Mk2 Kuga Powershift (title edited)

On the subject of the sealed-for-life debate, I've recently bought a '98 BMW 523i with full service history, but due to the car's lack of use in recent years the last 'inspection' was three years ago. Had a full service done at our local garage (though the old engine oil looked quite clean), thought about BM's SFL claims but read on forums that at 146k it's probably better to leave well alone. The 'box (5 speed Steptronic) functions perfectly so I am inclined to agree with the 'if it ain't broke don't fix it' attitude in this case. I also think there is an element of luck with slush-boxes, the MK 3 Mondeo 2ltr. auto is reputed to be on borrowed time after 80k but ours had done 170k when we recently PX'd the car, with the 'box still giving no concerns at all.

nb: with this thread being old & spread over so many pages I might be repeating myself with this post, in which case I apologise :oops:
 
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Mine wasn't a "slush box" it's a twin clutch manual gearbox operated by a Mecatronic unit (TCU / Solenoids and control pistons all in one unit).

The slush boxes were more reliable from what I've seen but have greater transmission losses between the engine and driven wheels.

The 5 speed Stepronic does seem a reliable box, you would want to replace the main oil filer while you were in, not just the oil.

Maybe leave well alone but if you do drop it out it will be a bit of a mess!.
 
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Well here we are at 2000 miles and still in one piece!.

My gearbox ended up as a bit of a Frankenstein, 2017 mechanicals with a 2013 TCU (Mecatronic Unit).

It was a touch snatchy when cold, after some more research I found out the was a Firmware Update in 2014 and mine had 2012 software on it.

The only downside is the possibility of bricking the TCU during update which would have been a nightmare to sort out.

So being a bit bored over the holiday I decided to have a go!.

The main thing is if the battery voltage drops below 11.5v the flash will fail, depending on what point it could write the TCU off completely.

Put my 4amp charger on and with the car sat with ignition on it was dropping to 11.3v!. Went to work and got the proper charger..

After seeing a reliably 13v I bit the bullet, FORScan said 2hrs but it was all over in 2 minutes!. DTC's galore (due to programming but all cleared and none returned.

She drives better than ever now!. Sent the developers at FORScan a message as I'm sure I'd have given up long back without it.

Sailed though a Clutch and Shift Fork learn (always a worry!).

Was a definite ass clencher when it says erasing blocks..

Anyway thanks to all who have read this saga from start to finish and hope everyone has a Happy New Year, I know I will now!.

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Been a very interesting read Keith. You certainly have some stock of determination!! Glad it all worked out in the end and long live the ‘hybrid’ one off box. Happy new year!
 
Keith, for all the work you have done to this car, I was expecting you to be on the Queens honour list.

Well done!

Andy
 
Great job Keith and take a huge bow!
I notice that my next replacement 4x4 (Skoda Kodak or something) isn't actually available as a manual so I may have to bite the bullet....or buy a Fiat Panda 4x4 :eek:
John :)
 
Burnerman said:
Great job Keith and take a huge bow!
I notice that my next replacement 4x4 (Skoda Kodak or something) isn't actually available as a manual so I may have to bite the bullet....or buy a Fiat Panda 4x4 :eek:
John :)
Click to expand...

Sister in law has just bought a Kodiaq, haven't had chance to have a look around it yet though. Was eyeing one up for our next adventure..

I believe the DSG is revision 7 or 8 now at least, whatever you do DON'T buy a Dry Clutch DSG, I would have though the Kodiaq would be too big to run that gearbox though?.
 
Seems like with the later Skoda SUV's if you want a manual 'box, you have to have an oil-burner.

The TSI's are all DSG. May be wrong, though.
 
Once again, Inspirational Keith! Funny enough, I've been having the debate on another forum about "how cars are getting too complicated to fix these days". It's an old argument (which, I expect, has been raging ever since they took the horse off the front or replaced acetylene lamps with those new-fangled electric ones)! I can remember my dad saying he'd give up when they stopped making cars with carburetors, and yet I always felt the last of the carbs were more complicated than the early injection systems. This thread is proof of what can be achieved by a DIY mechanic with the new (IT mainly) weapons in his armoury. Keep up the good work!
 
For me (a non - mechanic), I'm basically held hostage as a purchasing "victim".
And the scary thing about this thread is that it seems that, despite mounting evidence, the gearboxes continued to be built to fail (in a complicated and expensive fashion).
And, as we all aren't as adept, brave, resourceful, and stubborn as Keith, we're all hostages to this:cautious:
 
Brigadier said:
For me (a non - mechanic), I'm basically held hostage as a purchasing "victim".
And the scary thing about this thread is that it seems that, despite mounting evidence, the gearboxes continued to be built to fail (in a complicated and expensive fashion).
And, as we all aren't as adept, brave, resourceful, and stubborn as Keith, we're all hostages to this:cautious:
Click to expand...

In view of the ‘something’s gonner break’ philosophy regarding modern automotive technology perhaps this would account for the increasing trend of car leasing as opposed to outright purchase. This is not, of course, just applicable to gearboxes but engines like those small three cylinder turbocharged jobs that turn out impressively high bhp and torque. I am entirely unable to grasp how these can be deemed as dependable units for the long term. A friend of mine has recently purchased (not leased) a Fiesta 1.0 with this type of setup and it pushes out 140bhp. It replaces a Focus that he had for 20 years. Given that the servicing intervals would appear to be at 15,000 mile intervals I am unsure that it will last longer than my new kettle. :(

Did not intend to derail the thread from transmissions. :oops:
 
You're both right, the car market seems to be driven towards the lease/pcp model so they only have to survive 3 years or 60,000 miles.

Funnily enough Ford are also having problems with their small capacity engines, believe there is a class action going on in Australia about that as we speak.

I normally hold onto our cars for 10 years so buying seemed the best option but saying that I can now see the benefits of handing it back after 3 years use..
 
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