Reconditioned Volkswagen Tiguan Gearbox

Tiguan 2007–2018: three gearbox families across four engine variants depending on the generation

Between 2007 and 2018, the Tiguan did not use the same transmissions throughout its production run. The first generation launched with gearboxes that were either discontinued or revised during the model's lifetime, while the second generation introduced entirely new engine codes — meaning that identifying the correct gearbox depends strictly on the year and the engine code stamped on the block, not simply on the engine capacity or power output.

Diesel: the 2.0 TDI accounts for the vast majority of variants

The 2.0 TDI covers almost the entire range with six distinct engine codes: CBAB, CFFB, CFGB for the earlier years, then CUVC, DFG, DFGA on the later versions. This range is fitted with one of two gearbox types — 6-speed manual or DSG 7 — and the choice between them is not open: it is fixed by the vehicle's original specification. The 2.0 TDI 4Motion, with its four-wheel-drive transmission, is always paired with the DSG 7. Please note: a DSG 7 from a front-wheel-drive Tiguan and a DSG 7 from a Tiguan 4Motion are not interchangeable, as torque management differs between the two configurations.

Petrol: DSG 6 on the 1.4 TSI, DSG 7 on the 1.5 TSI

The petrol engines clearly illustrate the generational break. The 1.4 TSI — engine codes CAVA, CAX, CTHA — is exclusively paired with a DSG 6, a wet dual-clutch gearbox that is distinct from the DSG 7. The 1.5 TSI (engine codes DADA, DPCA), which appeared towards the end of the period, is fitted with a DSG 7. Mixing up the two gearbox families when placing an order is the most common mistake on petrol Tiguans: the DSG 6 and DSG 7 have different dimensions, interfaces and input shafts. The DSG units offered here are sold without the mechatronic unit, with a new dual-clutch.