Purpose of the System

Purpose of The System

BMW has developed a new automatic six speed gearbox together with ZF (Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen), designated the GA6HP26Z for the E65/E66. It represents a further development of transmission technology and features innovations used for the first time in BMW automatic gearboxes. This gearbox makes an important contribution to the "revolutionary" features of the E65/E66 in the luxury class segment.


The GA6HP26Z comes in two versions; one for the V-8 and one for the V-12 745/760 (E65/E66) engines. There is a more powerful version available for the V-12 that differs with the following components:

- Power output and torque characteristics
- Torque converter
- Clutches with different numbers of steel discs and lined plates
- Lepelletier planetary gear train with a different number of planet gears

The gearbox used in the 745i is designed for a torque of 440 Nm. The more powerful version (760i) is designed for a power output of 320 kW/435 bhp and a torque of 600 Nm.


The fundamental design and function of both gearbox versions are the same.