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DSG and S-tronic are the same thing, a dual-clutch automatic, and both have a separate gearbox control unit with its own software. Tuning it raises the torque limiter that clips a Stage 1 or Stage 2 engine remap, speeds up the shifts, can activate launch control on a DQ381 if it is not already active, and makes manual mode hold a gear to the limiter. We tune the DQ250, DQ381 and DQ500 DSG units and Audi's DL382 and DL501 S-tronic, on their own or with an engine remap, on our dyno in Maidstone.
DSG / S-TRONIC GEARBOX
TUNING
Higher Torque Limit
Most automatic gearboxes have a set torque limit within the software, meaning tuned cars will be limited to this figure even if the engine is capable of producing more. Without gearbox software, the only way to circumvent this is to ‘trick’ the gearbox control unit into believing the torque is less. This approach may work for relatively stock vehicles but can cause issues with higher power builds where maximum control is crucial. At JF Automotive, we can increase this torque limit to more realistic levels or, in some cases, remove it completely.
Forced Up Shift
Even in manual mode, most gearboxes will automatically shift up at a set RPM, which doesn’t always match everyone’s driving style and can be quite frustrating. We can adjust this to a higher RPM or disable it completely. This feature is ideal for track or fast road use.
Launch Control
Most DSG boxes on higher-powered cars already have launch control switched on from the factory. On a DQ381 we can activate it if it is not already active, although most come from the dealer with it on. Where it is active, the launch rpm can be set so the car gets away with the right balance of power and grip.
DSG (Direct-Shift Gearbox) Transmission Types
A Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG) is an electronically controlled dual-clutch multiple-shaft manual gearbox in a transaxle design, without a conventional clutch pedal and with fully automatic or semi-manual control. Developed by BorgWarner and licensed to the Volkswagen Group, DSG uses two separate manual gearboxes and clutches within one housing to achieve faster shift times and eliminate the torque converter of a conventional automatic transmission.
Below are various DSG types available in VAG vehicles:
6 Speed
DQ250 - 02E / 0D9
– Fitted to most 6-speed DSG models from 2003 to present.
– World’s first dual-clutch transmission in a series-production car.
– Torque limit of 360nm (265ft/lbs).
– Wet multi-plate clutch packs.
DQ400 - 0DD
– Used in Golf 7 GTE (hybrid) and Audi A3 E-tron (hybrid).
– Modified clutch housing for hybrid electromotor.
– Fitted to 1.4 TSI engines.
7 Speed
DQ200 - 0AM / 0CW
– Available since 2008, uses two single-plate dry clutches.
– Fitted to smaller front-wheel-drive cars with smaller engines.
– Torque capacity up to 250 Nm (180 lb/ft).
– Not tunable for more torque due to dry clutch design.
DQ380 - 0DE
– Used in Golf 7 GTI and Audi S3.
– Smaller version of the DQ500.
– Wet clutch system.
DQ381 - 0GC
– Improvement of DQ380, used in vehicles with MQB platform.
– Handles up to 600hp/700Nm with modified software.
DQ400E - 0DD
– Used in plug-in hybrid Golf GTE and Passat GTE.
– Contains 3 clutches.
DQ500 - 0BH / 0BT
– Supports up to 600 Nm (440 lb/ft) from the factory.
– Found in VW Transporter, Tiguan, Audi RS3, TT-RS, and Q3.
– Handles up to 800hp/1000Nm with software and clutch upgrades.
DQ511
– 10-speed DSG, similar to DQ500.
– Project dropped by VW in early 2019.
DL382 - 0CL / 0CJ / 0DP / 0CK / 0DN & DL382+ 0HL & DL382E 0DK
– 7-speed DSG with wet clutch, used in Audi A4/A5/A6/Q5.
– Torque capacity up to 500Nm.
DL501 - 0B5
– 7-speed longitudinal S-Tronic, used in certain Audi cars.
– Dual oil circuit system.
– Torque handling up to 600 Nm (440 lb/ft), can handle up to 1000 Nm with tuning.
DL800 - 0BZ
– Fitted to Audi R8 (2015-present) and Lamborghini Huracan.
– Wet clutch with identically sized plates for each gear.
Factory Limits:
The listed torque limits are provided by the manufacturer. In many cases, these limits can be exceeded during ECU/TCU tuning.
Tuning the engine as well? See Audi S3, S4 and S5 tuning.
Questions we get asked
What is the difference between DSG and S-tronic?
Nothing mechanical. It is the same dual-clutch gearbox family: VW, Seat, Skoda and Cupra call it DSG, Audi calls it S-tronic. The software is tuned the same way.
Do I need a gearbox tune with an engine remap?
Usually not at Stage 1. At Stage 2 and above the engine makes more torque than the gearbox software allows, so the gearbox limiter clips the gains; the TCU tune raises it so you get what you paid for.
Which gearboxes can you tune?
DQ200 (7-speed dry clutch), DQ250 (6-speed wet), DQ381 (7-speed wet, Mk7.5 and Mk8 Golf R, S3), DQ500 (Tiguan R, RS3, TT RS), and the Audi DL382 and DL501 S-tronic units. Most are written through the OBD port.
What does a DSG tune actually change?
Shift speed and firmness, torque and rpm limiters, launch control rpm, shift points in D and S, kickdown behaviour and whether manual mode holds a gear at the red line instead of changing up on its own.
Will DSG tuning shorten the clutch life?
Not if the torque is kept within what the clutch pack is designed for, which is how we set it. On the dry-clutch DQ200 we keep torque gains modest for that reason.
How long does it take?
One to two hours for most units through the OBD port, and we road test it. We recommend the gearbox has had its oil and filter service if it is due.
Do you offer a 12 month warranty?
Yes. Warranty plans are available to buy separately: see our warranty page. Every remap also comes with lifetime software support.
What is motorsport use?
Motorsport-exclusive components are explicitly designed for track use. While they can be installed on any vehicle, it’s important to note that using such parts renders the vehicle unsuitable for road use and may result in MOT failure.
Will the lifespan of my engine be reduced?
No! Our remaps are designed specifically to improve the performance of your vehicle whilst remaining within the tolerances of your vehicles’ components.
Sadly, in attempt to achieve ‘big numbers’ some other companies over tune engines, placing excessive stress on the engine, transmission, cooling systems, etc, leading to reduced life span and reliability of the vehicle. We pride ourselves in producing reliable remaps which do not over stress your vehicle but still produce impressive results.
What is covered with the 30-day money back guarantee?
In any case where a customer is dissatisfied with any remap software covered by the guarantee, within thirty days of the supply date, the customer can request their money back. In order for any refund to be processed, the customer must present their vehicle to our workshop and allow our technicians to restore the vehicle to its original state. On successful completion JF Automotive will refund the cost of the remap to the customer.
No refund can be granted unless the vehicle is returned to the original state by JF Automotive. The 30-day money back guarantee covers Stage 1 remaps, EGR, DPF and AdBlue software deletes, gearbox tuning (not BMW xHP) and economy remaps. It does not cover Stage 2, Stage 3, pops and bangs, xHP gearbox tuning, parts (including plug-in modules such as the Speed-Buster) or dyno sessions.
If another modification is purchased alongside a tuning file, which relies on a remap to operate, only the cost of the file is covered by this guarantee. We reserve the right to withdraw this 30 day money back guarantee.
Can the remap be reversed?
Absolutely. We offer this service free of charge if the vehicle is brought back to us. We’ll be very surprised if that’s what you want after taking one of our remap products, however in the case of lease cars some customers prefer to put the car back to standard before returning the car. You might want it back to standard if you are visiting a dealer for warranty or service work, again we will do this for free. Should you lose your tuning files due to dealer actions or parts failure we will be happy to re-install the map onto your car free of charge where possible.
What if a main dealer wipes the map with a software update?
No problem, simply bring the vehicle back in and we will take a fresh read of your ECU and write you a new map file free of charge. We offer this as part of our lifetime software support.
Do I need to notify my insurance company?
Whilst the remap is undetectable to dealer equipment, you should notify your insurance company of any modification to your vehicle. Many insurance companies do not penalise you for upgrades of this nature, particularly if you’re tuning for increased economy however a failure to disclose modifications may invalidate your policy. You may wish to enquire with your insurer if the modification will affect your policy prior to choosing one of our services.
Why we don't you offer ECU remapping for £200?!
We get asked, “Why do some tuners charge as little as £150?” There are a few factors as to why we do not offer remapping for £100-£200!
We supply custom written files for each vehicle that we remap that take in to account condition, milage and customer request of each vehicle. Our services are fully insured with a 30-day money back guarantee and lifetime support for the tuning software supplied. We constantly invest in the most up to date tuning and diagnostic equipment and software and we offer a quality service to all our customers.
Overall our custom supplied tuning software is of the highest standard that we know of, so if you want the best of the best, choose JF Automotive.
