Complete Auto Transmissions for Volkswagen Beetle

Complete Engines for the VW Beetle

Since the reintroduction of the Volkswagen Beetle in 1998, the Volkswagen New Beetle and the Volkswagen Beetle A5 models have used the DSG automatic transmission. These direct-shift gearbox types are available in either a four-speed or a six-speed variation. If you're looking for a used Volkswagen Beetle transmission for sale, then eBay can help you get reasonable deals on used VW Beetle transmissions.

This unique transaxle design used in the new Beetle models uses an electronically controlled dual-clutch. It comes with either a fully automatic or semi-automatic gear selection. In simple terms, the DSG auto new Beetle transmission consists of two separate clutches and gearboxes that combine with each other to form a single unit.

The major benefit of the DSG transmission is faster shift times due to the use of two separate clutches working independently as a single unit. Such a design also eliminates the torque converter associated with traditional automatic transmissions. When introduced in 2003, it was only available as transverse DSG, which was tailored towards front-engine and front-wheel-drive cars. The later design included support for rear-wheel and all-wheel-drives. The DSG is also available in DSG transaxle six-speed and seven-speed designs.

The DSG automatic transmission is offered as a more economical option compared to the conventional planetary-geared automatic transmissions such as those used in VW bug automatic transmission. You could experience a 15% increase in fuel economy due to lower parasitic losses from oil churning. Similarly, there is no minimum loss of torque transmission from the engine to the driving wheels. The alternate gear shaft in the DSG transmission preselects the gear shifting, which means that there is a substantial eight-millisecond difference in the shift time compared to traditional auto transmissions. Since the design does not use the typical planetary movement of the axle, the gear-shift operations are normally very smooth. Regardless of the throttle or operational mode, there is a consistent down-shift time of 600 milliseconds.

A variety of affordable Beetle transmission models are equipped with six-speed Tiptronic DSG, also known as Manumatic. These transmissions allow the driver to gain control of the gear selection. The enhanced features of the Tiptronic DSG are available in steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters or a modified shift lever. Some of the semi-automatic models also allow the driver to gain full control of the transmission just like the manual gear; however, these Tiptronic DSG gears will automatically shift gears if the computer feels to intervene to stop the engine stalling. You may also see Tiptronic DSG gears located on both sides of the steering wheel enabling the driver to change gears by pressing a button.