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Automatic gearbox oil service · Wimborne, Dorset

Automatic & DSG gearbox oil service


Fresh fluid, the right specification and the level set properly, for smoother shifts and a gearbox that lasts.

4.9 216 Google reviews Gearbox oil service from £299* Mon–Fri 8.30am–5pm

Professional gearbox servicing

The service most automatics never get

An automatic gearbox oil service is not something most people think about. The engine oil gets changed every year, but the fluid in the gearbox is often left until something goes wrong. By then, worn fluid can already have caused premature wear and parts failure, and the repair bills that come with them.

Automatic and dual-clutch gearboxes use their fluid for far more than lubrication. It operates the clutches and valves, carries heat away and lets the gearbox shift smoothly. Over time it breaks down and picks up wear particles, and the gearbox starts to show it. A good maintenance routine keeps your gear changes smooth and saves you money in the long run.

Doing it properly needs specialist equipment. Most modern automatics have no dipstick, so the level has to be set with the fluid at the right temperature, read through diagnostic equipment. We service DSG and S tronic gearboxes in Volkswagen and Audi models, ZF Steptronic in BMWs, 7G-Tronic and 9G-Tronic in Mercedes-Benz, PDK in Porsches and Geartronic in Volvos, along with automatic vans and motorhomes.

Gearbox oil service prices

Gearbox oil service prices

Dual-clutch

VW DSG & Audi S tronic

From £299*

  • Wet-clutch and dry-clutch DSG units
  • S tronic on Audi models including RS
  • Fluid level set at the correct temperature
Book this

Torque-converter automatic

BMW ZF Steptronic

From £299*

  • ZF automatics across the BMW range
  • Fluid and filter to the gearbox specification
  • Fault memory checked before and after
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Torque-converter automatic

Mercedes 7G-Tronic & 9G-Tronic

From £299*

  • Car and van applications
  • Correct Mercedes-approved fluid
  • Fault memory checked before and after
Book this

Torque-converter automatic

Volvo Geartronic

From £299*

  • Geartronic automatics across the Volvo range
  • Fluid to the gearbox specification
  • Fault memory checked before and after
Book this

Automatic vans

Vans & commercial vehicles

From £299*

  • Automatic vans of all the makes we service
  • Booked alongside a van service if you like
  • Motorhome automatics priced on request
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Porsche

Porsche PDK & Tiptronic

Price on request

  • PDK dual-clutch and Tiptronic automatics
  • Specification and fluid capacity vary by model
  • Call with your registration for a price
Book this

*Prices vary with the gearbox, its fluid capacity and whether it has a separate filter. Call with your registration for an exact price.

How it works

How we service your gearbox

A gearbox oil service is more than draining and refilling. This is what happens when your car comes in.

  1. 1

    Check before we start

    We read the gearbox control unit for stored faults and talk through anything you have noticed, so we know whether it needs a fluid change or something more.

  2. 2

    Drain the old fluid

    With the car on the ramp, the old fluid is drained from the gearbox. On many automatics this is also the point the filter or sump pan is removed.

  3. 3

    Renew the filter and seals

    Where the gearbox has a serviceable filter, it is replaced along with the drain plug seal and any gasket disturbed, so the new fluid stays clean and the box stays dry.

  4. 4

    Refill with the right fluid

    We refill with fluid to the gearbox maker's specification. Automatic and dual-clutch boxes are fussy about this, so it is matched to your gearbox, not taken from a general-purpose drum.

  5. 5

    Set the level at temperature

    Most modern automatics have no dipstick. The level is set with the fluid at a specified temperature, read through our diagnostic equipment, which is why this job needs proper equipment.

  6. 6

    Reset, test and record

    We clear any stored faults, carry out any adaptation the gearbox needs, then road test the car and check for leaks before it goes back to you.

Diagnose first

We check the gearbox before we change the fluid

Fresh fluid fixes a lot, but not everything. Before we recommend a gearbox oil service we read the gearbox control unit with our dealer-grade equipment, so you know whether you are paying for maintenance or whether there is a fault to deal with first.

  • Read stored and intermittent gearbox fault codes
  • Check fluid temperature and live data
  • Carry out adaptations where the gearbox needs them
  • Clear faults and confirm the result on a road test

Warning light on, or a gearbox that has started behaving oddly? Start with our vehicle diagnostics and we'll find the cause first.

Technician using a laptop diagnostic tool on a car engine bay

Signs you need it

Signs your gearbox needs attention

If your automatic is doing any of these, book it in before a fluid change turns into a gearbox repair.

01

Judder pulling away

A shudder or vibration as you move off, most noticeable in slow traffic or reversing. On dual-clutch DSG and S tronic gearboxes it is one of the most common signs that the fluid is past its best.

02

Harsh or jerky shifts

Gear changes that thump, snatch or feel clumsy, especially when the gearbox is warm. Worn fluid loses the properties the gearbox relies on to shift smoothly.

03

Slipping or flaring revs

The revs rise between gears without the car picking up speed, or the gearbox seems to hunt for a gear. Get this checked early before it does lasting damage.

04

Delay engaging Drive or Reverse

A pause or clunk when you select D or R. It can point to low or worn fluid, or to a fault that needs our vehicle diagnostics to pin down.

05

Gearbox warning light or limp mode

A gearbox warning, or the car holding one gear and refusing to change up. We read the gearbox control unit before recommending anything.

06

Leaks, whines or a burning smell

Fluid under the car, a new whine from the gearbox, or a hot smell after a drive. All are worth a look before a small problem turns into a gearbox replacement.

Gearboxes we service

Automatic gearboxes we service

Volkswagen & Audi
DSG and S tronic dual-clutch gearboxes, including Audi RS models
BMW
ZF Steptronic automatics
Mercedes-Benz
7G-Tronic and 9G-Tronic automatics
Porsche
PDK dual-clutch and Tiptronic automatics
Volvo
Geartronic automatics
Vans & motorhomes
Automatic vans and motorhome base vehicles

Vans and motorhomes are covered too, through our commercial vehicle servicing and motorhome and campervan servicing. Gearbox oil services are often booked alongside Audi servicing, BMW servicing, Mercedes servicing, Porsche servicing and Volvo servicing.

Book your gearbox service

Gearbox oil service across Dorset & Hampshire

Our workshop is on Woolsbridge Industrial Estate at Three Legged Cross, near Wimborne, an easy run from Ringwood, Ferndown, Verwood, Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Salisbury, Southampton and the New Forest.

Tell us what you need using the form and we'll call or text to agree a time. Prefer to talk? Call 01202 283359.

  • Wimborne
  • Ferndown
  • Verwood
  • West Moors
  • Ringwood
  • Bournemouth
  • Poole
  • Christchurch
  • New Forest

Gearbox oil service FAQs

How often should automatic gearbox oil be changed?

We recommend an automatic gearbox oil service about every 50,000 miles. Some gearboxes, particularly wet-clutch dual-clutch units, have a shorter interval set by the manufacturer, and cars used for towing or lots of stop-start driving benefit from changing sooner. Give us your registration and we'll tell you what your gearbox needs.

My car says its gearbox oil is "filled for life". Does it still need changing?

Often, yes. "Lifetime" usually means the expected life of the car under the manufacturer's assumptions, and gearbox makers such as ZF recommend changing the fluid during the life of the car. Fresh fluid is far cheaper than a gearbox rebuild, so we'd always rather check than assume.

How much does a gearbox oil service cost?

An automatic gearbox oil service starts from £299 on Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo and automatic vans. Porsche PDK and Tiptronic and motorhome gearboxes are priced on request. The final price depends on the gearbox, its fluid capacity and whether it has a separate filter, so call with your registration for an exact figure.

Will a gearbox oil change cure judder or jerky shifts?

Often it helps a great deal, because old fluid is a common cause. But it can't repair worn clutches or a failed mechatronic unit. That's why we check the gearbox control unit for faults first and tell you honestly what we find before you pay for anything.

Do you service DSG gearboxes?

Yes. We service both the wet-clutch DSG units and the dry-clutch 7-speed found in many smaller Volkswagens and Audis, along with S tronic on Audi models including the RS range. If you drive a VW, see our Volkswagen servicing page for the rest of what we do.

Do you change manual gearbox oil too?

This page is about automatic and dual-clutch gearboxes. If you think your manual gearbox oil needs attention, call us on 01202 283359 and we'll talk it through.

Can I have it done with my service?

Yes, and many customers do. We can book your gearbox oil service alongside a car service, a van service or a motorhome service, and you can book an MOT at the same time.

Where are you and which areas do you cover?

Our workshop is on Woolsbridge Industrial Estate, Three Legged Cross, Wimborne BH21 6SU. Drivers come to us from Wimborne, Ferndown, Verwood, Ringwood, Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Salisbury, Southampton and across the New Forest.

What our customers say

4.9Excellent · 216 Google reviews
Tim SmithApril 2026 · Google review
★★★★★

As a nervous user of garages (due to past poor experiences), I was pleasantly surprised about the high level of service Rob Lang provided with our Mk6 Golf GTD, which wouldn't start, and was marooned on our driveway. He had it recovered to his premises within hours, and his technician diagnosed and solved several electrical problems, plus he gave it a full service and MOT (and valet). It now drives like when it was new and so will be reprieved. Rob then delivered the car to our house because we couldn't collect it for several days more. We can't thank him enough. His prices are fair and much better than a main dealer I suspect (and very importantly he kept us in the loop).

Ken HowesMarch 2026 · Google review
★★★★★

What a breath of fresh air! Having a problem with Audi RS6 suspension and when I called Rob Lang he booked me in same day to investigate. They identified the problem and also gave the car a good general inspection while it was up on the lift. Super friendly, very knowledgeable and I will be happy to get future routine servicing done by Langs from now on.

Tim LoganMarch 2026 · Google review
★★★★★

Amazing service, from start to finish the team were professional and explained everything. The knowledge and speed were second to none. Our car was fixed, serviced and unexpectedly cleaned within the timeframe quoted. They are not local to me but happy to travel for an excellent experience.

Martin OlliverMarch 2026 · Google review
★★★★★

Having just purchased an Iveco Daily van that had a few issues that needed to be rectified, I used an Iveco dealership who surprisingly did not completely fix the problems. I met Rob and his team of experienced engineers and was extremely impressed by their knowledge and expertise. They identified the cause of all the outstanding problems. This is a company who know what they are doing, and their customer service skills are top-notch.

Danny CoombsApril 2026 · Google review
★★★★★

Got my car fully serviced yesterday, and was pleased with the thorough detail and information the team gave me. Nice office, clean unit and overall welcoming experience.

Steven KingMarch 2026 · Google review
★★★★★

You cannot possibly go wrong by fully relying on their advice and guidance, with work that is second to none. Rob is knowledgeable and kind, with this pervading through all the staff. I was in a really tight spot with poor workmanship from another company; this was sorted out quickly and efficiently and everything made perfect. I cannot rate this company highly enough.

Colin DeanMarch 2026 · Google review
★★★★★

Fantastic team, top quality work at a great price - would definitely recommend.

Lorraine LloydFebruary 2026 · Google review
★★★★★

I was recommended Langs and so glad they did. Amazing service where staff take the time to explain the work carried out. I highly recommend. Thank you Langs for a great experience.

Lisa HarlandMarch 2026 · Google review
★★★★★

Thanks so much for repairing my car Rob. Always first class service and know my car is in the best hands with you and the team there - would highly recommend.

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