BMW gearboxes: What you need to know about BMW gearboxes
BMW installs manual and automatic transmissions in its vehicles. The transmissions used by BMW are either developed in-house or come from suppliers such as ZF, Getrag or Magna. The transmissions in BMWs are considered reliable, but certain automatic transmissions can be prone to defects such as increased wear or damage due to low transmission oil pressure.
BMW manual gearbox
Manual transmissions have been the transmission of choice for many BMW drivers for decades. But even M-GmbH, as BMW’s in-house tuner, already announced in 2019 that it intends to reduce the proportion of manual transmissions. However, models such as the BMW M4 Coupé will still be available with manual transmission for purists in 2022.
BMW relies primarily on 6-speed transmissions for manual transmissions. For example, manual transmissions such as the ZF S6-37 or the ZF S6-53 from the manufacturer ZF Friedrichshafen can be found in BMW vehicles. In addition to sporty models, BMW primarily offers entry-level models with manual transmissions and six gears. These include the BMW 1 Series, the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer and 2 Series Gran Coupé, as well as the BMW 3 Series.
BMW automatic transmission
- BMW ZF 8HP automatic transmission: 8HP transmissions are torque converter automatic transmissions with eight gears, which are manufactured in different versions by the transmission manufacturer ZF Friedrichshafen. BMW has been using this 8-speed automatic transmission since 2009, depending on the vehicle model and generation. This type of automatic transmission can be found in almost every BMW model series, such as the BMW 5 Series, 6 Series or 7 Series, but also in the BMW Z4 or the X7.
- BMW DKG automatic: Depending on the model series, BMW also installs modern dual-clutch gearboxes, DKG for short (DoppelKupplungsGetriebe). This type of transmission implements automatic transmission via two sub-transmissions, each of which is coupled to a separate clutch. At BMW, DKG automatic transmissions are referred to as Steptronic transmissions with double clutch, and are installed, for example, as 7-speed transmissions in the BMW X1, BMW X2 and BMW 2 Series Active Tourer.
- BMW ActiveHybrid transmission: BMW hybrid vehicles often have a special automatic transmission. The electric motors required for the ActiveHybrid drives are integrated directly into the transmission. For example, the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 has two electric motors as part of the 8-speed transmission. In the BMW ActiveHybrid 7, the electric drive is integrated into the automatic transmission between the combustion engine and the torque converter.
Transmission in the BMW electric car
In vehicle types with electric drive, BMW usually installs compact drive units in which a single-speed transmission is integrated. This translates the relatively high speed of the electric motor to a low-speed level. This type of transmission is used, for example, in the BMW i3, i4, iX3 and BMW iX models.
What to bear in mind when replacing BMW gearboxes
If the gearbox in older BMWs becomes a problem due to high mileage, replacing it with a used original gearbox in good condition is sometimes an option instead of an expensive repair. Information such as the gearbox code or the OE number helps to select the right gearbox and is often stamped directly on the gearbox. At Autoparts24 you can buy used BMW gearboxes and other car parts offered by car recyclers at a favourable price.
Express delivery
Standard delivery
