E9X GM vs ZF tranny

[detach8]

Looks like my new E90 LCI has the GM tranny and it shifts kinda funky. It loves to downshift when I let off the gas in DS mode which is actually quite annoying and gives my car a jerk. It also upshifts too quickly (earlier than I want it to) which means sudden quick pedal depressions would make the tranny go DOWN-UP resulting in another jerk.

My old E90 with the ZF does not do that. Verified and confirmed since both cars are with me.

I'm worried that the GM tranny shift patterns might actually wear it out.

Any feedback on the reliability of these two different trannys?

Those with the downshift jerks, do you know what tranny you're using?

 

[TobyNik]

Re: E9X GM vs ZF tranny

Looks like my new E90 LCI has the GM tranny and it shifts kinda funky. It loves to downshift when I let off the gas in DS mode which is actually quite annoying and gives my car a jerk. It also upshifts too quickly (earlier than I want it to) which means sudden quick pedal depressions would make the tranny go DOWN-UP resulting in another jerk.

My old E90 with the ZF does not do that. Verified and confirmed since both cars are with me.

I'm worried that the GM tranny shift patterns might actually wear it out.

Any feedback on the reliability of these two different trannys?

Those with the downshift jerks, do you know what tranny you're using?

Can you share if your E90 was a 335i?

 

[detach8]

Re: E9X GM vs ZF tranny

Nope, 320i. Both.

 

[davidtch]

Re: E9X GM vs ZF tranny

Looks like my new E90 LCI has the GM tranny and it shifts kinda funky. It loves to downshift when I let off the gas in DS mode which is actually quite annoying and gives my car a jerk. It also upshifts too quickly (earlier than I want it to) which means sudden quick pedal depressions would make the tranny go DOWN-UP resulting in another jerk.

My old E90 with the ZF does not do that. Verified and confirmed since both cars are with me.

I'm worried that the GM tranny shift patterns might actually wear it out.

Any feedback on the reliability of these two different trannys?

Those with the downshift jerks, do you know what tranny you're using?

It is more to do with EGU rather than tranny.

 

[detach8]

Re: E9X GM vs ZF tranny

Ive heard about software issues but my new E90 is made in 2011, it can't be that outdated?

I've tried that throttle adaptation reset thing (on, hold gas for 30 sec, off, wait 30 sec, etc.) not much difference.

Maybe my virgin engine needs some run in to open up. Its still only clocked 200kms.

 

[detach8]

Re: E9X GM vs ZF tranny

Bump. I was hoping Rodney replies this

 

[detach8]

Re: E9X GM vs ZF tranny

i found out the difference was the air scoop. you wouldnt believe this but my pre-LCI has an air scoop and my LCI didnt. i just installed it today and the difference was obvious - smoother shifts, quicker engine response, more low end torque.

 

[davidtch]

Re: E9X GM vs ZF tranny

Out of curiosity, why do u need 2 E90?

 

[detach8]

Re: E9X GM vs ZF tranny

I traded in my Hyundai for a new E90. The Hyundai was the wife's ride, so now she drives my old E90. I'm still thinking if I should sell the old E90 cos the wife just changed job and don't really need a car.

 

[davidtch]

Re: E9X GM vs ZF tranny

I traded in my Hyundai for a new E90. The Hyundai was the wife's ride, so now she drives my old E90. I'm still thinking if I should sell the old E90 cos the wife just changed job and don't really need a car.

If no need, sell it. It is better to sell it now when the price is ridiculous.

 

[TobyNik]

Re: E9X GM vs ZF tranny

Nope, 320i. Both.

Thanks, I didn't know they put in ZF tranny for 320's cos I always thought
only the higher end models get ZF tranny. Even a 325 E92 does not
come with ZF.....

 

[detach8]

Re: E9X GM vs ZF tranny

Yeah I am torn between whether i should:
1) post on forum/sgcarmart sell direct to owner - risk: long wait
2) ask sgcarmart to auction it to dealer

 

[detach8]

Re: E9X GM vs ZF tranny

Thanks, I didn't know they put in ZF tranny for 320's cos I always thought
only the higher end models get ZF tranny. Even a 325 E92 does not
come with ZF.....

Well, i remember this:
1. When i change my AT oil, the mechanic said ZF oil.
2. I key in my VIN into the BMW VIN decoder (google it), it showed ZF also

It does seem the old 2005-2006 (2007?) models have ZF, then later on they switched to GM.

Anyway after much more observation, it seems the GM is programmed for fuel economy. It loves to shift up and sometimes my RPM would be quite low (< 1500). At such an engine RPM it would be lacking torque and when you push the throttle, it ends up downshifting. it pretty much explains what i described as funky shifting.

I'm still getting 9 km/l. My old E90 could get 9.5-10.0 km/l travelling the same route to work daily.

The engine is still running in. I'll wait a little more until I hit maybe 5,000 km and check back on this thread.

 

[ac323]

Re: E9X GM vs ZF tranny

Well, i remember this:
1. When i change my AT oil, the mechanic said ZF oil.
2. I key in my VIN into the BMW VIN decoder (google it), it showed ZF also

It does seem the old 2005-2006 (2007?) models have ZF, then later on they switched to GM.

Anyway after much more observation, it seems the GM is programmed for fuel economy. It loves to shift up and sometimes my RPM would be quite low (< 1500). At such an engine RPM it would be lacking torque and when you push the throttle, it ends up downshifting. it pretty much explains what i described as funky shifting.

I'm still getting 9 km/l. My old E90 could get 9.5-10.0 km/l travelling the same route to work daily.

The engine is still running in. I'll wait a little more until I hit maybe 5,000 km and check back on this thread.

Very Interesting..........................


cheers

 

[pengful]

Re: E9X GM vs ZF tranny

i found out the difference was the air scoop. you wouldnt believe this but my pre-LCI has an air scoop and my LCI didnt. i just installed it today and the difference was obvious - smoother shifts, quicker engine response, more low end torque.

What air scoop are you talking about?

 

[detach8]

Re: E9X GM vs ZF tranny

drop in air scooop lor...

 

[Fargo]

Re: E9X GM vs ZF tranny

After reading this thread a few times , I am still trying to figure out how air scoops changes tranny behaviour. Can someone please enlighten me ??

 

[detach8]

Re: E9X GM vs ZF tranny

It changes engine, indirectly affects tranny?

 

[detach8]

Re: E9X GM vs ZF tranny

So after 1 week of driving, I still feel the GM tranny sucks. It seems like it gets "off the gas" to change gears a little too much. Yes, it gives a smooth shift, but there's also a significant loss of power between the shifts. I'm not sure if it's because my car hasn't run in yet (still < 1000km on mileage).

Bros here - at about what mileage do you see the real engine power kicking in?

 

[martmode8850]

Re: E9X GM vs ZF tranny

I'm at 30k km and it still feels the same... The best performance is actually without aircon on... Instant small 320 (156bhp) power on the tap...

The GM tranny is, like you said, loves to funky shift...