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 and 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 |
The transmission was installed on:
- BMW
1-Series F20 in 2011 – 2015; 2-Series F22 in 2013 – 2017; 3-Series F30 in 2011 – 2015; 4-Series F32 in 2013 – 2017; 5-Series F10 in 2010 – 2014; 6-Series F12 in 2011 – 2018; 7-Series F01 in 2012 – 2015; X1-Series E84 in 2011 – 2015; X3-Series F25 in 2010 – 2017; X4-Series F26 in 2014 – 2018; X5-Series E70 in 2010 – 2013; X5-Series F15 in 2013 – 2018; X6-Series E71 in 2010 – 2014; X6-Series F16 in 2014 – 2018; Z4-Series E89 in 2011 – 2016; - Chrysler 300C 2 (LD) in 2011 – 2018;
- Dodge
Challenger 3 (LC) in 2014 – 2018; Charger 2 (LD) in 2011 – 2018; Durango 3 (WD) in 2014 – 2017; Ram 4 (DS) in 2013 – 2018; - Jeep Grand Cherokee 4 (WK2) in 2013 – 2017;
- Jaguar
F-Pace 1 (X761) since 2016; XE 1 (X760) in 2015 – 2021; - Lancia Thema II (LD) in 2011 – 2014;
- Land Rover
Discovery 4 (L319) in 2013 – 2017; Discovery 5 (L462) since 2017; - Volkswagen Amarok 1 (2H) since 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.
