What transmission does the BMW 1 Series use?
2 Answers
The BMW 1 Series uses a transmission from ZF. ZF Friedrichshafen AG develops and produces complete transmission and chassis systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and construction machinery. It is also a major supplier of special transmissions for ships, forklifts, railway locomotives, and helicopters. The BMW 1 Series is equipped with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. A wet dual-clutch transmission refers to a dual-clutch transmission where the clutch plates are immersed in transmission oil. There are two types of dual-clutch transmissions: dry and wet. When using the BMW 1 Series transmission daily, pay attention to the following points: Do not delay changing the transmission oil for extended periods. Prolonged failure to change the transmission oil can damage internal components such as bearings and the housing. Avoid coasting in neutral for long periods. Many experienced drivers coast in neutral when driving manual transmission vehicles, but for automatic transmissions, coasting in neutral can cause overheating and create a shock when shifting back into D gear. Never shift into D/R gear before the vehicle comes to a complete stop. Many drivers shift directly into reverse while the vehicle is still moving to showcase smooth operation, but this can severely damage the transmission gears and lead to gear grinding over time. Avoid frequently climbing steep slopes in D gear. When facing steep slopes, automatic transmission vehicles may overheat due to high load or lose climbing power from premature upshifting. In such cases, use manual mode to limit low gears or switch to sport mode to protect the transmission. Do not tow the vehicle over long distances. If an automatic transmission vehicle breaks down, use a flatbed tow truck and move the vehicle onto the tow platform while in N gear. Avoid using tow ropes or dragging the vehicle directly.
As a car enthusiast who frequently tinkers with vehicles, I recall that most versions of the BMW 1 Series use an 8-speed automatic transmission provided by the renowned manufacturer ZF. This transmission is tuned quite intelligently, offering smooth gear shifts during stop-and-go city driving and maintaining low engine RPMs during highway cruising, resulting in excellent overall fuel efficiency and a hassle-free driving experience. BMW chose it primarily for its high reliability and performance match. Entry-level models might offer a manual option, but it's relatively rare. For maintenance, it's recommended to change the transmission fluid every few years, as prolonged use can degrade the fluid and affect longevity. Compared to the CVTs used in some Japanese cars, ZF's transmission delivers quicker acceleration response but comes at a slightly higher cost.
