Beck-Arnley DC-1 (designed for VW Audi; G052182 spec on bottle) OK for a VW DSG(6spd/wet clutch)?

[talltree]

Hey Folks -- VW DSG fluid is EXPENSIVE. I just ran across Beck-Arnley "DC-1" fluid but I can't find any info from people who have used it or reviews or anything like that. The bottle (and online specs) say it is specifically made for VW Audi and "made in Germany." It notes the "G052182" (the required spec for my car) spec on the bottle. More details quoted at the bottom of the post (from the B/A spec pdf).

My understanding is that B/A repackages most of their products and fluids from other suppliers that meet "OE" standards, and wouldn't bother with repackaging a low-end or sketchy fluid. Does that seem about right? And if so, is there any reason that this shouldn't be trusted?

Oh, and vehicle is 2013 Jetta (mk6) TDI wagon with the 6 speed DSG (wet clutch) transmission.
Thanks!

"Semi-Synthetic OE Quality Dual Clutch Transmission Fluid, designed for the demanding anti-wear and friction behavior requirements of Volkswagen’s DSG transmissions. Specific to vehicles requiring Volkswagen’s Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) Oil. Check owner’s manual for proper application.​

​

Beck/Arnley Premium OE Quality Dual Clutch Transmission Fluid (DC-1) provides slip-free high torque transmission rates and thus provides spontaneous and sporty shifting during the whole drain interval.​

​

The special base oil matrix provides stable friction level and maximum wear protection even under the most severe conditions. Use this fluid in your DSG Volkswagen Transmission for superior protection and shifting performance experienced during everyday use and performance use" -source (pdf from B/A)​

 

[Boomer]

Is the VW sourced fluid full synthetic??

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Napa has Valvoline DCT fluid for 9.99/qt

Otherwise, there's Amalie DCT by the case

 

[talltree]

Is the VW sourced fluid full synthetic??

Interestingly, I don't know for sure. I can't find a mention of the formulation of the VW fluid. Some of the alternatives that meet spec (Rowe, Febi, Pentosin, and others) mention things that sound full synthetic but don't actually say "full synthetic" -- examples:

Rowe: "based on special HC synthetic oils in conjunction with the most advanced additive technology"
Pentosin: "Pentosin FFL-2 is founded on a fully synthetic base oil technology for safe operation at even the highest thermal load."

 

[talltree]

Napa has Valvoline DCT fluid for 9.99/qt

Otherwise, there's Amalie DCT by the case

I've never heard of Amalie... interesting. The VW folks seem very anti "red" fluid. But Valvoline does have the spec on the bottle (though I think it says "recommended for" vs. "meets cert" or "designed for" -- not sure if that makes any difference.

 

[kschachn]

I've never heard of Amalie... interesting. The VW folks seem very anti "red" fluid. But Valvoline does have the spec on the bottle (though I think it says "recommended for" vs. "meets cert" or "designed for" -- not sure if that makes any difference.

The difference is a guarantee of performance. You’re on reputation with that language.

Having said that however I do use Maxlife in everything I own for which it’s recommended.

 

[martinq]

The difference is a guarantee of performance. You’re on reputation with that language.

Having said that however I do use Maxlife in everything I own for which it’s recommended.

Agree'd. Unless you are going to court, the recommendation of long-standing companies like Valvoline, Red Line, Amsoil, etc are worth trusting in. DCT's are different from MT, AT and CVT but it's not that complicated. Keep the transmission CLEAN, keep your magnets CLEAN, and keep the fluid from OVERHEATING and you'll have done more than most.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

I've never heard of Amalie... interesting. The VW folks seem very anti "red" fluid. But Valvoline does have the spec on the bottle (though I think it says "recommended for" vs. "meets cert" or "designed for" -- not sure if that makes any difference.

Amalie has been around a long time

Also, the Amalie is not red. Here is the PDS

IDK why Valvoline decided to make theirs red though
Here is Valvoline's PDS

 

[talltree]

Amalie has been around a long time

Also, the Amalie is not red. Here is the PDS

IDK why Valvoline decided to make theirs red though
Here is Valvoline's PDS

Thanks. Yes, I was referring to Valvoline as the red. A little weird, but OK ;-)

The difference is a guarantee of performance. You’re on reputation with that language.

Having said that however I do use Maxlife in everything I own for which it’s recommended.

Thanks. That's helpful

Agree'd. Unless you are going to court, the recommendation of long-standing companies like Valvoline, Red Line, Amsoil, etc are worth trusting in. DCT's are different from MT, AT and CVT but it's not that complicated. Keep the transmission CLEAN, keep your magnets CLEAN, and keep the fluid from OVERHEATING and you'll have done more than most.

Definitely. Clean fluid, magnets, filter are all super important.

So, it sounds like what you folks are saying is that you WOULDN'T go with the Beck/Arnley. I was doubtful so I appreciate the insight.

 

[edyvw]

Beck/Arnley is repackaging other manufacturers' brakes, fluids, etc. Unless they specify which fluid is or you get it in original packaging I would skip.
Beck/Arnley on RA specifies, for example, that their brakes are Textar for my BMW. When I ordered, I did not even get it in Beck/Arnley packaging but in the original Textar packaging.

 

[talltree]

Beck/Arnley is repackaging other manufacturers' brakes, fluids, etc. Unless they specify which fluid is or you get it in original packaging I would skip.
Beck/Arnley on RA specifies, for example, that their brakes are Textar for my BMW. When I ordered, I did not even get it in Beck/Arnley packaging but in the original Textar packaging.

Thanks for that. I assumed that the "made in germany" part meant it would mean it's legit and didn't think about the possibility that they'd sub in something else or that it may not match the advertised packaging (it only says the made in germany part on imagine of the bottle the data sheet packaging, so... ). Sounds like it's not worth the risk to save $20 on something that only needs to be changed every 40k miles ;-)

Cheers!

 

[edyvw]

Thanks for that. I assumed that the "made in germany" part meant it would mean it's legit and didn't think about the possibility that they'd sub in something else or that it may not match the advertised packaging (it only says the made in germany part on imagine of the bottle the data sheet packaging, so... ). Sounds like it's not worth the risk to save $20 on something that only needs to be changed every 40k miles ;-)

Cheers!

It is not! Unless you order and they deliver in original packaging. Taking a chance.