The light, magnesium cased MQ200 and the MQ250, sized for higher torque, are the most widespread manual gearboxes in the transverse engine VAG models. Both have the same two weak points, and both depend on use.
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The first is the differential bearing: as it wears you first get a droning, then a whine from the thrust bearings of the output shaft. Left alone, the planetary shaft can fail and in extreme cases punch through the gearbox casing: from then on it is not a repair but a replacement.
The second is the synchros: they can start crunching at around 50,000 km with aggressive driving. This type does not like dumping the clutch or slipping it, and on a used car that is exactly what you have to listen for.
above 50,000 km
What to check
- On the test drive with the window down, listen to the gearbox both off and on the throttle: droning or whining is suspect
- Shift up and down quickly, especially into 2nd and 3rd: crunching means synchro wear
- Try engaging 1st and reverse when cold: resistance here means wear
