DSG fluid and CVT fluid: transmission fluids by OEM code
Dual-clutch gearboxes (DSG/DCT) and continuously variable transmissions (CVT) rely on highly specialised fluids. Learn how DSG fluid differs from CVT fluid, which OEM codes such as VW G 052 182, MB 236.21 or JASO M358 matter, and why an expert check before filling makes sense.
DSG fluid and CVT fluid: why special gearboxes need their own fluids
At first glance, a DSG fluid and a CVT fluid do what every gear oil does: lubricate, cool and protect against wear. The difference lies in friction. In a dual-clutch gearbox, the clutches must engage evenly and without judder; in a CVT, the fluid has to support power transmission between metal parts that work by friction. Both requirements are so specific that manufacturers prescribe exact codes for their gearboxes.
Unlike with engine oil, viscosity is of little help when choosing. The Elat products therefore carry the designations DSG and CVT instead of an SAE grade; what counts are the OEM codes on the label. Our gear oil guide covers the basics of all gearbox types.
In brief
DSG and CVT fluids are chosen by OEM code, not by viscosity. Elat DSG Transmission Oil lists VW G 052 182, G 052 529 and MB 236.21, among others, while Elat CVT Transmission Fluid lists JASO M358, Nissan NS-II and Honda HMMF, among others. Because gearboxes differ widely by design and manufacturer, we recommend a short consultation with us before use.
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Dual-clutch transmission fluid: wet and dry clutches
A dual-clutch gearbox works with two sub-gearboxes – one for the odd and one for the even gears – each with its own clutch, so it changes gear without interrupting traction. There are two designs. With wet clutches, the plates run in fluid that cools them and helps determine their friction behaviour. With dry clutches, the clutches operate without an oil bath, but the gearbox itself still needs a suitable oil. Depending on the design, manufacturers therefore prescribe different fluids.
According to its label, DSG Transmission Oil lists the VW numbers VW G 052 182 (TL 52 182), G 052 529 (TL 52 529) and G 055 529 (TL 52 529-C), the Mercedes-Benz sheets MB 236.21, 236.24 and 236.25, BMW DCTF-1, PSA 9734 S2, Ford WSS-M2C-936-A, Renault BOT 450 and Mitsubishi Diamond Queen SSTF-1, among others. The number that applies to your gearbox depends on its design and manufacturer – a shared name like ‘DSG’ is not enough to go by.
Check before filling
Some manufacturer numbers appear on the label only in abbreviated form. Please let us confirm the right entry for your vehicle before use – the vehicle identification number or the gearbox code helps.
Elat fluids for DSG and CVT gearboxes
Codes for dual-clutch and CVT gearboxes are highlighted; the complete lists are on the product pages.
DSG Transmission Oil
DSG · Gear Oil
Lists VW G 052 182, G 052 529, MB 236.21 and BMW DCTF-1, among others; check the OEM code before use.
CVT Transmission Fluid
CVT · Gear Oil
Lists JASO M358, Nissan NS-I to NS-III, Honda HMMF and GM DEX-CVT, among others.
Approval or specification?
Only expressly stated manufacturer approvals are marked “Approval”. All other entries are specifications and recommendations as printed on the product label; the entries relevant to this topic are highlighted. For your vehicle or machine, the owner’s manual and the manufacturer’s approval lists always take precedence. If in doubt, we are happy to advise you.
CVT transmission fluid: friction between belt and pulleys
A CVT changes its ratio steplessly. A push belt or chain runs between two pairs of conical pulleys whose spacing adjusts, which changes the effective diameter. Power is transmitted by friction between metal surfaces, so a CVT fluid must ensure a high, stable friction coefficient between steel parts while preventing wear – a different task from that of an ATF or a DSG fluid.
According to its product description, CVT Transmission Fluid is intended for continuously variable gearboxes with a push belt, and it lists a long series of OEM codes, including JASO M358, a Japanese standard dealing with the friction properties of CVT fluids. Others include Nissan NS-I, NS-II and NS-III, Honda HMMF, Toyota CVTF TC and CVTF FE, GM DEX-CVT, Ford CVT 23 and WSS-M2C928-A, Hyundai/Kia SP-III, Subaru NS-2 and Lineartronic chain CVTF, Mercedes-Benz MB 236.20 and VW G 052 180 and 052 516.
OEM codes for DSG and CVT fluid at a glance
Finding the right code takes only a few steps. The key is to copy it exactly – similar numbers are no substitute.
- Check the documentation: the owner’s manual, the service book or the part number on a previous original container will name the code.
- Identify the gearbox: the vehicle identification number and the gearbox code letters help pin down the design and version.
- Look for the code on the label: the fluid is only an option if the required code is printed on its label.
- Get expert confirmation: for dual-clutch and CVT gearboxes, we recommend agreeing the choice with us before filling.
The table below summarises selected codes from both Elat fluids by vehicle manufacturer. A dash means that the label lists no code for that manufacturer.
| Manufacturer | DSG Transmission Oil | CVT Transmission Fluid |
|---|---|---|
| VW, Audi, Seat, Skoda | G 052 182 A2 A6 (TL 52 182), G 052 529 A2 A6 (TL 52 529), G 055 529 (TL 52 529-C) | VW G 052 180, 052 516 |
| Mercedes-Benz | MB 236.25, 236.21, 236.24 | MB 236.20, A 001 989 46 03 |
| BMW / MINI | BMW DCTF-1 (83 220 440 214), MTF-LT-5 (83 22 2167 666) | BMW 8322 0 429 154, 8322 0 429 159; MINI COOPER EZL799, EZL799A |
| Ford / Nissan | FORD/NISSAN WSS-M2C-936-A, WSS-M2C-200-D2 | FORD CVT 23, WSS-M2C928-A; NISSAN NS-I, NS-II, NS-III |
| PSA (Citroën, Peugeot) | PSA 9734 S2 | – |
| Renault | RENAULT BOT 450 | – |
| Mitsubishi | Diamond Queen SSTF-1 | NS-II, SP-III, CVT J-1, CVT J4, CVT J4+ |
| Honda / Toyota | – | HONDA HMMF; TOYOTA CVTF TC, CVTF FE |
| GM | – | GM DEX-CVT, GM/SATURN DEX-CVT |
| Hyundai / Kia | – | SP-III |
| Subaru | – | NS-2, ECVT, iCVT, iCVT FG; Lineartronic chain CVTF, CVTF II |
| Japanese standard | – | JASO M358 |
Gearbox service in the workshop: temperature, quantity, supply
On many dual-clutch and CVT gearboxes, the fluid level is checked at a specified fluid temperature, often with a diagnostic tool, and some manufacturers prescribe further steps after the service. Follow the fill quantity, test temperature and scope of the fluid change set out in the manufacturer’s documentation; an incorrect level can affect shift quality and service life.
We supply Elat DSG and CVT fluids to workshops, retailers and online shops throughout Germany, with dispatch and scheduling from our warehouse in Lünen. The overview lubricant supply throughout Germany shows all the topics we cover nationwide, and conventional torque-converter automatics are covered under ATF automatic transmission fluid.
Frequently asked questions
Which DSG fluid does my car need?
That depends on the gearbox design and manufacturer. For VW, Audi, Seat and Skoda, numbers such as G 052 182, G 052 529 or G 055 529 define the fluid; Mercedes-Benz uses sheet numbers from the MB 236 series. Check the code in your documentation or send us the vehicle identification number – we will compare it with the label of Elat DSG Transmission Oil.
What does TL 52 182 next to G 052 182 mean?
At Volkswagen, TL stands for Technische Lieferbedingung, a technical supply specification that describes the requirements for the fluid. That is why the numbers on the label of Elat DSG Transmission Oil appear in pairs, such as G 052 182 with TL 52 182 or G 055 529 with TL 52 529-C. The entry Volkswagen specifies for your gearbox remains decisive.
What is JASO M358?
JASO M358 is a standard from the Japanese Automotive Standards Organization (JASO) that deals with the friction properties of CVT fluids. Elat CVT Transmission Fluid lists JASO M358 alongside numerous OEM codes. For your choice, however, the code specified by your vehicle manufacturer is decisive.
Is Nissan NS-2 the same as NS-II?
Yes, both spellings refer to the same Nissan CVT fluid grade. Elat CVT Transmission Fluid lists NISSAN NS-I, NS-II and NS-III; NS-I and NS-III are separate grades. The Nissan documentation states which one your vehicle needs.
Can I change DSG or CVT fluid myself?
It is possible, but more demanding than an engine oil change: many gearboxes require a level check at a defined temperature, often with a diagnostic tool. We recommend having the change carried out by a specialist workshop and agreeing the fluid with us beforehand based on the OEM code.
Is there one CVT fluid for all manufacturers?
No. Even a fluid with a long list of OEM codes only covers the gearboxes whose code it lists. Elat CVT Transmission Fluid lists codes from Nissan, Honda, Toyota, GM, Ford, Subaru, Mitsubishi and other manufacturers – if your code is not among them, it is not the right choice.
Related topics
Get the right DSG or CVT fluid
Send us the vehicle, the gearbox code or the required OEM number. We will check whether Elat DSG Transmission Oil or CVT Transmission Fluid fits and advise you before use.
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