TRANSMISSION IDENTIFICATION
BMW automatic transmission are manufactured by two suppliers for the US market
- Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen: Commonly referred to as ZF. ZF manufactures both manual as well as automatic transmissions.
- GM Powertrain - Hydramatic: Hydramatic is a manufacturing division of General Motors located in Strasbourg, France. Hydramatic supplies automatic transmissions to BMW for four and six-cylinder vehicles.
BMW has developed an internal numbering system for their transmissions for ordering parts, information research and identification. Also, each transmission manufacturer uses an internal identification system. Here is a breakdown of these identification codes
Hydramatic Transmissions have internal designations, however they are not used often. The internal code for the A4S310/270R is 4L30-E and the A5S360/390R is 5L40-E. (Scheme 184)and (Scheme 185).
Scheme 184
Scheme 185
IDENTIFICATION PAGE
The ID page is helpful to determine the transmission and control system used as well as the chassis number and current software version. Always print out a copy of the ID page when performing any diagnosis or programming procedures.
OVERVIEW OF ALLOWABLE REPAIRS
Currently, service of transmissions is limited to electrical, minor mechanical and hydraulic repairs as well as service adjustments. (Scheme 186) Part availability is limited to include the repair of the following
- Oil Leaks - Radial seals and gaskets.
- Mechanical/Hydraulic Faults - Torque converter, valve body, parking pawl, oil pan, output shaft bearing.
- Electrical Faults - Solenoid valves, pressure regulator valves, wiring harness.
- Signal Sensing - Turbine and output speed sensors, CAN bus, temp sensor.
