VW, VOLKSWAGEN, GOLF 02S (141.9mm WIDE) A - LSD Unit

The VW 02S gearbox is an interesting "hybrid" in the world of Volkswagen transmissions. It is basically a 6-speed variant of the 02J. It retains the compact body of the 5-speed transmission, but has been expanded internally to include a sixth gear.

Because the 02S is intended for transverse engines with medium torque (up to about 250 Nm), you'll find it mostly in the 2004 to 2012 generation.

Here are the cars that use the 02S:

1. Volkswagen

This is the gearbox that made the switch to 6-speed for the masses possible:

• Golf V (5) & VI (6): Especially the 1.4 TSI, 1.6 FSI and early 1.9 TDI BlueMotion models.

• Golf Plus: Various gasoline and diesel variants.

• Touran (1T): Very common in the 1.6 FSI, 2.0 FSI and the 1.9 TDI engines.

• Passat (B6): The models with the smaller engines (1.6 FSI, 1.4 TSI, 1.9 TDI).

• Jetta (A5): The 1.4 TSI and 1.9 TDI variants.

• Caddy (2K): Later models with the 1.6 TDI or 1.2 TSI.

2. Audi

• Audi A3 (8P): The 1.6 FSI, 2.0 FSI (atmospheric) and the 1.9 TDI (105 hp) used the 02S.

3. SEAT

• Leon (1P): Especially the 1.4 TSI and the 1.9 TDI models.

• Altea / Altea XL: The standard 6-speed gearbox for the 1.9 TDI and 1.4 TSI engines.

• Toledo (5P): The third-generation Toledo.

4. Škoda

• Octavia (1Z): The second-generation Octavia in the 1.4 TSI, 1.6 FSI and 1.9 TDI versions.

• Superb (3T): The early 1.4 TSI and 1.9 TDI entry-level models.

Why the 02S is technically interesting

The 02S is a favorite among VW enthusiasts and mechanics because of its modular nature:

• The 6-speed Upgrade: Because the 02S and the 02J are nearly identical in terms of housing, tuners often use the internal components of an 02S to convert an old 02J (from a Golf 4 or Corrado) to a 6-speed without having to change the gearbox suspension points.

• Lightweight: It is considerably lighter than the heavy 02M/02Q 6-speed transmissions (found in the GTI and the 150hp TDI). For cars with less power where weight is a factor, this is the ideal 6-speed gearbox.

• Differential lock: As with the 02J, the differential is the weak point under heavy load. Installing an aftermarket limited slip differential makes this gearbox very capable for sporty road use.