Automatic Transmission/Transaxle: Application and ID

Transmission Identification
BMW and MINI use three different transmission suppliers.

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

2. Getrag: A German supplier of BMW manual transmissions.

3. Hydramatic: A French supplier of BMW automatic transmissions.
- Hydramatic is a manufacturing division of General Motors Powertrain.

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 transmission identification code is as follows:

BMW Designation:

Each manufacturer has it's own internal identification for it's products.
- For example: the A5S 360 R is the (GM 5L40E), and the A5S 325 Z is the (ZF 5HP 19).

OEM Manufacturer Designation:

Vehicle Transmissions Application

Automatic Transmissions
The following table contains a list of automatic transmissions and the models they are used in.





Manual Transmissions
The following table lists the manual transmissions and the vehicles they are used in





Transmission ID / Data Plate

Data Plate:

The transmission ID can always be determined by the data plate attached to the transmission. The data plate contains the transmission model number, serial number, manufacturer and 2 digit character code.

Two Digit Code
As with all BMW transmissions, an identification plate is attached to the transmission housing. The plate provides a two character alpha code signifying identification.

Alpha Codes
Example: Alpha codes for the E46 as introduced are "SW" for the 328i and "SX" for the 323i.

Refer to the alpha code when ordering a replacement transmission. This code must be checked against the parts system verifying the code is correct for the specific vehicle and for possible code/part number supersession.


Designation Chart (Later - Standard).

Standard:

Designation Chart (Later - Automatic).

Automatic:

New BMW Designations (As of March, 2003).
(according to BMW group standard GS 90007)

Example: GS6-37BZ (Broken down by 7 segments).

First segment G = Drive
G S6-37BZ

Second segment (Transmission type) S = manual, A = automatic
G S 6-37BZ

Third segment (Number of forward gears) 6 = 6 speed
GS 6 -37BZ

Fourth segment - (dash) = for standard with manual gear shift or HP = Hydraulic planetary gear.
GS6 [ - ] 37BZ

Fifth segment (Transmission type) 26 = D-Transmission, 39 = F-Transmission, 37 = H-Transmission
GS6- 37 BZ (therefore example here is an H-Transmission)

Sixth segment (Gear Set) B = Benzine/Gasoline gear ratio or D Diesel gear ratio (N/A in USA market)
GS6-37 B Z

Seventh segment (Code letter of manufacturer) G = Getrag and Z = ZF
GS6-37B Z