The very mention of the word can bring about a range of emotions – right from to
In this thread, intend to capture and publish the entire range of emotions with as much as underlying data as possible.
I have tried to assimilate information with an intention for all of us BHPians (and of course, the wide world too) to refer to a ONE VIEW or place for anything and everything related to the subject of DSG. If there is anything that you feel needs to be added to enhance the contents of this subject, please feel free to do so.
Ofcourse, as you will see, I have tried to arrange and present information in a certain chronological way (by means of an index) and would appreciate if you can suggest contributions or recommendations accordingly.
By no means, do I claim this compendium to be exhaustive – infact, it is expected to be a “living” discussion - that evolves, lives and grows over time.
Presenting the index:-
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Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Pune Posts: 1,252 Thanked: 6,117 Times re: DSG, demystified! All you need to know about VW's Direct-Shift GearboxThe DEFINITION
Parentage German. Name: Direkt-Schalt-Getriebe / Dual Shift Gearbox, commonly abbreviated as DSG.
Perhaps this widely viewed YouTube video on its functioning is a good way to start off the proceedings:
Albeit, VW also has a video on 'Knowing your DSG' but it doesn’t “shift” much, if you get what I mean:-
Needless to say, there are tons of videos out there which explain the concept vividly.
The most elementary definition of the DSG is perhaps that it is an electronically controlled dual-clutch, multiple-shaft manual gearbox i.e. it comprises two separate manual gearboxes (and clutches) contained within one housing and working as one unit.
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Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Pune Posts: 1,252 Thanked: 6,117 Times re: DSG, demystified! All you need to know about VW's Direct-Shift GearboxThe beautiful Porsche 962:-
The blazingly fast Audi Quattro S1:-
Volkswagen presents a world-wide technical innovation: the sporty and economical direct-shifting 6-speed automatic gearbox "DSG�. This especially dynamic form of power transmission with integrated dual clutch will be used for the first time in the Golf R32 in the first quarter of next year. Its use will be extended to other production series in the course of the year 2003. The direct-shifting automatic gearbox has been designed to fulfil the demands of European customers for sporty driving as well as fuel economy. |
The super hot Golf R32:-
Extract 1:
Extract 2:
The new 7-speed DSG makes the revolutionary transmission technology available for smaller engines too |
In comparison to the 6-speed DSG, there is no �wet� clutch in the new transmission � that is a clutch immersed in an oil bath � rather a �dry� clutch. That too is a world first for DSG technology. This and other engineering modifications led to significant improvements to the DSG�s efficiency. The result: Further reduced fuel consumption and emissions values, even greater convenience and driving fun. |
Building on the experiences afforded by the proven DQ200 and DQ250 gearboxes, the new DQ500 now makes dual clutch technology available to customers with larger and high-performance vehicles. The DQ500 is currently the world�s only seven-speed transverse-mounted gearbox for high torques that is in large-scale series production. The clutch is designed for an engine torque of up to 600 Nm, and yet 8 mm smaller than in the DQ250. It can be used for a range of applications from sporty passenger cars to commercial vehicles. |
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Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Pune Posts: 1,252 Thanked: 6,117 Times re: DSG, demystified! All you need to know about VW's Direct-Shift GearboxFor the uninitiated, this section really gives you a ringside view of the design and what/how VW came up with such mind-blowing technological innovations.
For reasons attributed to sales volumes, intend to focus on the two most popular gearboxes � the DQ250 and the DQ200.
Introductory data for the DQ250:
With the section-wise image of the gearbox unit with the multi-plate clutch:
And similar info for the DQ200:
Along with the section-wise image with the double clutch:
The source of the extra weight for the DQ250 can be clearly attributed to the ~5 times the amount of gearbox oil, along with the number of clutch plates.
This also clarifies the wrongly-held view that the DQ200 is a totally "dry" unit.
Also explains the rationale why VW wanted to have the lighter, 7-speed gearbox - mainly to cater to smaller engine/relatively higher volume cars.
Selector level design is common to both gearboxes:
In the above selector design, the "hall sensors" play a very critical role since they act as the primary feed in case of any failures for the gearbox. More on that later.
Principle diagram for the DQ250:
1st, 3rd, 5th and reverse gear are selected via multi-plate clutch K1.
2nd, 4th and 6th gear are selected via multiplate clutch K2.
Both the multiplate clutches are submerged in oil.
And for the DQ200:
Gears 1,3,5 and 7 are shifted via clutch K1 whereas gears 2, 4, 6 and reverse are shifted via K2.
Note how the DQ200 clutches are arranged concentrically, to aid in compact gearbox design.
When it comes to the very important activity of torque transmission inside the gearbox, this diagram probably explains it quite nicely:-
The torque is transferred from the dual mass flywheel, which is secured to the crankshaft, to the clutch plates.
The above diagram is for the DQ200 but the mechanism remains the same in the DQ250 also.
Some cases of shuddering in the DSG gearboxes have been also attributed to the improper torque transfer by the dual mass flywheel.
And the below diagram explains the end to end view of the entire torque transfer, per se:-
This diagram is again depicted for the DQ200 dual clutch gearbox.
After "receiving" the torque from the mass flywheel, the clutch K1 transfers the torque further to drive shaft 1 (marked in blue color). From drive shaft 1, the torque for gears 1 and 3 is transferred to output shaft 1 and that for gears 5 and 7 to output shaft 2.
And the other clutch K2 transfers the torque to drive shaft 2 (marked in green color). It transfers the torque for gears 2 and 4 to output shaft 1 and the torque for 6th and reverse gear to output shaft 2. Via intermediate reverse gear R1, the torque is then passed to reverse gear R2 on output shaft 3.
And now for the torque transmission outside the gearbox, the below diagram mentions that on front-wheel drive vehicles, the drive shafts transmit the torque to the front wheels.
And for 4-wheel drive vehicles, in addition to the front wheels, the torque is transmitted to the rear wheels via a bevel box, wherein a propshaft transmits the torque to a Haldex coupling. Integrated in this rear final drive is a differential for the rear axle.
Next, is an important part of the gearbox, referring to what is termed as the brain of the DSG - Mechatronics:-
In the DQ250, the mechatronics is housed inside the gearbox, surrounded by DSG oil, whereas in the DQ200, it is flanged onto the gearbox. This means that, in the DQ200, the mechatronics has a separate oil circuit, independent of the gearbox oil circuit.
The mechatronics comprises of an electronic control unit and an electrohydraulic control unit. The electronic unit is where the learning or the adaptation regarding the position of the clutches, positions of the gear actuators and the pressure characteristics - get
developed or imprinted due to a particular driving style over a period of time. Now you know the source of the DSG's "intelligence"!
The salient features of this autonomous, compact unit are:-
Since this gearbox has the common lubrication circuit for all units, the oil has the task of lubricating/ cooling the clutch plates, gear wheels, shafts and also actuation of the plates and plungers.
Here is the oil circuit diagram for the DQ250:-
Even though the above diagram is self-explanatory, however just to give it a perspective - it starts with the oil pump drawing oil from the sump and and supplying it to the pressure valve. The pressure generated by this valve is then used to actuate the multi-plate clutches and final selection of the gears.
Since the DQ250 has multiple clutch plates, the heat produced by the mechanical friction of the plates is cooled by a separate cooling oil circuit, as shown in the below diagram:-
The pressure control valve increases/decreases the oil pressure at the slide valve depending upon the temperature generated.
Point to note, however obviously, that the DQ200 does not have this separate clutch cooling oil circuit due to absence of the multiple plates.
Now coming to the biggest misconception for the DQ200 - as can be seen in the below diagram, there are not 1 but 2 separate oil circuits:-
As is evident from the above, the 2 circuits run on independent oil supplies.
When it comes to the various sensors for the mechatronics's electronic control unit, all actions are analysed and directed from this unit.
Below diagram showing the sensor locations:-
The sensor G182 is the only sensor located outside of the mechatronic unit. In the event of signal failure due to this sender, the control unit uses he engine speed signal from the ECU.
The input senders G632 and G612 help in calculating the speed of drive shafts 1 and 2. In the event of signal failure of G632, the vehicle can be driven only in gears 2,4,6 and R. And for failure of G612 signal failure, the vehicle can be driven only in gears 1,3,5, and 7.
The temperature sensor G510 is used to check the mechatronic unit's temperature. In the event of signal failure, the control unit uses an interally available substitute valve.
The hydraulic pressure sender G270 is used to control the motor for the hydraulic pump. In the event of hydraulic pressure reaching approx 60 bar, the motor is shut off according to the signal and switched on again at 40 bar pressure.
For the gear selector movement sensors 1 to 4, G487 to G490 - on combination with the solenoids, they generate a signal from which the control unit recognises the precise position of the gear selectors. In the event of a signal failure, the control unit is unable to recognise whether or not a gear is changed and the failed gearbox path is shut off in this case.
Now for the electro-hydraulic unit of the DQ200:-
The hydraulic pump pushes the oil through the filter towards the pressure limiting valve, the accumulator and the hydraulic pressure sender.
The pressure accumulator provides the system with oil pressure when the hydraulic pump is switched off.
As for the valve setup, this comprises of the clutch actuator solenoid valves (N435, N439), gear train half pressure control valves (N436, N440), gear selector solenoid valves (N433, N434, N437,N438). In the event of one of the solenoid valve failing, the corresponding gear train half is shut off.
Now moving to another important section for the gearbox, related to shifting the gears..
As in the case of conventional gearboxes, the gears are shifted using selector forks. Each fork shifts two gears. The below diagram depicts the housing:-
When changing gears, the forks are moved via gear selectors integrated into the mechatronic unit.
The way it works is that the gear selector piston is connected to the selector fork. To change gears, oil pressure is applied to the gear selector piston, thereby moving it. When it moves, it also moves the selector fork and the sliding sleeve. The sliding sleeve then actuates the synchronising hub and the right gear is engaged, as shown in the below setup:-
To end this section, here is a sample video showing an equivalent of an "Unboxing" DQ200 gearbox:-
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Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Pune Posts: 1,252 Thanked: 6,117 Times re: DSG, demystified! All you need to know about VW's Direct-Shift GearboxTHE OWNERSHIPS
So, by now I hope that you would have got a very good understanding of how the various valves, sensors, actuators and the gear assembly come together to produce that beautiful motion when engaged correctly!
After having understood the fundamentals (at at certain places, something more than that!), this section will now attempt to capture - at one place - various ownership threads posted on TBHP, so that we can browse through them and compare, learn and understand the various owner perspectives.
I know by looking at the list here, some of you may argue that we could just search up the various forums with specific keywords etc. and not required to have a list as such but my view is to have everything sorted out and assembled together, so that we can navigate easily and even add to the list here in the future so that this evolves over time immemorial!
While browsing through some of the reports, I was amazed to find so many nuggets of valuable info related to DSG ownerships - obviously both good and bad experiences.
As I mentioned in my opening post, the emotions have ranged from extreme delight to shock!
These ownership links are arranged in no particular order (either in buying timelines or duration of ownership as such). However, what I have attempted is to cover both the categories of DSG ownerships - "Initial" ownership reports and the really "Long-Term" ownership reports by taking into consideration Skoda and VW car owners.
This list may not be 100% complete to start with (have 75 ownership reports listed for now), and it is possible that I may have not been able to include some ownership references. However, as I mentioned earlier, will keep on updating this thread and would also request folks to let me know of instances which need to be included in this DSG story.
Looking at the Skoda list firstly.
Superb owners:-
Swanand Inamdar - report | ivar1951 - report | sahil - report | Hayek - report | holysmoke - report | BoringProf - report |
Octavia owners:-
Joethomasv - report | Sandeepsarma - report | Starrysky - report | abhinav.gupta88 - report | karvel - report | nikhilb2008 (vRS) - report | sivadas (vRS) - report | imidnightmare - report | sawnilrules - report | suhaas307 - report | adi_petrolhead - report |
Laura owners:-
.anshuman - report | Vignesh.cv - report | newtonMeter - report | luky_13 - report | goutham_r - report | .cArMaNiA - report | amit2kin - report | danc - report | razor4077 - report | seacat - report | hvishwanathan - report | | Insane Devil - report | kiranjoshy - report | lamborghini - report | nitinbose - report | akki_5 - report | ACM - report | deepakvrao - report |
Karoq owners:-
Starrysky - report |
Rapid owners:-
Laddz1121 - report | MadAbtCars - report | charansuki - report | rohanjf - report | shubhu3112 - report |
And this is followed by the VW list.
Passat owners:-
fordfreak - report | kimianks - report | ev06 - report |
Jetta owners:-
Iliketurtles - report | Amarendranath - report | Graaja - report | sunsbhp - report | abhilashgp - report | aseem - report | ayedongivadam - report | Aurum - report | althaaf - report | akhilesh51 - report | cls_55_AMG - report |
Vento owners:-
Execve - report | rejeen - report | Rajeevraj - report | amitg79 - report | Joshmachine (yours truly ) - report |
Polo owners:-
frankmehta - report | diffsoft - report | Nevgin - report | graaja - report | chase_nt - report | Santoshbhat (Polo GTI) - report | abhilashnanda (Polo GTI) - report | hemanth.anand - report | robimahanta - report |nishcal316 - report | pilot77in - report | GTPower - report | prateekswarup - report | suhaas307 - report |
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Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Pune Posts: 1,252 Thanked: 6,117 Times re: DSG, demystified! All you need to know about VW's Direct-Shift GearboxMy 2 cents on the DSG ownership and experience
When I put up the ownership report of my Vento last year (the car had close to 35k km on the odo), I had outlined some initial experiences of the DSG at this post.
Am glad to reiterate that almost all of the advantages /observations from my ownership post hold true even today.
Just re-quoting from the original post herewith:-
And to extend some of these points mentioned in this list and also extending those mentioned in my ownership post, here are some additional observations/experiences that I can list down:-
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