Top 7 BMW Automatic Transmissions Ranked – Which Ones Are the Best?
Image: BMW 3 Series Automatic Hybrid Gearbox (8HP75HZ) — 32k miles only, code 5A2DA26 — suitable for G20 models. £2,327.49 at mtautoparts.com BMW has relied on several different automatic transmissions over the years, not just its own designs, but units supplied by ZF, Getrag, Aisin, GM and others. Some have become industry benchmarks, powering everything from family saloons to full-blown M cars. Others… well, they belong firmly in BMW’s past. If you're buying a used BMW, assessing a gearbox failure, or choosing between models, knowing which transmissions shine and why can save you money and headaches later. Here’s a clear, real-world guide to the best automatic gearboxes BMW has ever used. 1. ZF 8HP – The Modern Benchmark Found in almost every rear-wheel-drive BMW from 2011 onwards, the eight-speed ZF 8HP is often described as the best BMW automatic gearbox on sale today. It shifts quickly, it’s brilliantly smooth, and it handles everything from a 318d to a full-fat M550i with...