[TheDoc46]

2004 1.8T Cab withCVT here 36k My TCU just went on me.. Just paid $1815 to have it replaced.. They changed the transmission oil too. Hoping i don't get any other expensive probs.

 

[audi2003a4]

I have a "gently" driven 2003 A4 1.8 Turbo CVT with all maintenance intervals performed as prescirbed. The car has 90,000 miles on it.
Just informed that the transmission has experienced "total catostrophic failure" due to a bearing breaking and getting metal into the gears (which sounded odd because I didn't think the CVT had gears). Price quote was $ 8,000 at the Audi dealership. I think those considering this transmission should figure that into a buying decision. I actually loved the car and the performance of the transmission (prior to this bad news). Like I say I drive slow and gentle so the thing really should have had a long life. I knew CVT had issues with more powerful engines and "aggressive" driving so I thought I'd be ok with the little 188 hp A4 engine and the easy driving I do.

At this time I'm not sure what to do as the car is old and it hurts to spend $6k on a 6 year old car. I called Audi - no warranty coverage or recall action. They said they may pay some as a goodwill gesture as the failure is not due to a wreck or improper maintenance. Will post back later.

Oh - anyone with the majic solution that makes this problem go away please do tell.

Thanks

 

[audi2003a4]

Audi dealership response

I have a "gently" driven 2003 A4 1.8 Turbo CVT with all maintenance intervals performed as prescirbed. The car has 90,000 miles on it.
Just informed that the transmission has experienced "total catostrophic failure" due to a bearing breaking and getting metal into the gears (which sounded odd because I didn't think the CVT had gears). Price quote was $ 8,000 at the Audi dealership. I think those considering this transmission should figure that into a buying decision. I actually loved the car and the performance of the transmission (prior to this bad news). Like I say I drive slow and gentle so the thing really should have had a long life. I knew CVT had issues with more powerful engines and "aggressive" driving so I thought I'd be ok with the little 188 hp A4 engine and the easy driving I do.

At this time I'm not sure what to do as the car is old and it hurts to spend $6k on a 6 year old car. I called Audi - no warranty coverage or recall action. They said they may pay some as a goodwill gesture as the failure is not due to a wreck or improper maintenance. Will post back later.

Oh - anyone with the majic solution that makes this problem go away please do tell.

Thanks

Update from the Audi dealer was that the actuall repair estimate increased to 8 K. They offered to perform the repair at "warranty cost" and some 2k credit from Audi that could either be applied to a new Audi purchase or the repair . So repair cost would be $5 k.

Still waiting to hear from customer service - they said Thursday they would have their "good will" gesture decision.

 

[TheDoc46]

Update from the Audi dealer was that the actuall repair estimate increased to 8 K. They offered to perform the repair at "warranty cost" and some 2k credit from Audi that could either be applied to a new Audi purchase or the repair . So repair cost would be $5 k.

Still waiting to hear from customer service - they said Thursday they would have their "good will" gesture decision.

My biggest fear of owning my Audi is exactly what happened to you. I love my car, but everytime i look at it now i wonder are you going to give up on me like you have to all those poor other souls in the Audi Forums.. Who did you speak too to get the extra 2k off. 5k is better than 8k I suppose. But still a major kick in the f'ing teeth. As I mentioned above my TCM went at only 37k costing nearly 2k.. Just before Christmas.. Car had been so looked after too. Between the CVT and potential sludge problem on my 1.8T it scares the heck out of me.. The car is like new though, and what i'll get for it, there's nothing that'll give me a smoother more refined drive than what I've currently got, plus the low mileage.. Its just the threat of a CVT failure of sludge problem that's stopping me from want to continue ownership.

 

[audi2003a4]

As I mentioned above my TCM went at only 37k costing nearly 2k.. Just before Christmas.. Car had been so looked after too. .

What's up Doc ?

At this point $2,000 would be chump change compared to what I'm looking at. The 8 k could be down to 5 k because the dealer will perform at "warranty cost" saving $ 1,000 and Audi is supposed to kick in $ 2 k. However that is just their estimate and they are somewhat vague still. I got the $2000 from Audi by asking Customer Care if the item was covered by any recall/extended warranty or class action settlement which it wasn't. They offered a good will gesture since "you bought and serviced at Audi dealerships".

A 2003 A4 FWD is only worth about 7 k used. The scrap value is about 1500 so right now I may be better off not fixing it. In other words after 7 years the remaining value of the car is $ 1,500.

I too loved this car and looked at many before buying. If I had it to do over I'd either lease (ironically leasing would have been cheaper) or flip it right after the warranty expires. You buy for the reason that you own something of value after 5 years. I hung onto it too long. I see heaps of people have had this problem. Then your left with a repair bill that competes with the value of the car.

Interestingly I've tried to locate a "used or rebuilt" cvt... No one was able to locate one and one guy said that they are high demand because of these problems and are both expense and scarce. So even if you find one it will cost $ 4 k ish (4 k for a used transmission)

I'll continue to post back. At this point I don't think I'll spend the $ 5 k to fix unless Audi offers up more help. I may tow it to some rougue Audi repair guys that have a shop. They mentioned that the dealer may not have opened up the transmission and are basing the diagnoses on error codes and likely causes. Worth a couple hundred on that chance.

I may buy a Passart with a "normal" transmission. Otherwise maybe the Acura TSX.

 

[TheDoc46]

What's up Doc ?

At this point $2,000 would be chump change compared to what I'm looking at. The 8 k could be down to 5 k because the dealer will perform at "warranty cost" saving $ 1,000 and Audi is supposed to kick in $ 2 k. However that is just their estimate and they are somewhat vague still. I got the $2000 from Audi by asking Customer Care if the item was covered by any recall/extended warranty or class action settlement which it wasn't. They offered a good will gesture since "you bought and serviced at Audi dealerships".

A 2003 A4 FWD is only worth about 7 k used. The scrap value is about 1500 so right now I may be better off not fixing it. In other words after 7 years the remaining value of the car is $ 1,500.

I too loved this car and looked at many before buying. If I had it to do over I'd either lease (ironically leasing would have been cheaper) or flip it right after the warranty expires. You buy for the reason that you own something of value after 5 years. I hung onto it too long. I see heaps of people have had this problem. Then your left with a repair bill that competes with the value of the car.

Interestingly I've tried to locate a "used or rebuilt" cvt... No one was able to locate one and one guy said that they are high demand because of these problems and are both expense and scarce. So even if you find one it will cost $ 4 k ish (4 k for a used transmission)

I'll continue to post back. At this point I don't think I'll spend the $ 5 k to fix unless Audi offers up more help. I may tow it to some rougue Audi repair guys that have a shop. They mentioned that the dealer may not have opened up the transmission and are basing the diagnoses on error codes and likely causes. Worth a couple hundred on that chance.

I may buy a Passart with a "normal" transmission. Otherwise maybe the Acura TSX.

Feel sorry for you. Hey have you ever thought about stripping the car down and selling it for spares? Surely that's got to be worth a few thousand? Just a thought. Probably not something easy to do, depending on garage size, specialized tools req'd etc.

I'm seriously thinking of buying an extended warranty, even a so called bumper to bumper that includes wear and tear for 5k from warranty direct. Only hearing good'ish things about them, and with the bumper to bumper inc wear and tear, they should have a hard time excluding things. Plus it will make the car sellable later down the road AND give me peace of mind on my CVT. As i said my car in like new in every way. interior, drive, paintwork, i would cry to have to sell it for say $15k and buy some jap mid-lux car, when i have it all now in my Audi Cab. 5k is a lot of money to put into it but as i said, over say three yrs.

So far including depreciation and repairs, i've put in 40months $350 per month into my car. Not sure you can lease an Audi Cab at that price, so i think I'm still onto a winner. Would have been cheaper if i hadn't been hit by two 2k repair bills. (roof replacement and TCM) So kinda unlucky there. OK so on a lease the car would have been brand new, but quality wise, mine is like new. I think i could have leased a regular A4 2.0T for around the same price, but i'd of been less happy than i am with my cab.

Hey good luck on the repairs.. I know the outcome isn't good, but at the end of the day its only money.. Some people have health issues that cost them far more than that.. Probably not making you feel better is it..

 

[audi2003a4]

So I have a surprise happy ending and moral to my Audi CVT transmision story. I will try to post a new thead in the event it can help someone else.

I decided to have the rogue VW / Audi repair guys that I had previously mentioned give me a second opinion. Had to tow it there. The dealership wasn't ready for a guy like me. Surpirsed someone would tow it to them and then tow it elsewhere. Since the car "looked nice" they figured I'd invest the $ + 5k.

What made me take it to the rogue guys was asking the dealership "how did you diagnose the car". The dealer said they got numerouse fault codes from the computer and saw metal in the transmission oil they drained. Sounds impressive but the rogue guy told me that they likely wouldn't take the transmission off of the car and open it to really see what failed.

Since his first thought on the diagnostic was right I (and he said they had previously repaired someone's CVT that had a transmission pump failure for less than $2k. I towed it over to them.

They called my Monday (towed late Friday afternoon) and said it was the pump and that nothing else looked bad.

Fixed the same day for less than $ 2 k parts, labor, tow and rental car.

I am back in my Audi. Still an expensive repair but within the kind of repair that keeps the car on the road.

So the moral of this story is to find yourself a non-dealer Audi specialist for any CVT transmission failure. Then live happily ever after.

 

[TheDoc46]

So I have a surprise happy ending and moral to my Audi CVT transmision story. I will try to post a new thead in the event it can help someone else.

I decided to have the rogue VW / Audi repair guys that I had previously mentioned give me a second opinion. Had to tow it there. The dealership wasn't ready for a guy like me. Surpirsed someone would tow it to them and then tow it elsewhere. Since the car "looked nice" they figured I'd invest the $ + 5k.

What made me take it to the rogue guys was asking the dealership "how did you diagnose the car". The dealer said they got numerouse fault codes from the computer and saw metal in the transmission oil they drained. Sounds impressive but the rogue guy told me that they likely wouldn't take the transmission off of the car and open it to really see what failed.

Since his first thought on the diagnostic was right I (and he said they had previously repaired someone's CVT that had a transmission pump failure for less than $2k. I towed it over to them.

They called my Monday (towed late Friday afternoon) and said it was the pump and that nothing else looked bad.

Fixed the same day for less than $ 2 k parts, labor, tow and rental car.

I am back in my Audi. Still an expensive repair but within the kind of repair that keeps the car on the road.

So the moral of this story is to find yourself a non-dealer Audi specialist for any CVT transmission failure. Then live happily ever after.

Excellent news, and one for others to consider. I wonder how many instances there are in which the actual CVT can be repaired without replacement.. Audi are using this excuse to make thousands upon thousands on the poor unsuspecting public.. Please name and shame the Audi dealership you took it too. We should all write to Audi and complain and threaten them with legal action. Its a disgrace. They are just happy to swap it out and make a killing.

Anyway happy ending sorta !! 2k is a LOT better than 6k or worse 8k..

So are you going to keep the car now or sell it on?

I guess the hard part for others is finding a place outside of a dealer that'll repair Audi's.. I know where I'm from, its the stealership or nothing. Where are you based?

 

[natasha_audi]

I have a 2002 Audi A6 3.0 with only 70k miles on it and my mechanic is saying that the transmission needs to be replaced as well. The cost is 7k, parts and labor- 6k for transmission alone.. He isn't an Audi dealer, but he specializes in Audi.. I don't think he opened it up, just ran the diagnostic. He says he can replace the module, at $3500, but that would be a temp fix, and the whole transmission will need to be replaced pretty soon after..any thoughts ???

I found a salvage parts dealer in FL that will sell me a transmission with 79K miles on it that he will warrenty for 1 year.. $2400- so if all else fails, thats better then 7k...

I'm going to the Audi deal just in case tomorrow to see what they say.. do you think I should ask the dealer to open up the transmission??? I want to threaten the class action if the dealer says it needs a new transmission..

Also, if anyone can rec a mechanic in LOS ANGELES???
Thanks!

 

[audi2003a4]

I have a 2002 Audi A6 3.0 with only 70k miles on it and my mechanic is saying that the transmission needs to be replaced as well. The cost is 7k, parts and labor- 6k for transmission alone.. He isn't an Audi dealer, but he specializes in Audi.. I don't think he opened it up, just ran the diagnostic. He says he can replace the module, at $3500, but that would be a temp fix, and the whole transmission will need to be replaced pretty soon after..any thoughts ???

I found a salvage parts dealer in FL that will sell me a transmission with 79K miles on it that he will warrenty for 1 year.. $2400- so if all else fails, thats better then 7k...

I'm going to the Audi deal just in case tomorrow to see what they say.. do you think I should ask the dealer to open up the transmission??? I want to threaten the class action if the dealer says it needs a new transmission..

Also, if anyone can rec a mechanic in LOS ANGELES???
Thanks!

natasha,

Read my posts (above) so you know the symptoms I had and the steps I took to see if that applies to you.

I had my transmission pump fail catostrophically at 90 k miles. The repair cost was around $ 1,700 including tows . The original diagnostic was to replace the entire CVT for $ 6,000 to $8,000.

 

[audi2003a4]

Whats up doc ?

I am in Texas. NOt lots but some Audi and VW mechanics outside of the dealers.

 

[TheDoc46]

I have a 2002 Audi A6 3.0 with only 70k miles on it and my mechanic is saying that the transmission needs to be replaced as well. The cost is 7k, parts and labor- 6k for transmission alone.. He isn't an Audi dealer, but he specializes in Audi.. I don't think he opened it up, just ran the diagnostic. He says he can replace the module, at $3500, but that would be a temp fix, and the whole transmission will need to be replaced pretty soon after..any thoughts ???

I found a salvage parts dealer in FL that will sell me a transmission with 79K miles on it that he will warrenty for 1 year.. $2400- so if all else fails, thats better then 7k...

I'm going to the Audi deal just in case tomorrow to see what they say.. do you think I should ask the dealer to open up the transmission??? I want to threaten the class action if the dealer says it needs a new transmission..

Also, if anyone can rec a mechanic in LOS ANGELES???
Thanks!

3500k for a TCM is too much, shouldn't be more than $2k max. The two are completely different. Your TCM is an electronic module and for the mechanic to say your tranny is going to go also, is just speculation. It may last for another 50k or you may get unlucky and it only last for another 10k.. At 80k cars all cars and not just Audi can become problematic.

Good luck with everything.

 

[lesko]

On the fence

I guess im in the same boat now...

2004 A4 1.8t FWD
I just had a new engine replaced (10k miles ago) thanks to a failing oil pump...did mayor damage when it went out while driving..got everything new. engine, turbo and so on...Rest of car has 106,000 miles on it. Great shape.

Now my CVT Trans is shot at 106,000. Been looking for a rebuilt for over 4 months now...no luck, car has been to 3 different mechanics for 2nd and 3rd opinion. They all say the same...CVT Trans is hard to come by, not to many out there. Orig Transmission is in my trunk...lol

I'm not paying 7-8k for a new one...Rebuilt are around $2500-$3500 if you can find one. I guess plan B is to sell the car for parts, sell the engine.? or just take the bus until I find a rebuilt.

If anybody knows of any please drop me a note. Im in Fort Lauderdale.

 

[otul]

I bought a brand new Audi A4 in 2002. Everything went great for the first 4 years (when it was covered by warranty), I had no need for repairs. However, after 6 years and over 90,000 miles, the transmission failed and I was told that I needed to pay about $2,700 to be able to use the car again. I compared the investment to the value of the car and it made no sense to pay for that at the time so I was looking for some better options and time passed by. 2 years later, when I decided to finally get the car out of the garage and have it fixed, I was told that the price for a new transmission went from $2,700 to $7,500. Is there a high demand for these CVT transmissions? Has anyone else experienced this kind of craziness? It would make absolutely no sense to invest another $7,500 in a car that hardly has any value in it.

 

[VanCVT]

I just want to share my experience and resolution as I know how frustrating this can be.

I have a 2002 A4 CVT (bought new at end of 2002). Ran into the the issue where the rev would spike up ever few seconds when the RPM is bellow 2K and there is some torque being applied. Problem got worst when the car was running for a while. Problem stated in 2007 and I've searched high and low for how to fix this on all the forums. 5 to 7K for a new tranny was not an option. Here is what I've done

1. 2007 mechanic suggested to switched to synthetic oil and I saw a slight improvement. The spark plugs change helped a little, but it was back to where it was after a few weeks.
2. 2007 Audi dealership tells me that they need to replace my fuel pump. 1.2K later, did not fix the issue. Then they have the nerve to tell me I was using bad gas. Never will I trust Audi shop again. Bunch of con artist.
3. 2009 - one of the ignition coil failed - there was the recall, so I replaced the other 3 coils. There was some marginal improvement for a short bit, but back to were it was.
2011 summer - engine\transmission issue got really bad as the car would stall at time. Took it into the a machanic that specializes in VW cars. Found 2 engine connectors issues (1 completely servered and 1 with a small hole)....which would explan the exhaust type of smell in the car for the longest time. Replace those, but did not fix the rpm spikes\plusing issue
2011 Fall - car stalled and would not start for the longest time and engine light came on - manage to get it to the machanic by keeping the RPMs up - found another connector with a big hole. I think it was one of the more important ones - the transmission problem (pulsating rev) was still there, but not as bad. Was considering selling the car
2012 Dec - one last ditch to fix the issue as the car was in good shape and the KM was low. Got the machanic to replace all the remaining connectors\hose in the engine ( I think there are 8 or so in total....can't remember), change the transmissin fluid, engine oil and timing belt.

FINALLY....the transmission issue is now fixed and the engine runs almost like new. The power has been restored, but more importantly, no more jerking issues and RPM spikes.

Personally, I think the issue was the transmissin oil and connection valves. My mechanic told me (showed me the servered engine connectors.....they are plastic encase in rubber (high temp type) and tend to break down over time). He kept telling me that the transmission fluid is fine from looking at the top off checker (hard to do a proper check as the transmission is a sealed system) and Audi trans fluid is supposed to be life time. Nonetheless I insisted on him to replace it, as ppl have suggested on multiple forums. When he flushed out the tran fluid he was shocked how bad it was....he said it was blacked and tar like as it was suppose to be life time


I think the main thing for me....at least from my experience.
1. replacing the right ignition coil - I think got mine for $30/ea (Audi will refund as there was a recall)
2 Change to a synthetic oil - Audi sent a letter out on that
3. replace all the engine connectors\tubes after 5 yrs or 80K (km) - $400-500
4. Change the tran fluid 3yrs or 40 to 50K - $300

Issues stated happing to the car when it was around 4yrs old with 60K km. I do more city driving than Hwy.

 

[Medessec]

I have mentioned this on another topic, but I suppose a recap for this topic.

I have a 2004 Audi A4, with a CVT, if you didn't guess. According to the history, the fluid had been swapped at 50k miles at an Audi Dealer as a part of maintenance. It hasn't been determined if the fluid was changed since then, but I'm guessing not, as I'm experiencing shudders and jerks rarely while in D. These shudders don't happen while I'm in S(Sport), or while using the sequential manual Tiptronic.

I do plan to swap the fluid at some point before I go off to college, but this car's CVT has held out fairly well considering the terrible talk revolving around the CVT.

I mentioned on the other topic that the CVT was a highly experimental transmission- carmakers nowadays are just now putting them in their mainstream cars. So I'm not surprised A4 owners(especially of the earlier B6 A4s) encountered so many problems. However by the looks of it-mine's holding out very well, but it could be that I have a 2004. Audi had probably figured out all the problems by then.

 

[Dickfer]

2004 A4 1.8T 114000
That was when the car started to have transmission problems. Now I am at 134000, car drives like a dream with the transmission, and yes its a CVT. You name it, I had the issues with this transmission. Now how much did it cost me over all? Around $700.00 total and that was just from learning.
When the car first started to have its issues it was the bucking Bronco issue, also the gas milage sucked.
When the GF at the time took it to Audi, they qouted her $6000.00 to fix it. She is now the Wife BTW.
I first got a FACTORY repair manual off of ebay. CD program, (copied) but it worked. I am a aircraft mechanic by trade so digging into the factory manual and READING thru all the BS, it was funny how so many mechanics have missed this simple issue, and the factory manual flat says what it is.
Did you know that the CVT has a filter on the inside of the transmission. You say YES, but did you know that, that filter is just a screen? The REAL filter is running along side the transmisson on the left side. Its about 1 1/2 Dia, and about 6 inches long.
The CVT was not designed for the standard home mechanic to work on it, they want you to spend the money at the dealership everytime. This filter is a high micron filter with a spring bypass valve built in, incase it gets clogged.
The factory manual has a SMALL statement in it that says "IF ANY PROBLEMS OCCUR in the transmission, REPLACE the filter" It also says, that anytime you change the transmission to replace the filter.
The filter is inline and our Audi dealership, when I called them to find out about a new one, told me that they had know idea about it, and that they didnt know if they could even get one for me.
So the first thing that I did was change the fluid in the transmission, that seemed to help but the transmission was still acting up. So I did tons of research and again went to a dealership and they did find the line with the filter in it, and they said it would cost $380.00 for a new one.
Sorry, I have a issue with that, so doing tons of research on inline filters I found Magnefine Filters, (look them up) found a 1/2 line filter on Ebay for $16.00 with shipping. Cut out the old filter and the first thing I did just to see if that was the issue was run a line bypassing the place of the old filter. BINGO!
Then I cut open the filter and WOW!!! Talk about being cloggled.
Flushed the transmission again, installed the Magnefine filter and ran it for 3000 miles and then changed the filter and fluid again.
Then a few months passed and we got the Multi shifting lighting up.
The mechanic that the GF/Now wife, use to go to, is a GREAT mechanic and because of being gone and just with too much on my plate to deal with it, I was able to have him do the work that was needed. So, what we did was he removed the TCM from the back of the CVT and we found a repair shop ONLINE and next day aired it to them, they rebuilt it and sent it back next day air. All together it was about $500.00 to do that. Why have someone rebuild mine? Well each one is programmed and unless you want to Tow, (you cant drive it to the dealership when you put in a new one) then they can program the CVT TCM.
In the end, I have learned TONS about the CVT's, they should have the fluid changed out every 40K miles or so, and my advice is to remove that factory filter and install a Magnifne. I have a little fluid leaking a few drops from the connections, but I am working on brasing in some better spade connections to help seal up the hose that I am using now.

I will put in some photos of what I have done later, I hope this helps.

Oh BTW, we took it to a Audi Transmission repair shop only and the owner of the shop told me that it would cost $6000 for a new transmission (same as the dealership) and he would only give us $500 for the car. I looked at him and told him I would tear apart the car and sell it on Ebay and get $5K and that he could shove it.

So, now it dives great, I have installed some Pulstar spark plugs and a standard fitting K&N air filter. Just got back from driving back and forth from Tampa last week, getting 26.9 MPG. And that was doing 85mph.

CVT's do have their problems, but a good mechanic can fix them.

Enjoy!!

 

[Dickfer]

This is the Magnfine filter installed, looking down past the engine along the drivers side.

This is what the old filter looked like after I cut it out of the metal housing in was in, I wish I took better photos of all the gunk that was built up on the inside of the housing. Just before I took the photo I sprayed down the filter with some brake clean and that is what you see. Either way, it was clogged and the pressure of the fluid needed was bypassing inside.

 

[chipdog59]

View attachment 7101

This is the Magnfine filter installed, looking down past the engine along the drivers side.

View attachment 7102

This is what the old filter looked like after I cut it out of the metal housing in was in, I wish I took better photos of all the gunk that was built up on the inside of the housing. Just before I took the photo I sprayed down the filter with some brake clean and that is what you see. Either way, it was clogged and the pressure of the fluid needed was bypassing inside.

2004 A4 1.8T 114000
That was when the car started to have transmission problems. Now I am at 134000, car drives like a dream with the transmission, and yes its a CVT. You name it, I had the issues with this transmission. Now how much did it cost me over all? Around $700.00 total and that was just from learning.
When the car first started to have its issues it was the bucking Bronco issue, also the gas milage sucked.
When the GF at the time took it to Audi, they qouted her $6000.00 to fix it. She is now the Wife BTW.
I first got a FACTORY repair manual off of ebay. CD program, (copied) but it worked. I am a aircraft mechanic by trade so digging into the factory manual and READING thru all the BS, it was funny how so many mechanics have missed this simple issue, and the factory manual flat says what it is.
Did you know that the CVT has a filter on the inside of the transmission. You say YES, but did you know that, that filter is just a screen? The REAL filter is running along side the transmisson on the left side. Its about 1 1/2 Dia, and about 6 inches long.
The CVT was not designed for the standard home mechanic to work on it, they want you to spend the money at the dealership everytime. This filter is a high micron filter with a spring bypass valve built in, incase it gets clogged.
The factory manual has a SMALL statement in it that says "IF ANY PROBLEMS OCCUR in the transmission, REPLACE the filter" It also says, that anytime you change the transmission to replace the filter.
The filter is inline and our Audi dealership, when I called them to find out about a new one, told me that they had know idea about it, and that they didnt know if they could even get one for me.
So the first thing that I did was change the fluid in the transmission, that seemed to help but the transmission was still acting up. So I did tons of research and again went to a dealership and they did find the line with the filter in it, and they said it would cost $380.00 for a new one.
Sorry, I have a issue with that, so doing tons of research on inline filters I found Magnefine Filters, (look them up) found a 1/2 line filter on Ebay for $16.00 with shipping. Cut out the old filter and the first thing I did just to see if that was the issue was run a line bypassing the place of the old filter. BINGO!
Then I cut open the filter and WOW!!! Talk about being cloggled.
Flushed the transmission again, installed the Magnefine filter and ran it for 3000 miles and then changed the filter and fluid again.
Then a few months passed and we got the Multi shifting lighting up.
The mechanic that the GF/Now wife, use to go to, is a GREAT mechanic and because of being gone and just with too much on my plate to deal with it, I was able to have him do the work that was needed. So, what we did was he removed the TCM from the back of the CVT and we found a repair shop ONLINE and next day aired it to them, they rebuilt it and sent it back next day air. All together it was about $500.00 to do that. Why have someone rebuild mine? Well each one is programmed and unless you want to Tow, (you cant drive it to the dealership when you put in a new one) then they can program the CVT TCM.
In the end, I have learned TONS about the CVT's, they should have the fluid changed out every 40K miles or so, and my advice is to remove that factory filter and install a Magnifne. I have a little fluid leaking a few drops from the connections, but I am working on brasing in some better spade connections to help seal up the hose that I am using now.

I will put in some photos of what I have done later, I hope this helps.

Oh BTW, we took it to a Audi Transmission repair shop only and the owner of the shop told me that it would cost $6000 for a new transmission (same as the dealership) and he would only give us $500 for the car. I looked at him and told him I would tear apart the car and sell it on Ebay and get $5K and that he could shove it.

So, now it dives great, I have installed some Pulstar spark plugs and a standard fitting K&N air filter. Just got back from driving back and forth from Tampa last week, getting 26.9 MPG. And that was doing 85mph.

CVT's do have their problems, but a good mechanic can fix them.

Enjoy!!

Realize this is a fairly old thread but can you provide the specific name / part of the filter that runs along the side of the transmission

 

[Dickfer]

Name of the factory part ? I think they listed it as part of the "Lines"
When I went to Audi to get the part number, I was calling them on the phone and it took me forever to try to get the information. With Audi, unless they are doing the work, they dont want you to have the information it seems. I went thru a local shop who the owner is a friend of mine, and he finally got the part number and what they wanted for the price. Like I said, it was WAY expensive, all because it was filter that was attached to the fluid lines. As far as the Magnefine, go to
Magnefine Inline Transmission Power Steering Filters
I bought mine on Ebay and shipping was free, $16.00
If you are having problems with the transmission, then you will want to flush it, if you want to run with the factory filter at $200.00 because it is made out of metal, that is up to you. I am now sold on the Magnefines and have adapted them to a few other of my rides. When I flushed out the transmission, I swapped out the Magnefine filter at the same time, oh the Magnefine filter was the 1/2" one.
Hope this helps.