VCDS or ODIS access is absolutely the right thing to ask about before booking anywhere for this kind of fault. Without proper Audi diagnostic software the workshop is essentially working blind on an S tronic issue. Any shop that can’t confirm they have that capability straight away isn’t worth considering for this specific job.

S tronic jerking specifically in slow traffic while highway driving feels fine is a classic symptom pattern that experienced Audi specialists see regularly. Your mechatronic or adaptation theory is reasonable and worth proper diagnosis before assuming anything more expensive.

Finding someone who specifically knows dual clutch Audi transmissions rather than just Audi generally makes a real difference here. The S tronic has its own characteristics and common fault patterns that experience with traditional automatics doesn’t prepare a technician for. Asking specifically about their S tronic experience before committing will quickly separate the genuine specialists from the generalists.