The Audi 0AW, or Multitronic VL-381, continuously variable transmission was produced by the German company from 2007 to 2016 and installed on front-wheel drive versions of popular models such as the A4 B8, A5 8T, and A6 C7. This CVT was designed for engines with up to 400 Nm of torque.
Specifications
| Type | CVT (continuously variable transmission) |
| Number of gears | ∞ |
| Type of drive | front |
| Engine volume, l | up to 3.2 |
| Torque output, Nm | up to 400 |
| Recommended oil | G 052 516 A2 |
| Oil capacity, liter | 8.0 |
| Partial replacement, liter | 6.3 |
| Maintenance | every 60 000 km |
| Gearbox lifespan, km | ~300 000 km |
| Weight, kg | 118 |
In 2007, engineers at the German company LuK introduced an updated version of the 0AN CVT. The new transmission underwent numerous changes and eliminated most of its weak points, but it is essentially the same CVT with a pull chain and clutch pack instead of a torque converter. As before, it was installed on front-wheel drive models with longitudinally mounted engines, but the maximum torque handled by this transmission increased to 400 Nm.
Gear ratios Audi VL381
Using the example of the 2009 Audi A4 with a 3.2 FSI engine:
| Main | 5.175 |
| Range | 2.404 – 0.382 |
| Reverse | 2.919 |
Using
The transmission was installed on:
- Audi A4 B8 (8K) in 2007 – 2015;
- Audi A5 1 (8T) in 2007 – 2016;
- Audi A6 C7 (4G) in 2011 – 2014;
- Audi A7 C7 (4G) in 2010 – 2014.
Disadvantages of the VAG VL381 gearbox
- The most common problem with this transmission is a humming noise during acceleration due to wear of the driven cone bearing. If not replaced promptly, it will damage the bearing seat.
- This CVT does not tolerate frequent and abrupt acceleration, which significantly reduces chain life. However, like its predecessors, the chain does not stretch at 100,000 km and lasts twice as long.
- For the same reason, the friction clutch assembly, which acts as a clutch, wears out. This dirt then spreads throughout the system, clogs the solenoids, and causes transmission vibrations.
- The transmission is very sensitive to hot oil, so it is important to keep the radiators clean. Overheating can cause the control unit to fail, and sometimes only the rotor speed sensor.
- The weak points of this CVT include constantly leaking coolant pipes. Also, towing with the engine off is guaranteed to result in scuffing of the cones.
