Is the X1 transmission made by ZF?
2 Answers
Aisin is the transmission brand for the X1. Founded in 1969, Aisin is a world-renowned professional developer and manufacturer of automotive automatic transmissions. In the field of automotive automatic transmissions, Aisin's products hold the world's highest market share. The X1 uses an 8-speed automatic manual transmission, also known as an 8AT transmission. The AT transmission is a relatively common automatic transmission, with a complex structure that includes many planetary gears and clutch plates inside. The 8-speed automatic manual transmission features only five shifting components across four gear sets, with only two components engaged during each shift. Additionally, the new axial-parallel sliding vane pump improves transmission efficiency, minimizing energy loss. For the X1's transmission in daily use, the following points should be noted: Do not delay transmission fluid changes for extended periods. Although many modern vehicles feature maintenance-free transmission fluid, "maintenance-free" does not mean it never needs replacement. Prolonged failure to change the transmission fluid can damage internal components such as bearings and the housing. Avoid prolonged coasting in neutral. While driving manual transmission vehicles, many experienced drivers may coast in neutral, but for automatic transmission vehicles, this can cause overheating and create a noticeable impact when shifting back into Drive (D). Never shift into Drive (D) or Reverse (R) before the vehicle comes to a complete stop. Some drivers, aiming for "smooth" operation, shift into reverse gears before the vehicle has fully stopped, which can cause significant damage to the transmission gears and lead to gear grinding or other failures over time. Avoid frequent uphill climbs in Drive (D). On steep inclines, automatic transmission vehicles may overheat due to high load or shift prematurely, resulting in insufficient climbing power. In such cases, use manual mode to lock in lower gears or switch to sport mode to protect the transmission. Do not tow over long distances. If an automatic transmission vehicle breaks down, use a flatbed tow truck to move it onto the tow platform while in Neutral (N). Do not use tow ropes or similar methods to drag the vehicle directly.
The BMW X1 indeed utilizes ZF transmissions in most variants, notably the renowned 8-speed automatic transmission model 8HP, celebrated for its smooth shifting and fuel efficiency. From my personal experience, ZF has provided BMW with technical support for years, and the X1's driving fluidity is partly attributed to this design. However, in certain entry-level or hybrid models like the X1 xDrive25e, BMW may switch to Aisin or other suppliers' transmissions to reduce costs. The transmission's durability is commendable, though high-mileage units require regular transmission fluid changes every 60,000-80,000 km to prevent overheating issues. Overall, consulting the maintenance manual to verify the specific transmission model is advisable when selecting an X1.
