The 8-speed automatic transmission ZF 8HP45 has been produced by the German concern since 2010 and is installed on a number of popular rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive BMW models such as the GA8HP45Z. This transmission is also installed on Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, but under its own designation 845RE.
1st generation of the 8HP family: 8HP45, 8HP55, 8HP70, 8HP90.
Specifications
| Production years | since 2010 |
| Type | automatic transmission |
| Number of gears | 8 |
| Type of drive | all wheel / rear |
| Engine volume, l | up to 3.6 |
| Torque output, Nm | up to 450 (500) |
| Recommended oil | ZF Lifeguard Fluid 8 |
| Oil capacity, liter | 8.8 |
| Replacing the oil | every 60,000 km |
| Replacing the filter | every 60,000 km |
| Gearbox lifespan, km | ~300 000 |
| Weight, kg | 77 |
In 2010, the ZF concern introduced an 8-speed gearbox to replace the popular 6-speed automatic transmission 6HP21, designed for rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models with a longitudinal engine arrangement. Automatic transmissions were combined with gasoline units up to 450 Nm and diesel engines up to 500 Nm.
The design of 8-speed hydromechanical transmissions has changed in comparison with 6-speed ones, and the Lepeletir planetary gear system in this transmission has given way to a Simpson gearbox. The valve body is new, but it is also combined with the control unit into a single mechatronics unit. To save fuel, all modern automatic transmissions are equipped with a built-in Start-Stop system.
Gear ratios ZF 8HP45
Using the example of a BMW 335i 2014 with a 3.0 liter engine:
| Main | 3.154 |
| 1st | 4.714 |
| 2nd | 3.143 |
| 3rd | 2.106 |
| 4th | 1.667 |
| 5th | 1.285 |
| 6th | 1.000 |
| 7th | 0.839 |
| 8th | 0.667 |
| Reverse | 3.317 |
Using
The transmission was installed on:
- BMW 1-Series F20 in 2011 – 2015;
- BMW 2-Series F22 in 2013 – 2017;
- BMW 3-Series F30 in 2011 – 2015;
- BMW 4-Series F32 in 2013 – 2017;
- BMW 5-Series F10 in 2010 – 2014;
- BMW 6-Series F12 in 2011 – 2018;
- BMW 7-Series F01 in 2012 – 2015;
- BMW X1-Series E84 in 2011 – 2015;
- BMW X3-Series F25 in 2010 – 2017;
- BMW X4-Series F26 in 2014 – 2018;
- BMW X5-Series E70 in 2010 – 2013; X5-Series F15 in 2013 – 2018;
- BMW X6-Series E71 in 2010 – 2014; X6-Series F16 in 2014 – 2018;
- BMW Z4-Series E89 in 2011 – 2016;
- Chrysler 300C 2 (LD) in 2011 – 2018;
- Dodge Challenger 3 (LC) in 2014 – 2018;
- Dodge Charger 2 (LD) in 2011 – 2018;
- Dodge Durango 3 (WD) in 2014 – 2017;
- Dodge Ram 4 (DS) in 2013 – 2018;
- Jeep Grand Cherokee 4 (WK2) in 2013 – 2017;
- Jaguar F-Pace 1 (X761) in 2016 – …;
- Jaguar XE 1 (X760) in 2015 – 2021;
- Jaguar XF 2 (X260) in 2015 – 2024;
- Lancia Thema II (LD) in 2011 – 2014;
- Land Rover Discovery 4 (L319) in 2013 – 2017; Discovery 5 (L462) in 2017 – …;
- Volkswagen Amarok 1 (2H) in 2011 – …
Disadvantages of the ZF 8HP45 gearbox
- And although this automatic transmission has a very durable torque converter locking clutch, with overly aggressive use it still wears out quite quickly and its wear products clog the valve body solenoids, and then the automatic transmission begins to push.
- And if you don’t pay attention to vibrations from a worn locking clutch for long, the oil pump bearing will break, and then its housing and you’ll have to replace the whole thing.
- To save weight, many parts in such a transmission are made of aluminum, which does not support high loads and breakdowns in planetary gears are common.
- As in the previous generation gearboxes, metal bushings and many rubber parts of the transmission require frequent replacement, or the lubricant pressure in the system will drop significantly.
Frequently asked questions about the ZF 8HP45
What type of transmission is the ZF 8HP45?
The ZF 8HP45 is an 8-speed automatic transmission for all-wheel and rear-wheel drive cars.
When was the ZF 8HP45 produced?
The ZF 8HP45 has been produced since 2010.
How much torque can the ZF 8HP45 handle?
Maximum torque, Nm: up to 450 (500). It is used with engines up to 3.6 liters.
How much oil does the ZF 8HP45 take and which one?
The ZF 8HP45 takes 8.8 liters of oil. Recommended oil: ZF Lifeguard Fluid 8.
How often should the ZF 8HP45 be serviced?
Oil change: every 60,000 km. Filter replacement: every 60,000 km.
How long does the ZF 8HP45 last?
With proper maintenance, the ZF 8HP45 typically lasts about 300 000 km.
How much does the ZF 8HP45 weigh?
The ZF 8HP45 weighs about 77 kg.
What are the gear ratios of the ZF 8HP45?
Using the example of a BMW 335i 2014 with a 3.0 liter engine: final drive 3.154, 1st 4.714, 2nd 3.143, 3rd 2.106, 4th 1.667, 5th 1.285, 6th 1.000, 7th 0.839, 8th 0.667, reverse 3.317.
What cars was the ZF 8HP45 installed on?
BMW 1-Series F20 in 2011 - 2015; BMW 2-Series F22 in 2013 - 2017; BMW 3-Series F30 in 2011 - 2015; BMW 4-Series F32 in 2013 - 2017; BMW 5-Series F10 in 2010 - 2014; BMW 6-Series F12 in 2011 - 2018 and 19 more (see the full list above).
What are the common problems of the ZF 8HP45?
And although this automatic transmission has a very durable torque converter locking clutch, with overly aggressive use it still wears out quite quickly and its wear products clog the valve body solenoids, and then the automatic transmission begins to push. And if you don’t pay attention to vibrations from a worn locking clutch for long, the oil pump bearing will break, and then its housing and you’ll have to replace the whole thing. All known problems.
