VPA - DQ381 DSG Service Kit (Fluid & Filter) (MQB/MQB EVO)

VPA - DQ381 DSG Service Kit (Fluid & Filter) (MQB/MQB EVO).

VPA in partnership with Liqui Moly presents DQ381 DSG service kit. This is everything you need to service the DQ381 gearbox common in Volkswagen Golf MK7.5 GTI/R & Audi 8V.5 S3. Also fits the Volkswagen Golf MK8 GTI/R and Audi 8Y S3.

You should service your DQ381 EARLY as they are problematic gearboxes that can come from the factory underfilled. They also have 100,000 KM service interval which frankly should be ignored. To be safe every 4 years or 60,000km. Gearbox takes approximately 6 Litres to service (proper service not a back yard mechanic job).

DQ381 featured from 2017 onwards with 7 forward gears (MK7.5)(8V.5)

Kit contents

• 1 X DQ381 - Genuine DSG Transmission Filter & Seal Ring - Audi 8V.5 & Volkswagen MK7.5. 0GC325183D, N91084501
• 1 X N90215404 & N0438092 - DSG Drain Plug & Washer - Volkswagen & Audi - DQ250, DQ381, DQ500
• 1X LIQUI MOLY - DSG Fluid 8100 (1L) - Volkswagen G052182/G052529/G055529
• 1X LIQUI MOLY- (DSG) Dual Clutch Gear Oil 8100 (5L) - VW G052182/G052529/G055529

Fitment:

Fitment:

• Audi A3 3 (8V) in 2017 – 2020; A3 4 (8Y) since 2020;
• Audi Q2 1 (GA) since 2017;
• Audi Q3 2 (F3) since 2018;
  
• Seat Ateca 1 (KH) since 2017;
• Seat Leon 3 (5F) in 2017 – 2020; Leon 4 (KL) since 2020;
• Skoda Karoq 1 (NU) since 2018;
• Skoda Kodiaq 1 (NS) since 2018;
• Skoda Octavia 3 (5E) in 2017 – 2020; Octavia 4 (NX) since 2019;
  
• Volkswagen Arteon 1 (3H) since 2017;
• Volkswagen Caddy 5 (SB) since 2020;
• Volkswagen Golf 7 (5G) in 2017 – 2020; Golf 8 (CD) since 2019;
  
• Volkswagen T-Roc 1 (A1) since 2017;

Please note you will need to drain the mechatronic unit as well to get as much fluid out as possible.

The DQ381 gearbox has two drain plugs, which are the main drain plug and the mechatronic unit drain plug. To ensure a complete oil change, both plugs, as well as the overflow pipe, must be drained. 

Main drain plug: This plug drains the gear oil from the main gearbox housing.
Mechatronic unit drain plug: This plug, located on the mechatronic unit, drains the oil from that specific part of the transmission.
Overflow pipe: A separate overflow pipe is also used to ensure all the fluid can drain out properly.

Procedure for Maximum Fluid Removal

Warm up the gearbox

Drive or idle until DSG fluid reaches ~35–40 °C.

This helps fluid drain more completely.

Standard drain

Remove the bottom drain plug and allow fluid to drain fully.

Remove the standpipe (plastic overflow tube) inside the pan to release additional fluid.

This gets you ~4–4.5 L.

Drain cooler and mechatronic circuit (optional step for full drain)

Disconnect one of the DSG oil cooler hoses (usually the lower one).

Let it drain completely — you’ll get another ~0.5–1 L out of this circuit.

Reconnect and secure the hose.

Remove the filter housing

Located on top/front of the transmission.

Pull the filter; more fluid will drain out (~0.3 L).

Refill procedure (critical)

Install new filter.

Fill ~5.5–6 L of DSG fluid via the fill port (on the side/top depending on model).

Start the engine, cycle through all gears (P→R→N→D→S), holding each for ~5 seconds.

With the car level and fluid temp at 35–45 °C, open the overflow tube plug again.

Let excess fluid drip until it becomes a steady drip — that’s the correct level.

If you purchase the mechantronic drain plug then you can also remove and drain from the mech unit as well.

Summary Table