Gearbox replacement costs: real prices, factors and tips from STS
The gearbox is one of the most important components of a car. When it breaks down, the question arises: how much does it cost to replace a gearbox and what determines the cost of replacing a gearbox?
The difference in prices can be significant: one driver will pay a few thousand zlotys, while another will pay over twenty thousand. To understand why this is the case, it is worth considering the factors that determine the total cost of replacing a gearbox — from the type of transmission to the complexity of the work and the choice of workshop.
Factors affecting the cost of replacing a gearbox
The cost of replacing a gearbox is not only determined by the price of the part itself. The design of the transmission, the origin of the components, the type of fault, the make of the car, and even the region where the repair is carried out are all important factors. Here are the factors that determine the final cost.
| Factor | What it includes / what may vary |
| Transmission type | Manual, automatic, DSG or continuously variable transmission (CVT) |
| Origin of replacement components | New gearbox, remanufactured, used |
| Car make and model | Premium brands or complex designs may increase costs |
| Region and workshop | Prices vary between Warsaw and smaller towns, as well as between official service centres and independent workshops. |
| Other factors | Extent of damage, complexity of installation, diagnostics, warranty, quality of work, etc. |
Types of transmissions
The type of gearbox is the most important factor affecting the price. The complexity of the design, the number of components and even the software directly determine not only the cost of repairing the gearbox, but also the cost of replacing it.
| Transmission type | Features | How it affects the cost |
| Manual transmission | Simple design based on a clutch, gears and shafts. | Cheapest to maintain, but the clutch may need to be replaced separately. |
| Automatic transmission | Complex system with a torque converter and electronic control. | Higher cost of labour and diagnostics, special equipment required. |
| DSG / robotic gearbox | Combines mechanics and automation, has a separate control module. | Very sensitive to technical condition — repair or replacement is more expensive due to the complexity of the design. |
| CVT / continuously variable transmission | Operates on a belt or chain, smoothly changing gear ratios. | Requires the perfect oil level and precise tuning, which increases the overall cost of work. |
Origin of replacement components
This is another important parameter that can change the bill several times over. Before choosing, it is worth considering the ratio of price, quality and reliability.
| Option | Advantages | Disadvantages / impact on price |
| New (original) | Warranty, impeccable quality, long service life. | The most expensive option — both the purchase of a new part and its installation. |
| Regenerated gearbox | Optimal combination of price and reliability, usually with a warranty. | Quality depends on the workshop, delivery time may be longer. |
| Used gearbox | Lowest purchase price. | Unknown technical condition, short or no warranty, risk of repeated repairs. |
The influence of brand and model
The price for the same service can vary significantly depending on the car manufacturer. Here are some popular examples:
| Brand / model | Gearbox type | Approximate cost of work (PLN) |
| Volkswagen Golf (DSG) | Robotic | Repair or regeneration of the control unit: PLN 4,500–6,000. |
| Opel Astra (manual) | Manual | Partial repair or replacement of bearings: PLN 2,500–4,000. |
| BMW 5 Series (automatic) | Automatic | Complete replacement or restoration: PLN 10,000–18,000. |
| Toyota Corolla (CVT) | Continuously variable transmission | Belt replacement and calibration: PLN 7,000–11,000. |
Region and workshop
Even for the same fault, the cost can vary by a factor of two in different regions. Warsaw has higher labour costs, but also better access to specialists.
| Factor | How it affects the cost |
| Location | Work is more expensive in large cities, but the quality and speed are usually better. |
| Type of workshop | Authorised services have fixed rates, while independent workshops may offer a more favourable deal. |
| Equipment and experience | The more modern the equipment and the higher the level of qualification, the higher the price — but also the guarantee of results. |
| Availability of parts | The need to order a box or components adds to the cost of delivery. |
Other important factors
The cost is also influenced by a number of minor but significant factors. These include diagnostics, the extent of damage, additional materials and the warranty on the work performed.
| Additional factor | How it can change the price |
| Diagnostics | A detailed inspection helps to avoid unnecessary expenses in the future, but it takes time and money. |
| Installation and removal | If other components need to be dismantled to remove the box, the price of the work increases. |
| Technical condition of the car | The worse the condition, the higher the associated costs for seals, bearings, clutches, etc. |
| Work warranty | High-quality service includes it in the price, but it ensures peace of mind for the customer. |
Average cost of replacing a gearbox
To get a better idea of prices, take a look at the actual average figures for different types of transmissions. They will help you understand in which cases replacement will be more expensive and where you can find a more budget-friendly solution.
| Gearbox type | Average replacement cost (PLN) | Approximate duration of work |
| Manual | 2500–4000 | 1–2 days |
| Automatic (classic) | 6,000–12,000 | 2–3 days |
| DSG / robotic | 8,000–16,000 | 2–4 days |
| CVT / continuously variable transmission | 7,000–13,000 | 2–3 days |
These values are approximate — the final amount depends on the car brand, the condition of the unit and the complexity of the repair. At STS Warsaw, each replacement is agreed with the customer in advance after diagnosis, so the owner always understands what they are paying for.
Alternative: repair or regeneration of the gearbox
Replacing the gearbox is not always the only option. In many cases, regeneration or repair can give the same result for significantly less money without sacrificing quality. If the damage is not critical, an experienced service can completely restore the unit without the need to replace the entire assembly. This usually applies to manual and even some automatic gearboxes. At STS, a comprehensive diagnosis is always carried out before a decision is made, after which the customer receives a detailed estimate and several options for solving the problem.
Costs associated with replacing the gearbox
Even when the main part of the work is installing the gearbox, you should take into account the associated costs. These are often underestimated, although they are what determine the final amount of the bill. Each operation requires additional materials: oil, seals, small parts, and sometimes new brackets or fasteners.
| Option | What it includes | Approximate cost (PLN) | Comments |
| Complete replacement of the gearbox | Removal of the old one, installation of a new or reconditioned one, oil change | 7,000–18,000 | The most expensive but most reliable option |
| Regeneration (complete restoration) | Disassembly, cleaning, replacement of worn parts, testing on a test bench | 4,000–9,000 | Optimal balance of price and efficiency |
| Partial repair | Local replacement of bearings, seals, gears | 2000–5000 | Cheaper, but only suitable for minor faults |
| Electronics repair (in DSG, CVT) | Control module restoration, software adaptation | 1500–4000 | Effective if the mechanics of the gearbox are in good working order |
| Cost item | Approximate price (PLN) | Comment |
| Transmission oil | 200–600 | Mandatory replacement after installation |
| Clutch (with manual transmission) | 600–2000 | Often replaced at the same time as the gearbox |
| Unit removal/installation | 800–2000 | Depends on vehicle design |
| Programming/adaptation (automatic transmission, DSG, CVT) | 300–800 | Necessary for proper operation |
| Post-installation diagnostics | 150–400 | Checking for proper operation and absence of errors |
Such additional costs should be planned in advance to avoid unexpected financial surprises.
How to reduce the cost of replacing a gearbox
Here are some practical tips to help you reduce costs without compromising on quality.
| Tip | How it helps you save money |
| Consider regeneration | High-quality regeneration is often comparable to a new gearbox, but costs 1.5-2 times less. |
| Buy a unit with a warranty | A reliable seller reduces the risk of repeat expenses. |
| Choose a proven repair shop | An experienced service centre will avoid mistakes that lead to repeated repairs. |
| Plan maintenance in advance. | Regular oil changes and diagnostics extend the life of the gearbox. |
| Agree on the estimate before starting work | Transparent calculations allow you to avoid ‘surprises’ in the bill. |
Why customers choose STS
Replacing or repairing a gearbox is always a complex technical procedure that requires precision, experience and modern equipment. At the STS workshop in Warsaw, we perform a full cycle of work: from diagnostics and disassembly to testing after installation. Only proven spare parts are selected for each car, and all work is accompanied by a warranty.p>
Thanks to the experience of our specialists and access to professional test benches, we ensure high-quality restoration of all types of gearboxes — manual, automatic, DSG or CVT. Customers choose STS not only for its fair prices, but also for the peace of mind, confidence and results that can be felt immediately after the first drive.
