Transmission Identification

NOTE: Always refer to the manufacturer for the most current information.

GENERAL
BMW uses three different transmission suppliers.

1. Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen: German supplier of BMW transmissions. Commonly referred to as ZF transmissions. ZF manufactures both manual and automatic transmissions.

2. Getrag: German supplier of BMW manual transmissions.

3. Hydramatic: Hydramatic is a manufacturing division of General Motors located in Strasbourg France. Hydramatic supplies smaller automatic transmissions used with the M50 and M42 engines.

The BMW identification code system is the method used for parts ordering, information research and identification within BMW technical organization.

The breakdown of the BMW identification code is as follows:






Each transmission manufacturer has their own method of identification for their products and quite often are known by BMW technicians. The following is the breakdown of a ZF transmission identification code:






CURRENT VEHICLE TRANSMISSIONS





The table lists the automatic and manual transmissions found in each vehicle.

This chart is based on the current (1995) model line up. Models may have been equipped with transmissions not indicated in previous model years or may be offered with transmissions in the future.

TRANSMISSION DATA PLATE





For parts ordering, the transmission ID can always be determined by the data plate attached to the transmission.

The data plate also includes the transmission production date.