Please Help Me Tell the Difference Between Two VW Manual Trans Oils

Joined
Mar 21, 2021
Messages
1
I have a 2013 Golf TDI with a manual transmission with 264k. The manual transmission fluid that was specified for my car was G052171A2. This I understand (but not 100% sure) is a mineral based 75w. On my last oil change (I do the work myself) the VW parts department said that the computer now has G052527A2 being specified, (I checked with two other VW parts department and they confirmed it). This new fluid (G052527A2) I believe to be a 75/90w, but am not 100% sure- - (the container does not specify). The container on the G052527A2 states, “High Performance". Both fluids are GL-4. All of the non-dealers websites I checked: (IDParts, ECS Tuning) state that the G052527A2 (75/90w?) “does not fit my car.” The G052527A2 (75/90w?) is indicated on non-dealer websites as being for the Type R Golf and the GTI. I believe that my gearbox is a 02M and the gearbox in these other vehicles is the 02Q.

Since replacing the fluid with the G052527A2 (75/90w?), the shifting seems a bit notchy, (could be in my mind). I am thinking of draining the G052527A2 (75/90w?), and going back to what was in the car for 262k. Can anyone help me understand the difference between the two fluids.

Thank You in Advance.
 
My guess is the G052527A2 is the lastest & greatest fluid and can be used in older vehicles like yours. But if you notice a difference go back to using the G052171A2
 
most updated lubes are "thinner" but may have different additives + likely more synthetic base oils to meet new specs. for my O2J 5 spd + O6M i found Redline MT 90 to be a LOT better than OE, give them a call + ask whats what!!
 
I recall having issues relative to this on our VW Rabbit. I posted VOA on it someplace. Older fluids perhaps, but
Might be useful.




Also:


Think I have VOAs for VW, Fuchs, and maybe Amsoil fluids, FWIW.
 
most updated lubes are "thinner" but may have different additives + likely more synthetic base oils to meet new specs. for my O2J 5 spd + O6M i found Redline MT 90 to be a LOT better than OE, give them a call + ask whats what!!
You're right, the trend for the last ten years or so has been to use lower viscosity MTF's to gain small percentages of fleet mpg improvements using higher group base oils and improved additive packages.

Automakers have transitioned from 75W90's (14.5 cSt) fluids down to 7.5 cSt and now down to 6.X cSt fluids. The next transition is to use 4.5 cSt fluids.
 
You're right, the trend for the last ten years or so has been to use lower viscosity MTF's to gain small percentages of fleet mpg improvements using higher group base oils and improved additive packages.

Automakers have transitioned from 75W90's (14.5 cSt) fluids down to 7.5 cSt and now down to 6.X cSt fluids. The next transition is to use 4.5 cSt fluids.
This.

Indeed and thinner is not always better, especially for the longevity of the vehicle.

If your vehicle came with a slightly thicker fluid and you were happy with the performance of the gear box, KEEP using that fluid or something that is very similar to that fluid, even if it is NOT the OEM fluid, the only thing you MUST adhere to is the GL spec...ex GL-4, GL-5, ect..
whatever was called for with the original specification should ALWAYS have the same GL spec. So if your car calls for GL-4 make sure to use ONLY
GL-4 fluid, NOT GL-4+, GL-4/5, ect...use ONLY GL-4.
 
my 2001 O2J jetta 5 spd shifted decent with the redline mt 90 better than oe + my 2001 TT with the O6M 6 speed is smoooth with the same, although spendy i find redline drivetrain lubes worth it for ME
 
75w-90 should be ok but make sure it is fully synthetic M1 or motul. I have been running M1 since 1980's (!) with great satisfaction
 
I have a 2013 Golf TDI with a manual transmission with 264k. The manual transmission fluid that was specified for my car was G052171A2. This I understand (but not 100% sure) is a mineral based 75w. On my last oil change (I do the work myself) the VW parts department said that the computer now has G052527A2 being specified, (I checked with two other VW parts department and they confirmed it). This new fluid (G052527A2) I believe to be a 75/90w, but am not 100% sure- - (the container does not specify). The container on the G052527A2 states, “High Performance". Both fluids are GL-4. All of the non-dealers websites I checked: (IDParts, ECS Tuning) state that the G052527A2 (75/90w?) “does not fit my car.” The G052527A2 (75/90w?) is indicated on non-dealer websites as being for the Type R Golf and the GTI. I believe that my gearbox is a 02M and the gearbox in these other vehicles is the 02Q.
Since replacing the fluid with the G052527A2 (75/90w?), the shifting seems a bit notchy, (could be in my mind). I am thinking of draining the G052527A2 (75/90w?), and going back to what was in the car for 262k. Can anyone help me understand the difference between the two fluids.

VW went from part number G 052 171 (specification TL 521 71) to G 052 527 (TL 525 27) in late 2012 (European production at least) on all 02Q transmissions. Both are 75W (~6 cSt at 100°C) GL-4 MTF.
If your TDI is a six-speed it came with the 02Q/MQ350 transmission. The 02Q replaced the former 02M transmission in 2003. Both are "MQ350". So far I didn't know VW does spec 527 oil backwards, but it does make quite some sense, since both viscosity and the gearboxes internals haven't changed in 2012 as far as I know. Thanks for this.
There's no Golf/Jetta/A3/TT/Tiguan/Passat or other members of PQ35/36/46 or MQB platforms I'm aware of that uses a traditional thicky 75W-90 transmission oil. They're all thin for best better shiftability and emissions. I wouldn't use a 75W-90 except in hot environment as it's more than twice as thick as the above 75W.
While these gearboxes generally do shift smoothly it's normal (with any VW transmission) they feel a bit notchy going into second when cold (near freezing). Did it improve over time? I went with Castrol Syntrans V-FE 75W-80 (pourpoint -60°C) when I changed the oil at 5000 km on the odo, which I routinely do with any new car, but will try OE VW G 052 527 again soon.


On a side note, "A2" in G 052 171 A2 ist just the size of the container (A2 = 1 l bottle).
 
Back
Top