Audi S tronic 0B5 (DL501) problems on the A4, A5, A6 and Q5

The Audi S tronic 0B5, also called the DL501, is a 7-speed wet-clutch gearbox. It is used in Audis with the engine mounted lengthwise, such as the A4, A5, A6 and Q5. It is a different gearbox from the transverse DQ boxes in the A1, A3 and Q2, and its faults are not the same.

What sets it apart

• Longitudinal layout for rear-biased and quattro cars
• Wet clutches in oil, designed for higher torque, roughly 550 Nm
• Its own service requirements, separate from the transverse gearboxes

If your Audi has the engine across the car, read which DSG do I have instead.

Faults reported

These are patterns reported by owners and workshops, not guarantees:

• Mechatronic faults. Intermittent gear display faults, gear selection errors and loss of drive. See mechatronic repair or replacement.
• Clutch wear and judder. Shudder when pulling away or slip under load, particularly on cars used in heavy traffic or tuned.
• Oil leaks from seals around the gearbox. Check the underside.
• Software complaints. Rough low-speed shifts that improve after an update. See software updates.

Service interval

Audi's schedule for the S tronic oil and filter is commonly given as around 60,000 km. Check the exact figure for your car in the service plan. Cars that tow or have been tuned deserve shorter intervals. See DSG oil change intervals.

What to check on a used car

1. Service history. Oil and filter records for the gearbox.
2. Underside. Look for oil around the gearbox seals.
3. Test drive from cold. Slow creeping, a firm pull-away and a downshift under load.
4. Dash. Watch for warnings and a flashing gear display. See flashing display.
5. Codes. Scan the gearbox module. See how to read DSG fault codes.
6. Tuning. Ask directly.

The wider list is in buying a used car with DSG.

Costs

Mechatronic and clutch work on a wet-clutch gearbox sits at the higher end of DSG costs. See DSG clutch replacement cost. Ask for an itemised quote and a statement of what was tested.

Symptoms and where to read next

FAQ

Is S tronic the same as DSG?

Same principle. S tronic is the Audi name. The gearbox type differs between transverse and longitudinal cars.

Is the 0B5 reliable?

Many run without trouble when serviced on time. Known problems are mainly in the mechatronic and clutch.

Can the 0B5 be tuned?

It has headroom, but extra torque shortens clutch life.