Shop the DQ250 Service Kit →
The DQ250, VW's 02E, is the six-speed wet dual-clutch DSG. Its two clutch packs run in the same fluid that cools and lubricates the gearbox and feeds the mechatronic unit. VW's service interval is 40,000 miles for fluid and filter, and on this transmission it is not optional. Skipped services show up as a shudder pulling away from a stop, flare on the 1-2 and 3-4 shifts, and clutch temperature faults stored in the mechatronic.
Worn fluid loses the friction modifier the wet clutches depend on. A loaded filter starves the pump that feeds the clutch actuators. Both are cheap to fix compared with a clutch pack or mechatronic.
Make Sure You Have a DQ250 First
| Gearbox | Type | Does the DQ250 Kit Fit? |
|---|---|---|
| DQ250 / 02E | 6-speed, wet clutch | Yes |
| DQ200 / 0AM | 7-speed, dry clutch | No. The clutches do not run in fluid, so there is no DQ250-style fluid and filter service. |
| DQ381 | 7-speed, wet clutch | No. It takes its own kit — see the DQ381 service kit. |
| DQ500 | 7-speed, wet clutch | No. |
The quickest check is the gearbox code on the vehicle data sticker or a scan tool, not the badge on the trunk. "DSG" was used on all four.
Vehicles Covered
Listed fitment for the 02E kit:
- VW: Beetle 2012-2016, CC 2009-2017, Eos 2007-2016, Golf TDI 2010-2015, Golf Alltrack 2017-2019, Golf R 2015-2017, GTI 2006-2018, Jetta 2006-2016, Jetta TDI 2005-2014, Passat 2.0L and 3.6L 2010-2018.
- Audi: A3 2006-2016, A3 Quattro 2006-2018, S3 2015-2017, TT 2008-2009, TT Quattro 2004-2018, TTS Quattro 2009-2018.
Some of these model lines also offered a DQ200 or a manual in the same years. Confirm the gearbox code before ordering.
What a Complete DQ250 Kit Includes
- The fluid filter — the canister filter that sits in its own housing on the gearbox.
- Filter housing O-ring — reusing the old one is how a fresh service turns into a leak.
- Drain plug sealing washer.
- A fill adapter — the DQ250 fills from below through the drain/level port, not from a dipstick tube.
- Five liters of DSG dual-clutch fluid made to the VW/Audi spec. A service drain does not take all five, so the rest covers the level set.
Buying these one at a time usually means the filter comes from one place, the fluid from another, and you are a liter short on a Saturday. Our DQ250 DSG service kit ships it all together. Already have fluid? The 02E filter and gasket kit is the filter-only option.
How the Fill Works — and Why Temperature Matters
The DQ250 has no dipstick. The level is set by filling through the adapter until fluid runs back out of the level plug, with the gearbox at the specified fluid temperature. Set it cold and the level will be wrong once it warms up, and the mechatronic will not be happy about it.
- Drain warm, then remove the filter housing, pull the old filter and O-ring, and fit the new ones. Torque the housing back down.
- Fit the new drain washer and connect the fill adapter.
- Fill, start the engine, and watch gearbox fluid temperature on a scan tool. Set the level inside the specified temperature window by letting the excess run out of the level port.
- Reinstall the plug with the new washer.
You need something that reads DSG fluid temperature. A generic code reader usually will not. Our DSG adaptation scan tool for VW and Audi reads it and can also run the clutch adaptations if shift quality is off afterward. For filling, the CTA 3403 DSG funnel kit or the 26-piece ATF fill adapter kit makes the job cleaner.
When It Needs More Than a Service
If shudder or flare is still there after fresh fluid, a new filter and a clutch adaptation, look at clutch wear and the mechatronic next. Clutch packs, mechatronic solenoid kits and rebuild parts for the DQ250 are on our DSG parts page.
Filter, Seals, Adapter and 5L of Fluid
One box for the 40,000-mile DQ250 service. Free shipping over $100, ships fast from the USA.
Shop the DQ250 Kit →FAQ
How often does a DQ250 DSG need service?
VW's interval for the 02E DQ250 is fluid and filter every 40,000 miles.
Will a DQ250 kit fit my 7-speed DSG?
No. The 7-speed DQ200 is a dry-clutch unit with no DQ250-style fluid service, and the 7-speed DQ381 and DQ500 take their own parts.
Is 5 liters enough for a DQ250 service?
Yes. A service drain does not remove all the fluid, so five liters covers the refill and the level set.
Do I need a scan tool to service a DSG?
You need a way to read gearbox fluid temperature, because the level is set at a specified temperature. A DSG-capable scan tool also lets you run clutch adaptations afterward.
Will a fluid service fix DSG shudder?
It fixes shudder caused by worn fluid or a restricted filter. If shudder remains after a complete service and adaptation, the clutch packs or mechatronic need to be checked.