The VW AL551 8-speed automatic transmission was produced by the company from 2009 to 2018 and was installed on many all-wheel drive models from Audi under its own 0BK index. This automatic transmission is a variation of the ZF 8HP55A automatic transmission and exists in the 0BW hybrid version.
AL-8 family: AL450, AL550, AL551, AL552, AL951, AL952, AL1000.
Specifications
| Production years | 2009 – 2018 |
| Type | automatic transmission |
| Number of gears | 8 |
| Type of drive | all wheel |
| Engine volume, l | up to 4.2 |
| Torque output, Nm | up to 700 |
| Recommended oil | G 060 162 A2 |
| Oil capacity, liter | 9.0 |
| Replacing the oil | every 60,000 km |
| Replacing the filter | every 60,000 km |
| Gearbox lifespan, km | ~300 000 |
| Weight, kg | 141 |
Gear ratios Volkswagen AL551
Using the example of a Audi Q5 2015 with a 3.0 TFSI engine:
| Main | 3.204 |
| 1st | 4.714 |
| 2nd | 3.143 |
| 3rd | 2.106 |
| 4th | 1.667 |
| 5th | 1.285 |
| 6th | 1.000 |
| 7th | 0.839 |
| 8th | 0.667 |
| Reverse | 3.317 |
The transmission was installed on:
- Audi A4 B8 (8K) in 2011 – 2015;
- Audi A5 1 (8T) in 2011 – 2016;
- Audi A6 C7 (4G) in 2011 – 2018;
- Audi A7 C7 (4G) in 2011 – 2018;
- Audi A8 D4 (4H) in 2009 – 2017;
- Audi Q5 1 (8R) in 2012 – 2017.
Disadvantages of the VW AL551 gearbox
- This is a reliable automatic transmission, but it is installed with powerful engines that are also chipped.
- Therefore, the torque converter lock-up clutch wears out very quickly and clogs the valve body.
- Also, a worn clutch causes vibrations, breaking the oil pump bearing.
- Frequent and sudden starts greatly reduce the life of aluminum pistons and drums.
- And not the most durable bushings and rubber gaskets add a lot of hassle.
