I'm firmly in the camp that R tronic has been unfairly maligned. Each flavor has it's adherents and honestly, none of the choices are bad. Figure out what you are looking for in a car and then go for it. I have driven stick cars for most of my driving life. I thought it would be nice to have a paddle shifted car this time around. I have enjoyed every minute of it and have no regrets regarding my choice.

I think understanding how each shifting mechanism works is important to being able to operate that particular gearbox. So my guess is that some of the criticism of R tronic is due to people not really knowing how to use it correctly. If you come from a manual transmission background, my guess is that you would understand how to use the R tronic almost immediately.

So the real issue is whether you want to enjoy the manual shift car and pay the current premium to do so. Or are you looking for the paddle shift ease of use. If so, are you looking for the higher performing, more modern S tronic, or is that difference completely lost on you. The R tronic is not going to be as quick and smooth as the S tronic, but believe me, it's a very effective shifting mechanism.

 

I have a manual R8, but I will say this, I’ve had/have friends that have F1 Ferrari 360/430’s and for the most part they feel like they have the inferior transmission and are just waiting for it to cost them $5000-$20000++ to repair. I’ve had my R8 for 6 years now and met a lot of R-Tronic owners and most/all of them have no complaints about the RTronic, and none of them have had any mechanical issues with it.

 

are you still in the market for an R8?

 

You are quite interested in selling stuff aren't you?
Please consider contributing technical or brand information in addition to querying for sales.

 

I love mine.

 

Rtronic is an excellent transmission with VERY undeserving reputation. Alot of fun and reliable.

 

I think the key misunderstanding is that an Rtronic is not really an automatic transmission. It is a manual with a robotic clutch that will shift automatically. The problem is that the automatic shifts are known to be delayed and jerky. As long as you drive the Rtronic in manual mode, it shouldn’t be different from the Stronic in manual mode and is effectively a two pedal manual. If you want to regularly drive in automatic mode, the DCT Stronic is a far superior transmission that offers quick and smooth shifts between the gears. It’s also great in manual mode. Personally, I’ve never driven a manual car, so the manual mode is something I only use occasionally. The DCT was, therefore, a must for me.

 

I have R-Tronic in my 2009. I am driving an R8. So I am not unhappy.

A DSG/S-Tronic would be better if I could afford it. Can you afford it? If you can then get one over the R-Tronic.

If you're a 'manual-guy' then just go directly to the manual and don't mess about. Any flavour of auto will constantly annoy.

If you're ambivalent (or poor like me), then don't let the R-Tronic put you off an otherwise awesome car.

 

Agree, R-Tronic has an underserved reputation. You should test drive it longer than 15 minutes and expect that this robotic mechanism is shifting the forks and actuating the clutch for you. I actually made a recent video highlighting the characteristics of the R-Tronic transmission and talked about the ownership and operating experience w/ an R-Tronic owner, being objective as much as a possible.

 

I love my Rtronic.
I've had it in both v10 and v8 flavors.
You just need to drive it as if you were driving a manual with a little feathering off the gas as it shifts.
It's not dual clutch / PDK smooth but that makes it more fun!!!

 

i think OP was more asking about reliability of the rtronic as opposed to who prefers it over other transmission types (that horse has been beat to death on this forum )

 

I see.

If it's regarding reliability:

1. Transmission reliability itself is same as manual version since they're 95% the same internally.
2. R-Tronic system can fail and will need either:
   1. Rebuilt R-Tronic unit with better seals and/or new solenoids
   2. Pump rebuilt/replacement
   3. Accumulator replacement
3. The R-Tronic harness may need to get replaced due to the pin terminals corroding. Audi issued a service bulletin to replace the harnesses with more corrosion resistant terminals.
4. R-Tronic relay can burn out too so you will need to replace the relays for the R-Tronic system.

I would definitely save up money for an R-Tronic system rebuild if you get an R-Tronic car.

 

There are transmission tunes to make R-Tronic slightly quicker, but regardless of transmission, you still have the beautiful body and great engine, whether it's 4.2 or 5.2. @SRM Autosports carries them if you are interested.

Best of luck with your search! Should your car need new magnetic ride shocks - contact me directly and I'll be happy to help with a new set.

-Raf

 

I'm a relatively new reight owner.
I really like the s tronic (dual clutch trans) in my 2014 car.
much much better than the PDK in our 09 Carrera, (but a 2014 Porsche with PDK has better trans than our 09 also.........)
But if I were looking now, I'd likely shop for a nice r tronic car and convert to full 6 speed manual, unless a "real" 6 speed car fell into my lap.

sorry, can't speak to reliability.

 

i love my s-tronic. i test drove an r-tronic and did not like it. i posted about my experience and the r-tronic squad rained hell upon me

but yea get a longer test drive in and see if you like it

 

It's fine. I had a TCU tune and a pedal commander and the car was sharp. I got used to it pretty quick and it was a good time. Sold the R8 for an e-gear gallardo - wow, the Gallardo was TERRIBLE by comparison. Such a sloppy, bucking mess. R8 was 10x better, which is ironic because the transmissions are the same.

 

Earlier Gallardo 5.0s were terrible

 

i came from SMG in BMWs. R-tronic is a big improvement (in my opinion)

 

Buy mine! Its currently for sale in this forum.

 

Can you PM me if still available, please? In the market and somewhat local (NoVa)

 

i came from SMG in BMWs. R-tronic is a big improvement (in my opinion)

I have been lurking for about 6 months reading the ins and outs about what cars to buy, potential issues, etc. Now that i am really looking with intent to buy, how problematic truly are R-tronics. I understand obviously the manual and s-tronic are most desirable. There are thousands of automatic pre facelift owners how has your experience been? Should i just steer clear of them completely? any advice you wish you would have known before buying one? im just curious for anyones .02 on the topic. I know this could be a redundant topic, but really ive read through most posts here and if anyone wants to share a new opinion thats what im looking for. Thanks

I have a 2011 V10 R-Tronic that just went over 70K. No issues whatsoever with transmission…

 

You know that old saying about being in the right place at the right time ? I have decided to begin the process of offering my car for sale. Take the word of any and all that have seen it, it is THE Gen 1 R8 with a V8 motor to own, period. Purchased in 2009 with 1800 miles on the odometer, it currently has 18881 total miles. Expert dealership service only, garaged, never tracked, never abused, in immaculate condition. Saddle Brown Pearl with Sand Beige side blade, Audi exclusive interior in Tuscan Brown leather throughout, plus tuscan brown alacantera headliner. Six speed manual transmission, six CD changer, NAV, and many other options. Complete service records available. MSRP was $135,000. This car will only go to the right home at the right price.

 

It's not that the rtronic is bad, it's just the Stronic is just so good.

 

I'd focus on the car you want with the options you want. Not too many different options, but a V8 or V10 is the first place to start. Color, mileage and price would be factors for me, # of owners, etc. I knew right off the bat that I wanted a V10 and either a 2014 or 2015 because of the S-tronic. I bought mine in 2015, so that's what was out there at the time. I've always had manual cars, but wanted to go auto in the R8. I checked out many cars, stock, TT, etc. but they were 2009 or 2010 cars. I liked the interior of the facelift and the Stronic, so I bought a lightly used 2014 with 900 miles on it. Be ready to buy, and jump on the car you want when it pops up. Good Luck.

 

Avoid!

 

I am new to R8, bought one today and it was Rtronic. I was worried before the test drive but drove as manual and super fun!

 

The R-Tronic is great. It has an undeserved reputation promoted by people who either have never driven one, don't have a TCU tune and/or dont know how to use it. The good news is, that has made it a bargain compared to the 6 speed manual cars. It really comes down to what level of engagement you want while driving. The most engaged is obviously the 6 speed manual but it is overpriced imo (because of “the emperor has no clothes” syndrome). The R-Tronic is like driving the manual without having to move your left foot and as such, is mid level of engagement. The S-Tronic is best suited if you’d really rather have an automatic. For the money, the R-Tronic is the best value and is a truly unique experience (also rarer than the manual in some years I believe). I could have bought any of the three types. I didn't consider the economics-just the driving experience. I chose the R-Tronic and would definitely do the same again. Buy the best example you can find of the type that suits your driving style.

 

The advantage of the S-tronic is that you have two choices. Driving manual using the paddles which means superfast and soft shifting. Or using the automated mode for lazy driving without drama.

 

The Rtronic has not been very problematic coming through our shop countless times. Yes it does feel a bit sluggish when comparing it to the Stronic in my car but you get used to it. It’s so interesting how long it took for the dual clutch technology to come to the masses considering Porsche ran PDKs in the 80s.