[T5 TDI]

3 litres of genuine VW gear oil for the six speed is over £70 inc VAT
retail.

 

[T5 TDI]

My six 6 speed takes definitely took 2.7 litres when I recently had it drained to replace a bearing. The OP's 5 speed might be less. The 5 and 6 speeds take a different viscosity oil. I am using the Fuchs 75w-80 oil which is about £40 all in but I am having the same experience as Martin33100 warned me about in that the cold changes are not as good with the Fuchs. There is no crunching as such but the cold changes are notchier than they were with the old (155k miles original 15 year old) VW oil. I'd be interested to hear what t32vanski08 thinks of his cold gear changes with the Fuchs oil. T:

As far as I know the 5 speed uses the big old Allen plug (17mm?) but the 6 speed uses a 16mm multispline with a security pin in the centre for both level and drain plugs which means you need a dedicated socket to undo it. VW might have varied this by year/model.

 

[T5 TDI]

Must be just the early ones that have it then. https://www.vwt4forum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=129134

 

[T5 TDI]

There are quite a few differences in modern gearboxes particularly on the six speed which has four shafts instead of twp or three. Different materials (particularly with brass or bronze) mean different oils They even have synchromesh in reverse these days. I might have to try the genuine oil but I'd be hacked off if it is still just the same. LOL:

Can anyone else who has genuine VW oil in their six speed gearbox say if they can tell the difference between hot and cold changes?

 

[T5 TDI]

Im sure i only ever drained a litre and refilled a litre last time i done it but it was a while ago. I only bought a litre this time ready to do but looks like im going to have to buy two more

You certainly will Stephen. Given your comments I'm seriously thinking of blowing a ridiculous £70 just to find out!

 

[T5 TDI]

£133.81? Wow, from £70 to £133 in four years! That's VW inflation for you.