Welcome to the forum Rob :)
youll find the members on here are a friendly and helpful bunch :)
is your a3 a manual or auto?
Abd who is ther service history with? I ask this because if Audi have serviced it then you can ring them and find out. Ideally ring the dealer who's worked on the car :)
I myself have never heard of a maintenance free gearbox, but I'm sure the more experienced members will be able to help there.
Cheers
steve