Gearbox ZF 8HP70

The 8-speed automatic transmission ZF 8HP70 has been produced by the German company since 2009 and is installed on rear or all-wheel drive BMW models under the indexes GA8HP70Z and GA8HP70X. This transmission is also installed on Jaguar, Land Rover, as well as Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep as the 870RE.

1st generation of the 8HP family: 8HP45, 8HP55, 8HP70, 8HP90.

Specifications

Production years since 2009
Type automatic transmission
Number of gears 8
Type of drive all wheel / rear
Engine volume, l up to 5.5
Torque output, Nm up to 700
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 87

In 2009, the German company ZF introduced an 8-speed automatic transmission to replace the 6-speed automatic transmission 6HP26, which was intended for rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive cars with a longitudinal engine. This automatic transmission is installed with powerful V6 and V8 engines, as well as diesel engines with torque up to 700 Nm.

Compared to the old 6-speed gearboxes, the design of the mechanical part has changed and instead of the Lepeletir planetary gear system, a so-called Simpson gearbox has appeared. Also, according to modern tradition, this automatic transmission is equipped with a built-in Start-Stop system. The valve body is new here, but as before, it is combined with the control unit into a single mechatronics unit.

Gear ratios ZF 8HP70

Using the example of a BMW 550i 2015 with a 4.4 liter engine:

Main 2.813
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:

  • Aston Martin Rapide 1 in 2014 – 2020;
  • Aston Martin Vanquish 2 in 2014 – 2018;
  • BMW 3-Series F30 in 2012 – 2018;
  • BMW 4-Series F32 in 2013 – 2020;
  • BMW 5-Series F07 in 2009 – 2017; 5-Series F10 in 2010 – 2017;
  • BMW 6-Series F12 in 2011 – 2018;
  • BMW 7-Series F01 in 2009 – 2015;
  • BMW X3-Series F25 in 2011 – 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 – 2019;
  • Chrysler 300C 2 (LD) in 2014 – …;
  • Dodge Challenger 3 (LC) in 2014 – …;
  • Dodge Charger 2 (LD) in 2014 – …;
  • Dodge Durango 3 (WD) in 2014 – …;
  • Haval H8 I (MKW) in 2017 – 2018;
  • Haval H9 I (FKV) in 2017 – 2024;
  • Jeep Grand Cherokee 4 (WK2) in 2013 – 2016;
  • Jaguar F-Type 1 (X152) in 2013 – …;
  • Jaguar F-Pace 1 (X761) in 2016 – …;
  • Jaguar XE 1 (X760) in 2015 – 2024;
  • Jaguar XJ 8 (X351) in 2012 – 2019;
  • Jaguar XF 1 (X250) in 2011 – 2015; XF 2 (X260) in 2015 – 2024;
  • Land Rover Discovery 4 (L319) in 2012 – 2017; Discovery 5 (L462) in 2017 – …;
  • Land Rover Range Rover 4 (L405) in 2012 – 2021;
  • Land Rover Range Rover Sport 2 (L494) in 2013 – …;
  • Land Rover Velar 1 (L560) in 2017 – …;
  • Maserati Ghibli 3 (M157) in 2013 – 2024;
  • Maserati Levante 1 (M161) in 2016 – 2024;
  • Maserati Quattroporte 6 (M156) in 2013 – 2024;
  • Rolls-Royce Phantom 7 (RR1) in 2012 – 2017;
  • Rolls-Royce Phantom 7 Drophead (RR2) in 2012 – 2017;
  • Rolls-Royce Phantom 7 Coupe (RR3) in 2012 – 2017;
  • Volkswagen Amarok 1 (2H) in 2016 – …

Disadvantages of the ZF 8HP70 gearbox

  • This is a reliable and durable automatic transmission, but it is installed on very powerful cars, and their owners are prone to overly aggressive driving, which is why the torque converter lock-up clutch quickly wears out, the solenoids become clogged with this dirt, and the gearbox begins to push.
  • Severe wear of the torque converter locking clutch leads to vibration of the shaft and destruction of the oil pump bearing, and then complete damage to its housing.
  • There are a lot of aluminum parts in this gearbox and they cannot withstand high loads, so with very active use, burst pistons or drums are not uncommon.
  • A known weak point of automatic transmissions of this line are short-lived bushings and oil seals, which quickly wear out, which leads to a drop in lubricant pressure in the system
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