The 7 speed wet clutch S tronic used in the longitudinal engine Audis (0B5 / DL501) is more durable than the early DSG units, but the mechatronics unit is the most common source of faults here too. As the solenoids wear, the regulation of the hydraulic pressure deteriorates: harsh or missed shifts, delayed D/R engagement, and finally limp mode.
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Alongside that, wear of the clutch pack gives shuddering and slipping when pulling away, and the dual mass flywheel rattles at idle. All three symptoms can appear together, and the fault code alone does not tell you which one is the trigger.
What to check
- Pull away with a cold gearbox: there should be no shuddering and no clutch slip when setting off
- Standing still, shift between D and R and watch the engagement delay: a 1 to 2 second hesitation is suspect
- On the test drive go slowly through every gear, then under load too: the 2 to 3 shift should be smooth
