Is a Manual Transmission Swap WORTH IT? Audi S4 Swap

The B8s4 is known for DSG issues. The automatic has problems and is EXPENSIVE! In This video we will manual swap S4! Manual Swap on an S4 is not easy. How much will a manual swap cost? How much work is a manual swap? What parts do you need for a manual swap? Can you DIY a manual swap? We will manual swap the B8 S4 and cover all those manual swap questions.

~~~~~ LINKS ~~~~~

~~~~~ TIME STAMPS ~~~~
Intro: 0:00
Getting Manual Swap Parts 0:23
CAUTIONS For Manual Swap ~ 0:49
Under Hood S4 Manual Swap 1:20
Under Car S4 Manual Swap1:56
Remove S4 Exhaust 2:10
Remove S4 Transmission Bolts 2:56
Remove S4 Front Axles 3:30
Remove S4 Prop Shaft 4:13
Remove S4 DSG transmission 7:04
Remove DSG Shifter 10:43
Install Manual S4 Shifter 12:20
Remove Install Clutch pedal ~ 13:02
Remove S4 ECM 15:09
Auto Vs Manual Pedal ~ 19:07
Wiring S4 Manual Swap 21:51
Swap S4 Flex Plate 33:53
Swap S4 Starter 34:33
Installing S4 Manual 37:20
Bleeding S4 Clutch 39:48
Coding S4 manual swap 40:56
Checking S4 fluid level 42:13
Assembly after manual swap 42:40
First S4 manual swap test 44:17
First S4 manual swap DRIVE 45:00
How much will a manual swap cost 46:13
What S4 manual swap parts needed? 46:31
Audi S4 Manual Swap REGRETS 47:25
S4 Manual Swap Regrets 48:41

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disclaimer:
The content of this video is available for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for the professional advice of a mechanic who has personally inspected your vehicle, nor does it create a relationship of any kind between the Humble Mechanic and you. Every situation may be different, and the Humble Mechanic does not make any warranties, whether express or implied, as to the accuracy, fitness, or applicability of the information or automotive parts portrayed in this video to any project and makes no guarantee of results. The Humble Mechanic and any sponsors of this video will not be liable for any damages related to personal injury, property damage or loss of any kind that may result from the use or reliance on this video and/or any automotive parts represented in this video. You are using the information and automotive parts portrayed in this video solely at your own risk.

[HumbleMechanic]

If you get some value out of this video, either education, or entertainment, please give it a share. The better this does, the more likely I can do more things just like this again LOL

[andrianmonk]

I likely, hell-won't ever, be doing a trans swap on an Audi but I watched every minute of this video and enjoyed it. Charles, you have one of the best channels on YouTube. Your humor and explanation of how things should, or should not, be done are perfect. Looking forward to you next video.

[wanderer]

For a person who doesn't like automatic transmission cars this is satisfying. I'll probably never buy a car with an automatic transmission or electric e brake!

[stephenprice]

The last time I did a trans swap was auto to manual on a Volvo. It was nowhere near as complex as this, but still a fair bit of work. Great video. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

[km]

So much awesomeness (showing so much intelligence, hard work, knowledge, and experience) packed into this, thank you so much for this amazing content for the B8/8.5 platform. Huge respect for you to not only make this happen but to also explain all the details showing all the steps. I suppose this is not just about S4 but can probably help the owners of all those DL501 DSG (S4/S5/RS5/S6/S7 from 2009-2017) Audi owners who might ever want to swap their transmission instead of maintaining their DSG going forward. Just wish your shop could swap my S5 Sportsback (not in US) which never come with MT, but RS5/S6/S7 MT builds should be super sick for enthusiasts. This video totally deserves as much view as possible and more people supporting mechanics (hopefully with donation or sponsorship) with these kind of attempts and content. Now that you covered all those manual swap questions, here's some ideas that might interest the same crowd: 1) racing parts sourcing and reviews (eg. clutch pack, headlights, brakes); 2) collaboration with shops in other countries so more people can do the same.

Hope you can do more things like this again, giving my first ever Super Thanks!

[craigbrub]

I swapped my ‘05 GTI and I’d say it’s the best money I’ve ever spent in terms of fun factor. Fired up and drove first try - was the biggest relief of my life.

Awesome video! This is definitely a more involved job than my car was!

[cs_yt]

I'm on 6 by the end. 6 times I said to myself "hell no!", like working under the dash. I do appreciate seeing it, although not that difficult the "why?" question takes it all out. Also few things that went through my spine, like the junk blocking the drain, I have enough VAG experience to know that you have to check it twice a year to avoid floating control modules or weird smells. All in all, great job! Unnecessary, but great!

[jaredpaulsen]

What I appreciate the most about you Charles (among many talents and skills),
is how positive you are throughout your videos while working on Audi/VW products...

I giggled when you were removing skid plates, practically the first step, and you mention the 700 different fastener types... You AINT LYIN...

[Heroization]

Wish I can swap my VW GTI with Manual as yours. Nothing wrong with it..but still the amount of connecting you get with your car is simply next level.

[renerobes]

A master craftsman has the ability to make a job appear to be easier than it is and to efficiently remove any obstacles that may arise. IMHO, you easily meet this criteria.

[josephdonnelly]

True inspiration really. When I think about some of the small issues I put off with my car (mk 1 Audi TT) then I see these videos and everything you talk on, I’m ashamed. Always gets me back to work.

[the_boonies]

Very happy I bought my B8.5 S4 with a 6speed swap already done at the factory 😅 That's some involving work Charles! Great video and I laughed a bunch too 🍻

[brianhaygood]

YES!! I did a manual swap on my allroad. Surprisingly easy and very well documented.

[codeleyva]

Man.. this brings back nostalgia when i did the same swap on my A4 b6 four years ago. It was relatively easy, took two days, and had the biggest smile afterwards having 6 speed AWD. Regardless if the car already existed with one. Everything is buttoned up nicely, no codes or warnings. TONS of fun in the snow and dirt.

[isaacolson]

Just got done having a 2014 DSG installed into my 2010. I pressed many places for a manual swap but I think it was just too much to be worth it. Costed 6k with parts and labor to swap in a b8.5 trans. Would’ve easily exceeded 10-12k to do this swap you just did with a shop. This is only worth it if you hate money or have the ability to do it yourself and have a lift. Doing it on stands is doable but it would be hell and would probably make you resent the car after the job is done. Great video as always. This is most in depth by far!

[WilliamPauley]

Thank for you doing the Lord’s work and putting an elite transmission back into this absolute beast of a car!

[cwheeler]

Loved this video and the personality you put into your videos/work. Nothing I'd ever attempt in a million years, but fun to watch an expert pull it off. One more regret you could add to the list at the end--not making Paul suffer throu--err, do some of this work with you. 🤣

[johnathinwilson]

As I watched this video I laugh because this is nearly the exact process when I manual swapped my B5.5 W8 Passat. Watching you do it in one video shows in depth how much had to be swapped over. Crazy to think how similar the cars are and how well VW/Audi set up their cars for the future.

[GJBricks]

That sounds phenomenal! You just can’t beat a manual for driver feedback and involvement! You just feel more in control of what the car is doing.

[pistons]

Doing a manual conversion on cars are similar overall with a couple differences as expected. Is it worth the time and you are having fun and enjoying the car more, of course it's worth it 👍👍