The 5-speed automatic transmission ZF 5HP18 was assembled by the concern from 1990 to 1999 and was installed on a number of popular rear-wheel drive models from BMW under the symbol A5S310Z. This automatic transmission was intended for engines up to 3.0 liters and 310 Nm of torque.
5HP family: 5HP18, 5HP19, 5HP24, 5HP30.
Specifications
| Production years | 1990 – 1999 |
| Type | automatic transmission |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Type of drive | rear |
| Engine volume, l | up to 3.0 |
| Torque output, Nm | up to 310 |
| Recommended oil | Mobil LT 71141 |
| Oil capacity, liter | 10.6 |
| Replacing the oil | every 80,000 km |
| Replacing the filter | every 80,000 km |
| Gearbox lifespan, km | ~300 000 |
| Weight, kg | 75 |
In 1990, the first 5-speed automatic transmission from ZF debuted on the third series BMW. At first, the gearbox was installed with a 2.0-liter engine, but after running it began to be installed with more powerful engines, up to 3.0-liter V6 units with a torque of 310 Nm. In terms of its design, it is a simple hydraulic automatic transmission with a Raviño double planetary gearbox, a hydraulic unit with 6 solenoids and a torque converter lock starting from third gear.
Gear ratios ZF 5HP18
Using the example of a BMW 320i 1992 with a 2.0 liter engine:
| Main | 3.450 |
| 1st | 3.665 |
| 2nd | 1.999 |
| 3rd | 1.407 |
| 4th | 1.000 |
| 5th | 0.742 |
| Reverse | 4.096 |
The transmission was installed on:
- BMW 3-Series E36 in 1990 – 1999;
- BMW 5-Series E34 in 1992 – 1996; 5-Series E39 in 1995 – 1999;
- BMW 7-Series E32 in 1992 – 1994; 7-Series E38 in 1994 – 1998.
Disadvantages of the ZF 5HP18 gearbox
- The torque converter lockup in this gearbox operates starting from third gear, and therefore, during aggressive driving, the torque converter clutch here quickly wears out, clogging the lubricant. And contaminated oil reduces the life of the solenoids and, accordingly, the pressure in the system.
- Then, due to severe wear of the torque converter clutch, shaft vibrations appear, which contribute to wear of the oil pump bearing, and then its cover and stator.
- The signature weak point of this transmission is the F drum bushing with seal. It quickly begins to leak oil, the pressure in the package drops and the clutches burn out.
- Also, owners of cars with such a gearbox very often complain about lubricant leaks, since the service life of rubber gaskets and seals is short and decreases greatly due to overheating.
