[james4321]

I heard opinions that F30 ZF 8HP tranny is uncomfortable. You can feel gear changes, etc. what do u guys think? I’m looking for a ‚new’ 2013-2012 F30 328i, and I’m wondering if it is true?
‚Hey guys, I just found some post on the bimmerforum: ‚for 8speeds ZF 8HP while u are driving slowly..eg during heavy traffic you will feel the gear swift very jerky. is normal.’
What do u think about it? Is it true?

[lacrimarum]

I would not say that it is really jerky. One can sometimes feel the shift from 1 to 2 and from 2 to 1 in heavy traffic, but otherwise it works great.

[IAmATeaf]

For me it’s the best auto gearbox I’ve ever had and it must be good as quite a few manufacturers use it?

[deviantspeed]

Originally Posted by lacrimarum

I would not say that it is really jerky. One can sometimes feel the shift from 1 to 2 and from 2 to 1 in heavy traffic, but otherwise it works great.

ZF8 is a highly coveted tranny. There are different variants of it, but overall it's the smoothest imho.

You should try to drive a VW 6 speed DSG, jerking all day long if you are stuck in a line or in traffic, and it just doesn't shift like a ZF8 imho.

[cfm56d7b]

I found ZF8 transmission performing well enough that I haven't noticed any harshness or abrupt gear changes.

[Polo08816]

Originally Posted by lacrimarum

I would not say that it is really jerky. One can sometimes feel the shift from 1 to 2 and from 2 to 1 in heavy traffic, but otherwise it works great.

Yeah the 1-2 and 2-1 is not that smooth but w/e.

[eugene89us]

It is jerky if you have a 4-cylinder diesel engine, like I do. For me, diesel choice was for tremendous fuel economy vs. comfort level. It is louder than a gasser, jerkier than a gasser, and will cost more in maintenance long term. But it gives me smile with high torque at low RPM and 600-700 miles on a 15-gallon tank. I cannot complain about that, even while putting up with its jerkiness on ZF8HP transmission platform.

[hybris]

One of the best automatics I've driven. For me a BMW without a manual gearbox has been out of the question (I'm in Europe..), but this one is actually acceptable.

[sspade]

I agree, that shifts can occasionally be felt. Im actually thrilled to hear that its somewhat normal.

Regardless... this transmission is WORLD CLASS in both technology and refinement.

Its amazing how many vehicles this thing is in if you actually look. Across many manufacturers from many countries.

I have talked to a trans technician who said he went to a training course on how to rebuild etc... very advanced and probably not cheap but good thing is - in due time, the Indy's will get good at rebuilds and bring the cost down because its so common. Its like they dont have a choice.

Having a tough time deciding if I should change the oil and pan or let it ride like my dealer is telling me to do?!

[328iX]

I also think it's smooth and quick, no complaints here.

Also depends on your driving habits though, slowing down quickly you will feel downshifts and also depending if you hit the gas if it's mid-shift or about to up-shift then rapidly downshifts you will feel it, but i think that goes with every automatic.

[Rydugo1]

I have an 8HP70 & it's smooth as anything! Even more so with BMW gearbox software updates. & ESPECIALLY in Sport/Sport+!

[328iX]

Originally Posted by Rydugo1

I have an 8HP70 & it's smooth as anything! Even more so with BMW gearbox software updates. & ESPECIALLY in Sport/Sport+!

I have the 8HP70 in my alfa romeo giulia and man the first 1-2 shift in the morning is harsh!

but otherwise also very smooth once warm.

[Rydugo1]

Originally Posted by 328dX

I have the 8HP70 in my alfa romeo giulia and man the first 1-2 shift in the morning is harsh!

but otherwise also very smooth once warm.

Fair enough, I'd agree on cold it's a bit shit but otherwise all good no issues.

[perryo91]

Originally Posted by sspade

I agree, that shifts can occasionally be felt. Im actually thrilled to hear that its somewhat normal.

Regardless... this transmission is WORLD CLASS in both technology and refinement.

Its amazing how many vehicles this thing is in if you actually look. Across many manufacturers from many countries.

I have talked to a trans technician who said he went to a training course on how to rebuild etc... very advanced and probably not cheap but good thing is - in due time, the Indy's will get good at rebuilds and bring the cost down because its so common. Its like they dont have a choice.

Having a tough time deciding if I should change the oil and pan or let it ride like my dealer is telling me to do?!

I changed mine at 60k, very straight forward. I bought the kit off of fcpeuro.

[perryo91]

The way I think about it.. this is a sporty car. So it's ok to feel shifts or have them be rough-ish, no matter how annoying that first morning 1-2 shift is (My way around it is just wait 1-2 minutes before leaving the driveway.

[james4321]

Ok, thank You gents.
And, maybe I got this wrong. Or maybe they just can feel changing gears occasionally - thats why they claim that ZF 8HP is rough/jerky.

[bgalakazam]

Great transmission. In sport can be a bit jerky sometimes depending how far the throttle is. Usually I don't feel it go 1-6 gears unless I look at the tachometer. Only wish we had a higher torque version (Audi's get the 55 for example).

[Brett530]

My 2012 F30 335 was not smooth. When cold, it was rough, and paddle shifters caused a lot of harsh shifting.
My 2017 340 with the same transmission is very smooth. Not sure what the difference is (software or fluid, I would assume).

Make sure you test drive.

[bgalakazam]

Originally Posted by Brett530

My 2012 F30 335 was not smooth. When cold, it was rough, and paddle shifters caused a lot of harsh shifting.
My 2017 340 with the same transmission is very smooth. Not sure what the difference is (software or fluid, I would assume).

Make sure you test drive.

3series facelift get a second gen ZF transmission, 8HP50 in this case. Gear ratios are different as well.

[Gen13 F36]

Originally Posted by james4321

I heard opinions that F30 ZF 8HP tranny is uncomfortable. You can feel gear changes, etc. what do u guys think? I’m looking for a ‚new’ 2013-2012 F30 328i, and I’m wondering if it is true?
‚Hey guys, I just found some post on the bimmerforum: ‚for 8speeds ZF 8HP while u are driving slowly..eg during heavy traffic you will feel the gear swift very jerky. is normal.’
What do u think about it? Is it true?

I'm more worried about the year your looking to buy than the transmission. 2012 to 2013?, please keep looking maybe alot newer say 2015.

[james4321]

Why u worry about that? 😀

So, pre-lci ZF 8HP could be more uncomfortable.

[tuco44]

A great tranny, one of the best I have ever had.....