

So who will be doing the update on the trans, you or Audi? Good luck man keep us posted.

 

I will be doing the actual mechanical work, but I'm sure I'll have to take it to the Stealer to get the software update done. While there, I figure I'll have them update my MMI firmware as well.

 

how many miles on your 2006 D3 when you did the transmission change? How difficult? From what I understood the car has to running and drive engaged to top up the transmission so all four wheels have to be up in the air? I thinking about getting my 2004 D3 done.

 

Haven't done this yet, but it's on the list of things to do in the next month.

My car just turned 100k.

You need the motor running when you do the final fill so that the pump is spinning, and you need a Vag-Com (or similar) to monitor transmission temp. You need to shift through all the gears and make the final fill before it warms past 37C (need to verify that number).

Once I tackle this, I'll post the exact procedure for whoever wants to do this as well.