Racingline DSG oil cooler system for VAG MQB DQ381

Engine oil needs to be cooled properly, but the same applies to the oil in the DSG gearbox. More power and torque mean more heat, making oil temperature control even more important. The Racingline DSG gearbox oil cooling system is a complete direct-fit solution for vehicles with the 7-speed DQ381 gearbox.

Why fit a DSG gearbox oil cooler?

Transmitting more power and torque through the DSG gearbox generates considerably more heat. During demanding driving, the factory oil-to-water cooler quickly reaches its performance limits. When the oil cannot release heat quickly enough, it thins out and loses its lubricating properties.

At that point, the gearbox protects itself by reducing torque and extending shift times; in extreme cases, shifting may fail completely. A dedicated oil cooler keeps the temperature within a safe range, allowing the DSG to continue operating as intended.

How the Racingline kit works

The Racingline kit does not replace the factory system; it supplements it. The original oil-to-water cooler remains in use, with an updated low-profile version replacing it. This works together with a new thermostatically controlled air-to-oil cooler, mounted at the front of the vehicle directly in the path of the incoming air.

The thermostat opens only when the oil temperature exceeds its normal level. The oil then flows through the densely finned 10-row cooler, where the large surface area and direct airflow quickly reduce the temperature. In normal use, the system typically lowers DSG oil temperature by approximately 15 to 20 degrees Celsius, depending on driving style, ambient temperature and the level of engine modification.

The benefit is twofold: greater cooling capacity when you need it and less heat transfer to the engine cooling system.

The kit includes:

• 10-row AN10 oil/air cooler
• Replacement low-profile oil-to-water cooler
• CNC-machined aluminium thermostatic adapter block
• AN10 Series 210 feed and return hoses with nylon braid
• Oil cooler brackets – two sets are included, one for the Audi S3 and one for the Golf 7 and other MQB models
• Complete fitting kit with nuts, bolts, washers and rubber mounts

Compatibility

The kit is intended exclusively for the 7-speed DSG DQ381 gearbox, fitted to various Volkswagen Group models on the MQB platform, including popular Golf, Audi and related vehicles. The version for the 6-speed DQ250 gearbox is available separately as VWR29G7250.

Fitting note: holes for the mounting bolts must be drilled through the front crossmember to install the front cooler brackets. This is a permanent modification and must be carried out by a qualified installer.

Who is the kit for?

The kit is suitable for vehicles with a Stage 2 or higher modification, vehicles regularly used on track, demanding road driving or use in a hot climate. It is a functional upgrade for the long-term reliability of the DSG gearbox, addressing its known weak point in higher-performance MQB vehicles.

Suitable for: Audi S3 III (8V), Audi SQ2 I (GA), Audi TT III (FV), Audi Tts III (FV), Cupra Ateca I (KH7), SEAT Leon III (5F) / III (5F1), Škoda Octavia III (5E3) / III (5E5/5E6), Škoda Superb III (3V3) / III (3V5), VW Arteon I (3H), VW Golf VII (5G1).

Compatible vehicles (manufacturer data)

Before ordering, check that the product matches your vehicle (model, year and engine). If in doubt, write to us — we will check for you.