7-Speed S-Tronic 0CK (DL382) Gearbox Oil Change – Audi A4/A5/A6/A7/Q5
The 0CK (factory code DL382) is a 7-speed automatic S-Tronic gearbox with a wet K1/K2 dual clutch, mounted longitudinally in the newer quattro-drive Audi A4 (B9), A5 (F5), A6 (C8), A7 (C8) and Q5 (FY) built from around 2016. It holds roughly 7–8 litres of ATF, and the change interval we recommend for Polish driving conditions is 60,000 km or every 4–5 years. Doing the oil change properly on a 7-speed DL382 S-Tronic means taking the mechatronic unit out: that is the only way to reach the internal mechatronic filters and seals, which cannot be accessed from underneath the gearbox.
We specialise in the full oil service of the 7-speed 0CK (DL382) S-Tronic gearbox in the Audi A4, A5, A6, A7 and Q5 – mechatronic unit removal, internal filter and seal replacement, a new oil pan, plus the computer-guided fill and adaptation procedure.
Repair example: Job completed: 0CK S-Tronic oil service
Patient: An Audi with the 7-speed 0CK (DL382) S-Tronic gearbox
Symptoms: Booked in for an oil change – the gearbox pan was wet with oil and visibly leaking
Repair: Full oil service: mechatronic unit removed, internal filters and seals replaced, new oil pan fitted, refilled with the computer-guided fill procedure
Photos from a 0CK S-Tronic oil service
What is the 0CK S-Tronic (DL382) – the 7-speed S-Tronic in Audi models
The 0CK (factory code DL382) is a 7-speed automatic S-Tronic gearbox with a wet K1/K2 dual clutch, mounted longitudinally in the newer Audi models with quattro drive from around 2016 (A4 B9, A5 F5, A6 C8, A7 C8, Q5 FY). It succeeds the well-known 0B5 S-Tronic (DL501) – lighter and more compact, but built along similar lines and just as demanding when it comes to servicing.
If you are searching for “7-speed S-Tronic gearbox oil change” – Audi models are fitted with two different 7-speed S-Tronic gearboxes with a wet dual clutch: the older 0B5 (DL501) (2008–2016) and the newer one described on this page, the 0CK (DL382), used from around 2016. Both are longitudinal quattro units – but they differ in oil pan design, filter layout and service parts, which is why the oil change procedures are not interchangeable. Unlike the transverse DQ250 (02E) DSG (6 gears) – the DL382 is a 7-speed design engineered for higher torque figures and four-wheel drive.
- Wet dual clutch – two clutches, K1 and K2, running in an oil bath – they need clean oil of exactly the right specification
- 7 ratios – fast gear changes with no interruption in torque delivery
- Mechatronic unit with internal filters – an integrated hydraulic-electronic control unit with its own filters, reachable only once the mechatronic unit has been taken out
- Successor to the 0B5 (DL501) – a newer design used from around 2016, lighter and more compact than the DL501
- Oil capacity of roughly 7-8 litres – needs ATF meeting the VW specification, with a change recommended every 60,000 km
- Oil pan with magnets – the magnets catch metal debris – at service the pan should be replaced with a new one or cleaned thoroughly
Supported models with 0CK S-Tronic (DL382)
Audi
- Audi A4 (B9) – 2016+, 2.0 TFSI / 2.0 TDI quattro
- Audi A5 (F5) – 2016+, 2.0 TFSI / 2.0 TDI quattro
- Audi A6 (C8) – 2018+, 2.0 TFSI / 2.0 TDI / 3.0 TDI quattro
- Audi A7 (C8) – 2018+, 2.0 TFSI / 3.0 TDI quattro
- Audi Q5 (FY) – 2017+, 2.0 TFSI / 2.0 TDI quattro
Why a “plain oil change” is not enough
On the 0CK S-Tronic gearbox, simply swapping the oil pan and pouring in fresh oil falls well short. This gearbox's mechatronic unit carries its own internal filters and seals, and they are reachable only once it has been taken out. Without replacing them the service is incomplete – the old filters carry on contaminating the fresh oil, and worn seals can cause leaks.
Beware of “quick oil changes”
Workshops offering an S-Tronic oil change that amounts to nothing more than draining the oil and refilling it – with no mechatronic unit removal – are doing the job only halfway. A service like that covers neither the internal filters nor the mechatronic unit seals.
The result: an “oil change” of that kind can do more harm than good if worn filters block completely or leaking seals cause a loss of pressure.
The correct oil change procedure on a 7-speed 0CK S-Tronic
Below is a step-by-step account of how a professional 0CK S-Tronic oil service runs in our workshop. Once the oil has been changed and the gearbox refitted, a computer-guided gearbox adaptation is required – without it the wet K1/K2 clutches never learn their new bite points and the car can jerk. If you are wondering how an oil change with mechatronic unit removal differs from the “dynamic” kind, have a look at our description of the dynamic oil change (a pressurised flush); on S-Tronic gearboxes with wet clutches we use the gravity procedure with the mechatronic unit taken out.
1. Computer preparation
Connecting the diagnostic equipment and putting the gearbox into service mode. Without this step the service cannot be carried out correctly.
- Reading the current adaptation values and parameters
- Activating the gearbox service mode
- Checking the oil temperature
2. Removing the oil pan
Draining the old oil and taking the pan off. At this stage the condition of the oil and the amount of debris on the magnets become visible – the first indicator of how healthy the gearbox is.
- Draining the oil
- Removing the pan with its built-in mesh filter
- Assessing the amount of debris on the magnets
- Cleaning the pan or fitting a new one
3. Removing the mechatronic unit
The key stage that separates a professional service from a “plain oil change”. The mechatronic unit holds extra filters and seals that cannot be reached from underneath the gearbox.
- Removing the mechatronic unit
- Replacing the internal mechatronic filters
- Replacing every seal and O-ring
- Inspecting the condition of the solenoids
4. Refitting and filling
Once the filters and seals have been replaced, the mechatronic unit goes back in and the oil is filled using a precise, computer-guided procedure.
- Refitting the mechatronic unit with new seals
- Fitting the new oil pan
- Filling with ATF
- Computer-guided oil level setting procedure
- Leak check
When should the oil be changed in a 0CK S-Tronic gearbox?
- A wet oil pan – oil visibly leaking on the gearbox casing – often a worn pan or mechatronic unit seal
- Jerking on gear changes – old, contaminated oil no longer maintains the correct pressure in the mechatronic unit
- Delayed D/R engagement – a long pause when selecting a gear – it can point to blocked filters or a low oil level
- Vibration when pulling away – contaminated oil affects how the wet K1/K2 clutches behave
- A gearbox service message – the OBD system has detected an overdue service interval or an anomaly in how the gearbox is working
Service interval
We recommend changing the oil every 60,000 km or every 4-5 years, whichever comes first. With heavy city use or towing, sooner still. The manufacturer may describe the oil as “fill for life”, but experience shows that regular changes noticeably extend the life of the gearbox.
Why choose us?
- A complete service, not a half measure – the mechatronic unit comes out and the filters and seals are replaced – not just the pan and the oil
- Hands-on S-Tronic experience – we service S-Tronic gearboxes (0B5, 0CK, DQ500) day in, day out
- Genuine VW/Audi parts – filters, seals and ATF meeting the manufacturer's specification
- Computer-guided procedure – precise filling and oil level setting carried out with diagnostic equipment
- Competitive prices – a professional service at a price well below the Audi main dealer
- Photographic documentation – photos from every stage of the service – you know exactly what was done
How the service runs
- Contact and booking – we talk the problem through and agree a date for the service
- Initial diagnosis – fault code read-out, assessment of the oil and the gearbox
- Oil service including the mechatronic unit – the full procedure: mechatronic unit removal, filter, seal and pan replacement, refilling with oil
- Computer-guided procedure – setting the oil level, resetting the service interval, checking the adaptation values
- Final test – leak check, road test, verification of the operating parameters
Pricing
| Service | Description | Turnaround time |
|---|---|---|
| 0CK oil service (complete) | Oil, filters, mechatronic unit seals and pan replaced, computer-guided procedure | Quoted individually |
| Oil pan replacement | A new pan with mesh filter and magnets | Included in the service |
| Gearbox diagnostics | Fault code read-out, parameter check, condition assessment | Free with a booked job |
* Exact quote after a consultation. The price depends on the Audi model and the range of parts needed (pan, filters, seals).
For workshops and garages
We also offer the 0CK S-Tronic oil service as a service for other workshops. If you do not have the diagnostic equipment or the experience with the S-Tronic service procedure, get in touch for details on B2B cooperation!
Get in touch
Does your Audi need an S-Tronic gearbox oil change? Is the pan wet with oil? Is the gearbox jerking or slow to change gear? Get in touch to book a professional 0CK oil service that includes the full mechatronic unit work.
We also repair other gearboxes
Frequently asked questions
What does an oil change on a 7-speed S-Tronic (0CK / DL382) involve?
An oil change on the 7-speed 0CK (DL382) S-Tronic gearbox is not a simple drain and refill – a complete service covers removing the mechatronic unit, replacing its two internal filters, replacing the seals and O-rings, fitting a new oil pan with magnets and a mesh filter, and then running the computer-guided ATF fill procedure with a temperature check (35–45°C) and an adaptation reset. Capacity is roughly 7–8 litres of ATF meeting the Volkswagen Group specification. The procedure typically takes 3–5 hours and calls for diagnostic equipment (VCDS/ODIS).
What is the 0CK S-Tronic (DL382) gearbox?
The 0CK (factory code DL382) is a 7-speed automatic S-Tronic gearbox with a wet K1/K2 dual clutch, mounted longitudinally in the newer quattro-drive Audi models: the A4 (B9), A5 (F5), A6 (C8), A7 (C8) and Q5 (FY) from around 2016. It succeeds the 0B5 (DL501) – lighter and more compact, but built along much the same lines, with wet clutches running in an oil bath and a mechatronic unit carrying internal filters, which is what makes its oil service a specialist job.
How often should the oil be changed in a 7-speed S-Tronic (0CK / DL382)?
In the 7-speed 0CK (DL382) S-Tronic gearbox we recommend changing the ATF every 60,000 km or every 4–5 years, whichever comes first. With heavy city use, towing or spirited driving the interval should be shorter (40,000–50,000 km). Although Audi describes the oil in the service schedule as “fill for life”, workshop experience shows that regular changes noticeably extend the life of the wet K1/K2 clutches and the mechatronic unit – the same oil lubricates the mechanical parts and feeds the control hydraulics.
Why is a plain oil change not enough on an S-Tronic 0CK (DL382)?
In the 0CK S-Tronic gearbox the two internal mechatronic filters sit inside the control unit and can only be reached once it has been taken out – there is no way to replace them from underneath the gearbox. A “quick oil change” that only drains the oil and swaps the pan skips those filters and the mechatronic unit seals. Old, blocked filters carry on contaminating the fresh oil, and worn seals can cause leaks and pressure loss – so an incomplete service of that kind can do more harm than good.
How much does an oil change on a 0CK / DL382 cost, and what drives the price?
The cost of an oil change on the 0CK S-Tronic (DL382) gearbox depends on the parts involved: the ATF itself (roughly 7–8 litres), a new oil pan with mesh filter and magnets, the two internal mechatronic filters, a full set of seals and O-rings, plus the labour and the computer-guided procedure. We always quote individually – after a phone consultation and confirmation of the Audi model (A4/A5/A6/A7/Q5) we give you a firm price before any work starts. It stays materially lower than at an Audi main dealer, where a complete mechatronic unit replacement is typically what gets proposed.
How long does a complete 0CK oil service take?
A complete oil service on the 0CK S-Tronic (DL382) gearbox – mechatronic unit removed, internal filters and seals replaced, a new pan fitted and the computer-guided fill procedure run – typically takes 3–5 hours. That is considerably longer than a “plain oil change” (about an hour), but only a job of that scope is complete and covers every wearing part inside the 7-speed S-Tronic mechatronic unit.
Which oil should be used in the 0CK S-Tronic gearbox?
The 0CK S-Tronic (DL382) gearbox needs ATF meeting the manufacturer's specification (Volkswagen Group, the dedicated fluid for wet-clutch S-Tronic units). We use only genuine VW/Audi oils or fluids with confirmed OEM equivalence – in this gearbox the oil simultaneously lubricates the mechanical parts, the wet K1/K2 clutches and the mechatronic hydraulics, so a non-compliant substitute quickly leads to trouble. Full capacity is roughly 7–8 litres depending on the version.
How does the 7-speed S-Tronic 0CK (DL382) differ from the 0B5 (DL501)?
Both gearboxes – the 0CK (DL382) and the 0B5 (DL501) – are longitudinal 7-speed S-Tronic units with a wet K1/K2 dual clutch, built for quattro-drive Audi models. The 0CK is the newer generation, used from around 2016, lighter and more compact than the older DL501 (2008–2016), with a different oil pan layout and filter arrangement. The service procedure is comparable (mechatronic unit removal plus internal filter replacement), but each gearbox needs its own dedicated parts – they are not interchangeable.
Do you also service 7-speed S-Tronic gearboxes in models other than those listed?
Yes – if your Audi has the 7-speed 0CK (DL382) S-Tronic gearbox, we service it whatever the engine variant. What we see most often are the A4 (B9), A5 (F5), A6 (C8), A7 (C8) and Q5 (FY) with 2.0 TFSI / 2.0 TDI / 3.0 TDI quattro engines, but the oil change procedure is the same across every variant. If you are not sure which gearbox your car has, just send us the VIN – we will confirm the gearbox code before your visit.