DSG repair pages
Six DSG families — DQ200, DQ250, DQ380, DQ381, DQ400E and DQ500. Each family has its own repair information page covering symptoms, mechatronic issues, documented fault codes and the parts most commonly involved in repair. Use the comparison below to identify your family, then open the page that matches.
DSG family comparison
The six families share the DSG dual-clutch principle but differ in clutch type, gear count, torque capability and — most importantly for diagnosis — internal hydraulic and mechatronic design.
| Feature | DQ200 | DQ250 | DQ380 | DQ381 | DQ400E | DQ500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clutch type | Dry dual clutch | Wet dual clutch | Wet dual clutch | Wet dual clutch | Wet dual clutch (hybrid) | Wet dual clutch |
| Gears | 7 forward | 6 forward | 7 forward | 7 forward | 6 forward | 7 forward |
| Also known as | 0AM/0CW | 02E | 0DE | 0GC | 0DD | 0BH/0BT |
| Approx. torque rating | ~250 Nm | ~350 Nm | ~420 Nm | ~420 Nm | family_index.dsg-repair.torque_hybrid | ~600 Nm |
| Common failure focus | Dry-clutch family; fault codes often relate to the mechatronic accumulator, clutch adaptation and the 6th/Reverse shift fork. | Wet-clutch family; fault codes commonly involve hydraulic control, speed sensors and gear engagement. | Wet-clutch family; fault codes frequently concern hydraulic control and sensor behaviour. | Wet-clutch family; fault codes often involve hydraulic control, sensor behaviour and the TCU. | Hybrid DSG family; fault codes can involve hydraulic control and the hybrid control interface. | High-torque wet-clutch family; fault codes often relate to hydraulic control, clutch cooling and the mechatronic unit. |
| Repair page | DQ200 → | DQ250 → | DQ380 → | DQ381 → | DQ400E → | DQ500 → |
family_index.dsg-repair.compare_note
Open the DSG repair page that matches your transmission
Each family page covers symptoms, mechatronic issues, documented fault codes and the parts most often involved.
DQ200 — 7-speed dry DSG
Dry-clutch family; fault codes often relate to the mechatronic accumulator, clutch adaptation and the 6th/Reverse shift fork.
Open DQ200 repair page DQ250DQ250 — 6-speed wet DSG
Wet-clutch family; fault codes commonly involve hydraulic control, speed sensors and gear engagement.
Open DQ250 repair page DQ380DQ380 — 7-speed wet DSG
Wet-clutch family; fault codes frequently concern hydraulic control and sensor behaviour.
Open DQ380 repair page DQ381DQ381 — 7-speed wet DSG
Wet-clutch family; fault codes often involve hydraulic control, sensor behaviour and the TCU.
Open DQ381 repair page DQ400EDQ400E — 6-speed hybrid DSG
Hybrid DSG family; fault codes can involve hydraulic control and the hybrid control interface.
Open DQ400E repair page DQ500DQ500 — 7-speed wet DSG
High-torque wet-clutch family; fault codes often relate to hydraulic control, clutch cooling and the mechatronic unit.
Open DQ500 repair pageHow to confirm your DSG family
Vehicle make and model alone is not reliable, because several DSG families have been fitted to overlapping model ranges. The most reliable identification is from the transmission itself — either from the unit code on the transmission label or from a diagnostic scan that reads the transmission control unit.
- Transmission label. Read the unit code from the label on the transmission.
- Diagnostic scan. A scan that reads the transmission control unit identifies the fitted family.
- VIN and part number. Send the VIN and the mechatronic part number with a quotation request and we will confirm the family.
- Fault codes. Many fault codes narrow the family immediately — start with the fault-code database.
Questions about DSG families and repair pages
How do I know which DSG family my vehicle has?
The most reliable identification is from the transmission itself — either from the unit code on the transmission label or from a diagnostic scan that reads the transmission control unit. Vehicle make and model alone is not reliable, because several DSG families have been fitted to overlapping model ranges. If you are unsure, send the VIN and the mechatronic part number with a quotation request and DSG Clinic will confirm the family.
What is the difference between a dry and a wet DSG clutch?
A dry DSG clutch operates without an oil bath around the clutch packs. It is lighter and more efficient, but is more exposed to thermal load in stop-and-go traffic. A wet DSG clutch runs in an oil bath that cools and lubricates it, allowing it to handle higher torque. On the DSG families listed here, the DQ200 uses a dry clutch and the DQ250, DQ380, DQ381, DQ400E and DQ500 use wet clutches.
Are all DSG families equally difficult to repair?
The repair pathway depends on the diagnosis, not on the family alone. Some families have well-documented weaknesses — for example the DQ200 pressure accumulator housing and the DQ200 6th/Reverse selector fork — while others have patterns shared across wet-clutch families such as hydraulic control and sensor behaviour. Matching the symptom to the family is the first step; identifying the correct mechatronic assembly or part is the second.
Can I mix parts from different DSG families?
No. Mechatronic assemblies, clutch packs, selector forks and hydraulic components are specific to each DSG family, and often to specific generations within a family. Cross-family substitution is not possible. Part numbers must be matched to the exact unit.
Where do I start if I have a fault code but do not know the family?
Start with the fault-code database — many codes narrow the family immediately. If the code is generic across families, use the symptom-to-family matrix on this page to shortlist candidates, then confirm the family from the transmission label or a diagnostic scan before requesting a part.
Not sure which family you have?
Send us the VIN, the fault codes and the part number and we will confirm the family and the correct repair path.