8-Speed Automatic Transmission Assembly for 2011-2017 Audi A4, A5
Product Notes Read before buying
This is an 8-speed automatic transmission for Audi A4 and A5 models with the 2.0L turbocharged engine and AWD (quattro) only. It will not fit FWD vehicles or models with a different engine or transmission type. Please verify your vehicle's transmission code is NES or NXS to ensure compatibility.
Voice or type your vehicle details and Wrenchy will confirm fitment in seconds.
Vehicle Fitment Guide
This part fits the following vehicles:
| SubmodelSUB- MODEL |
Body Style | Years | Engine | Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 - 2016 |
| SubmodelSUB- MODEL |
Body Style | Years | Engine | Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 - 2017 |
Know This Transmission Before You Buy
The research behind our purchase interview — recalls, bulletins and real install economics for this transmission family:
A quick look at your own vehicle makes sure the right transmission shows up:
- Confirm the vehicle is equipped with the quattro AWD system (not FWD).
- Confirm the vehicle has the 2.0L Turbocharged (TFSI) engine.
- Locate the vehicle identification sticker in the trunk/service book or the physical tag on the transmission case to verify the 3-letter code is NES or NXS.
What the install really takes — plan and budget with confidence:
Special tools this job needs:
- Triple-square (XZN) sockets
- Torx sockets (T40 and T55)
- Heavy-duty transmission jack
- Diagnostic scan tool (VCDS, ODIS, or VAG-COM)
- Fluid fill pump with hook-style adapter
- Engine support bar
Budget for these consumables at install:
- Transmission Fluid (ATF) meeting Audi G 060 162 A2 / ZF Lifeguard 8 (9.0 to 9.5 liters for dry fill)
- New transmission oil filter and pan gasket (with new single-use aluminum pan bolts)
- Torque converter / input shaft seal
- Professional transmission cooler line flush
- Front Differential Fluid: ~0.9 to 1.0 liters of 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil (Audi spec G 052 145 S2)
What your vehicle’s computers will need after the swap:
What’s involved: Component Protection (Immobilizer) Removal AND TCM Adaptive Relearn
sources differ: Arm 1 states Component Protection removal via ODIS or TCM cloning is required to prevent limp mode, plus an adaptive relearn. Arm 2 focuses primarily on the TCM adaptive relearn using ODIS/VCDS. Component Protection removal is the safer, more cautious requirement to ensure the vehicle shifts out of Park.
Pro tips for a smooth first start-up — hand them to whoever does the install:
- Torque Converter Seating: Must be fully seated (2-3 distinct clicks) before bolting to the engine to avoid crushing the internal oil pump.
- Fluid Fill Temperature & Procedure: Must check fluid level via fill plug with engine running, vehicle level, and fluid temperature strictly between 30°C and 50°C (or 35°C to 45°C).
- Separate Fluid Cavities: Do not confuse the front differential fill/drain plugs with the transmission fluid plugs. Mixing fluids will cause catastrophic failure.
- Dowel Pins: Ensure engine-to-transmission alignment dowel pins are in place to prevent input shaft misalignment and vibration.
Easy to get right once you know them:
- Forgetting Component Protection (Immobilizer): Assuming a unit is dead when it is actually locked in Park/limp mode due to missing ODIS programming or cloning.
- Checking Fluid with Engine Off: Opening the fill plug while the engine is off, causing several quarts of fluid to dump out.
- Reusing the Old Torque Converter: Reintroducing trapped debris from the failed transmission into the replacement unit.
- Mixing up Fluids: Putting standard ATF into the front differential or gear oil into the automatic transmission cavity.
- Ignoring Transmission Codes: Ordering based on year/model alone without matching the NES or NXS codes.
- Skipping the Cooler Flush: Allowing old debris to contaminate and destroy the replacement transmission's mechatronics.
Not issues with the units on this page — the manufacturer documented these for every transmission of this family, wherever you buy one. Handy for your installer:
🔎 Recommended at install: Diagnose with leak-tracing powder; leak often originates from the double-seal weep hole between transmission and transfer case rather than the pan gasket.
🔎 Recommended at install: Update Transmission Control Module (TCM) software via Audi dealer (SVM Action Code 02A048 or 02A072).
🔎 Recommended at install: Retorque pan bolts to factory specifications and clean the area.
🔎 Recommended at install: Perform fluid drain-and-fill and reset clutch adaptations (specifically Clutch B).
🔎 Recommended at install: Regular fluid maintenance to prevent fine wear particles from clogging mechatronic solenoids.
Researched from factory recalls, TSBs and OEM service data (reference unit 400-52021-4097481). Unit-specific details — mileage, condition, warranty, freight — are covered in the checkout interview.
Policies, in plain English.
Shipping & Handling
- Ships by LTL freight on a pallet — a real freight truck, not a parcel van
- Your checkout freight quote covers delivery to your door (liftgate service included for residential addresses)
- The carrier calls ahead to schedule a delivery window — someone must be present to receive it
- Typically palletized and picked up within 2–3 business days; transit time depends on distance
120-Day Warranty
This part includes a 120-day warranty.
- If the part fails within the warranty window, we'll replace it or refund per the coverage terms
- Coverage is parts-only — installation labor is not included
- Warranty covers defects — not installation errors, misuse, or damage after installation
Your pre-purchase interview reviews these exact terms with you before anything is charged.
Returns (30 Days)
We accept returns of uninstalled parts within 30 days of delivery for this part.
- Defective parts: We will replace the part or issue a refund at our discretion
- Programming: "Needs to be programmed to my vehicle" is not a valid return reason. Many modules require dealer programming — we're happy to help connect you with resources if your dealer says it's not programmable
- Return shipping: This part ships by freight (LTL) — the part price is refundable per the terms above, but shipping costs are non-refundable and return freight follows the seller's return terms. Your pre-purchase interview walks through the exact numbers before you buy
- Parts must be returned in original packaging and unmodified condition
- Poorly packaged returns that arrive damaged will not be credited
Damaged in Shipping?
Freight damage is rare — and you're fully protected when you do two things at delivery:
- Inspect before you sign — you're allowed time to look the pallet over while the driver waits
- Write any damage on the delivery receipt before signing — that one line is what makes a freight claim succeed
- Severe damage? Refuse the delivery — it goes back at no cost to you and we make it right
- Photograph the pallet before unwrapping; report concealed damage within 24 hours of delivery
We handle the carrier claim — you just help document it. Your pre-purchase interview walks through this checklist too.
Order Cancellation
Cancel before shipment for a full refund. Once the pallet has been built, a preparation charge may apply — and once the freight carrier picks it up, shipping costs are non-refundable and standard return terms apply. Your pre-purchase interview shows the exact numbers before you pay.
Expert Guides
2011-2016 Audi A4 & 2012-2017 A5 8-Speed Automatic: Problems, Identification, and Used Replacement
Identify the ZF 8HP55A transmission, understand what causes it to fail, and learn when swapping in a used OEM assembly is the smartest fix.
Read Full Guide →Related Trouble Codes (OBD-II)
13 matching guidesIf your scan tool is showing one of these trouble codes, this part is a common fix. Each guide explains the code, how to diagnose it, and exactly what to replace.
Miscellaneous Information
OEM Part Numbers:
Audi: 0BK300037K002
Other: NES, NXS
Fits Years: 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
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This unit ships with the selling yard's 120-day warranty. Longer plans can be requested during checkout.
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