6-speed automatic transmission: Introduction

The 6-speed automatic transmissions were jointly developed by BMW and ZF (Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen).

• > E53, E83, E85, E86
• > E60, E61, E63, E64 before 09/2005
• > E60, E61 from 09/2005 until 03/2007 and E63, E64 from 09/2005 until 09/2007
• > E60, E61 from 03/2007
• > E60, E61 from 06/2007 with sport automatic transmission and E63, E64 from 09/2007 with sport automatic transmission
• > E65, E66
• > E70
• > E81, E87, E90, E91, E92, E93

Depending on the model concerned, the automatic transmission is either standard or special equipment (option 205).

• > E60, E61 from 06/2007

  From 06/2007, besides option 205 "Automatic transmission", option 2TB "Sport automatic transmission" is also available.

  The special equipment "Sport automatic transmission" includes, amongst other features, gearshift paddles and a SPORT button.

• E63, E64 from 09/2007 Option 205 "Automatic transmission" is discontinued.

  On E63, E64 vehicles, only option 2TB "Sport automatic transmission" is available. Depending on the model concerned, the "sport automatic transmission" is either standard or special equipment.

The sport automatic transmission differs from the automatic transmission as follows:

• Gearshift paddles on steering wheel
• SPORT button in the selector lever trim
• Sport program also possible in selector lever position "D"
• Separate gear selector switch (GWS)

So as to be compatible with the engines with higher torques, the automatic transmissions are designed with different strengths. The automatic transmissions thus differ, e.g. through different torque converters.

Depending on the engine fitted, the following 6-speed automatic transmissions are fitted:

• GA6HP19Z (designed for maximum torque of 400 Nm)
• GA6HP19Z TU (designed for maximum torque of 400 Nm)
• GA6HP26Z (designed for maximum torque of 600 Nm)
• GA6HP26Z TU (designed for maximum torque of 650 Nm)
• GA6HP32Z (designed for maximum torque of 750 Nm)

(technical updates, e.g. of transmissions, are indicated with the letters "TU".)

The automatic transmission requires 5 multi-plate clutches to shift between the 6 gears: 3 input clutches and 2 brake clutches.

Electric steering lock discontinued:

On vehicles with automatic transmission, the electric steering lock is discontinued as follows:

• E90, E91, E92, E93 from 12/2006 (US version only)
• E60, E61 from 03/2007
• E63, E64 from 09/2007
• E70 from start of series production