Major DSG Issue
I’m looking for some advice/opinions from people experienced with early DSG cars, especially Mk1 TT 3.2s or R32s.
I have a very clean 2005 Audi TT 3.2 DSG coupe with only about 66k miles. The car is immaculate cosmetically and has been very well cared for.
A few weeks ago I started noticing a rotational metallic noise from the drivetrain/transmission area. It was most noticeable:
* accelerating from a stop
* during on/off throttle transitions
* and under load
At one point the car briefly revved and would not shift correctly, and the PRNDS lights flashed. After restarting the car it drove normally again.
Over time the noises evolved into:
* metallic chatter/whirring
* then a higher-pitched intermittent whine/squeal during shifts
I originally suspected the dual-mass flywheel, but I brought the car to a respected VW/Audi specialist. They scanned it and told me they believe the transmission is internally failing and that metal contamination may be interfering with the mechatronics unit. The code apparently referenced “mechatronic interference.”
The shop basically recommended replacing the transmission, saying these DSG units are difficult to source now.
My questions:
* Has anyone here seen similar symptoms on an early DSG?
* Does this sound more like a rebuildable issue (bearings/mechatronics/clutch contamination/etc.) or truly catastrophic transmission failure?
* Are there reputable DSG rebuild specialists in the western US that work on these older DQ250 units?
* Is it worth trying to save the original transmission, or is replacement realistically the better route?
* Has anyone sourced a good used Mk1 TT 3.2 DSG recently?
I really love this car and would prefer to save it if financially reasonable, but I’m trying to understand whether I’m looking at a repairable drivetrain issue or basically a dead transmission.
Any advice appreciated.