Is the Transmission of the New BMW 3 Series Made by ZF?
2 Answers
BMW new 3 series transmission is ZF. Introduction to ZF Transmission: The transmission brand of the BMW 3 Series is ZF. In normal driving mode, it actively shifts up to keep the RPM below 2000, with very smooth shifting actions. When switched to sport mode, the transmission responds extremely quickly, with all upshifts and downshifts synchronized with the operation. The ZF transmission is more suitable for use in extreme environments with high torque output, which is why ZF transmissions are often installed in luxury cars. Function of the Transmission: To change the transmission ratio, expanding the range of torque and speed variation of the driving wheels. It allows the car to reverse while the engine's rotation direction remains unchanged. By using neutral gear, it interrupts power transmission, enabling the engine to start, shift gears, and facilitating gear changes or power output. The transmission consists of a gear transmission mechanism and a control mechanism, and a power take-off can be added when necessary.
That's correct, most automatic transmission models of the new BMW 3 Series are equipped with ZF's 8-speed automatic transmission, a system I'm quite familiar with. It's designed to be simple and reliable, with incredibly smooth shifting that's particularly noticeable in urban driving conditions, where gear changes are rarely jerky. BMW and ZF have been collaborating for over 20 years, and from older models to the latest G20 chassis, the ZF8 transmission has been pretty much standard. Manual versions are quite rare these days, with some high-performance M models possibly using other brands, but generally speaking, if you're buying a standard new 320i or 330i, you'll find the ZF logo on the transmission label under the hood. This setup is also easy to maintain, with durable parts, and when paired with BMW's driving mode switches, it feels exceptionally smooth. A friend of mine who's driven it also praised its strong handling, noting the transmission's high precision in response, making long drives comfortable without leg fatigue. Just remember to check the specific configuration when choosing a car, but with the automatic transmission, you're pretty much guaranteed to get it.