BMW XHP Gearbox Tune Features
We don't just make it faster
Faster Gear Shifts
Raised Torque Limiters
Raised Clutch Pressure
Full Manual Mode
Kickdown Delet
Auto Upshift Delete
Soft Limiter Delete
* More features
How does it Work?
You’re only 6 steps away from a tune.
1
Book Online
2
Technician Arrvies
3
Diagnostics Health Check
4
Read ECU Data
5
Upload Modified Data (Tune)
6
Road Test & Complete
Why Choose Remaps UK for BMW XHP Gearbox Remap?
- Pre-Developed Tuning
- Money Back Guarantee
- Mobile Service
- Vehicle Health Check
- Fully Insured
- Over 14 Years Experience
What Is BMW XHP Remap?
Benefits of BMW XHP Remap with Remaps UK
BMW XHP Remap in Kent and South East England
Ready to sharpen your BMW’s gearbox performance? Remaps UK offers mobile BMW XHP tuning across Kent and the South East, remapping your ZF automatic gearbox right at your doorstep. Whether you are in Maidstone, Kent or the South East of UK – we come to you. Our pre-developed, tested files deliver quicker shifts and a smoother drive for your BMW.
Book your BMW XHP tuning today with Remaps UK, Kent’s trusted mobile tuning specialists, fully insured for your peace of mind.
What our customers say.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. We offer this service free of charge if the vehicle is brought back to us. We’ll be very surprised if that’s what you want after taking one of our remap products, however in the case of lease cars some customers prefer to put the car back to standard before returning the car. You might want it back to standard if you are visiting a dealer for warranty or service work, again we will do this for free. Should you lose your tuning files due to dealer actions or parts failure we will be happy to re-install the map onto your car free of charge where possible.
No, not with Remaps UK. Our custom ECU remaps are carefully developed to improve your car’s performance while staying well within the limits of its components. We use tuning files developed by JF Automotive in Kent, designed for safe, reliable results.
Some companies chase high power figures by pushing engines too hard, which can strain the engine, transmission, or cooling system and cut down on reliability over time. At Remaps UK, we focus on balanced tuning that keeps your vehicle dependable. You’ll get noticeable power gains without putting your car at risk.
If you’re not satisfied with your Stage 1 ECU remap from Remaps UK, you can request a refund within 14 days of the tuning date. You’ll need to book a time for us to revisit you and remove the remap. If there’s no issue caused by the tune itself, we charge a flat £50 fee for this visit. Once we’ve restored your vehicle to its original settings, we’ll refund the full cost of the remap.
Refunds depend on us removing the tune—no refund will be given otherwise. This guarantee only covers Stage 1 remaps and doesn’t include services like pops and bangs, parts, or dyno sessions. If you bought a modification that needs the remap to work, only the tuning file cost is refundable. We reserve the right to end this 14-day guarantee at any time.
Read More About BMW ZF Gearboxes
BMW ZF Gearboxes: 2002–2025
BMW’s partnership with ZF Friedrichshafen AG has produced some of the most advanced and reliable gearboxes in the automotive industry. Since 2002, ZF transmissions, particularly the 6-speed and 8-speed automatic variants, have been integral to BMW’s lineup, enhancing performance, efficiency, and driving dynamics across models from the 1 Series to the X7. This article explores the evolution, technical specifications, applications, and impact of ZF gearboxes in BMW vehicles from 2002 to 2025, optimised for clarity and search engine visibility.
The ZF Partnership and Early 6-Speed Gearboxes (2002–2010)
ZF’s collaboration with BMW dates back decades, but the early 2000s marked a significant milestone with the widespread adoption of the ZF 6HP series. Introduced in 2002, the 6HP26 was a 6-speed automatic transmission designed for longitudinal engine layouts, offering smoother shifts and better fuel efficiency than its 5-speed predecessors. It debuted in BMW’s 7 Series (E65/E66) and was later fitted to models like the 3 Series (E90), 5 Series (E60), and X5 (E53).
The 6HP series, including variants like 6HP19, 6HP26, and 6HP32, catered to different torque outputs, ranging from 220 Nm to 750 Nm. These gearboxes used a torque converter and planetary gearsets, delivering shift times of around 0.3 seconds. Key features included adaptive shift logic, which adjusted gear changes based on driving style, and a wide gear ratio spread (up to 6.04), improving acceleration and highway efficiency. By 2007, the 6HP series powered over 80% of BMW’s automatic-equipped vehicles, with fuel economy improvements of up to 14% compared to 5-speed units.
The 6HP’s robust design suited BMW’s performance ethos, handling high-torque engines like the 4.8-litre V8 in the X5 and the 3.0-litre diesel in the 530d (E60). However, early units faced issues like mechatronic unit failures and torque converter wear, often requiring servicing every 60,000 miles, despite BMW’s “sealed for life” claims.
The Rise of the ZF 8HP (2008–2025)
In 2008, ZF introduced the 8HP, an 8-speed automatic transmission that revolutionised BMW’s drivetrains. Debuting on the BMW 7 Series (F01) 760Li with a V12 engine, the 8HP quickly became the cornerstone of BMW’s automatic offerings. By 2015, it was fitted across nearly all automatic BMW models, from the 1 Series to the Rolls-Royce Phantom, thanks to its versatility and performance.
Technical Specifications
The 8HP series, including variants like 8HP45, 8HP50, 8HP70, and 8HP90, covers torque ranges from 220 Nm to 1,000 Nm, making it suitable for everything from the 2.0-litre diesel 1 Series to the 4.4-litre V8 M5. Its design uses four planetary gearsets, five shift elements (three clutches, two brakes), and a parallel-axis vane cell pump, reducing drag losses and weight (approximately 87 kg for the 8HP70). The 8HP’s gear ratio spread of 7.0–8.59 ensures optimal engine operation, boosting acceleration while cutting fuel consumption by 12% over the 6HP and 14% over 5-speed units.
Shift times are as low as 0.2 seconds, rivalling dual-clutch transmissions (DCTs), with non-sequential shifts (e.g., 8th to 2nd) achieved by actuating just two elements. The 8HP supports mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems, integrating electric motors for up to 90 kW of boost, aligning with BMW’s electrification goals.
Generations and Improvements
The 8HP evolved through three generations by 2025:
- First Generation (2008–2014): Introduced on the 7 Series, it focused on fuel economy via downspeeding and a wider gear span. It reduced fuel use by 3% over the 6HP.
- Second Generation (2014–2018): Enhanced with lower oil pump pressure and improved coasting/start-stop systems, it cut fuel consumption by another 2.5% and reduced vibration.
- Third Generation (2018–2025): Adopted a modular design for electrification, supporting 48V mild hybrids and high-voltage plug-in hybrids. It maintained the same dimensions as the 6HP while handling higher torque.
Applications in BMW Models
From 2008 to 2025, the 8HP was fitted to virtually all automatic BMWs, including:
- 1 Series (F20/F40): 8HP45 for 2.0-litre engines.
- 3 Series (E90/F30/G20): 8HP50 for petrol and diesel variants.
- 5 Series (E60/F10/G30): 8HP70 for higher-torque engines like the 530d and 550i.
- 7 Series (F01/G11): 8HP90 for V8 and V12 models.
- X Series (X3, X5, X7): 8HP70/90 for SUVs, including xDrive variants.
- M Models (M3, M5): 8HP90 for high-performance applications, replacing DCTs in models like the F90 M5.
The 8HP’s adaptability allowed BMW to use it in rear-wheel-drive, xDrive, and front-wheel-drive configurations (post-2018), as well as hybrid models like the 330e and 745e.
Performance and Reliability
The 8HP’s fast, smooth shifts and efficiency made it a favourite among BMW drivers and manufacturers like Jaguar, Audi, and Rolls-Royce, with 3.5 million units produced in 2017 alone. Its torque-converter design offers smoother low-speed operation than DCTs, while matching their shift speed in high-performance settings, as seen in the M5’s lightning-fast gear changes.
However, reliability depends on maintenance. ZF recommends oil and filter changes every 60,000 miles or 8 years, contrasting BMW’s “lifetime fill” claim, which ZF defines as 100,000 miles. Neglecting service can lead to issues like clutch wear, mechatronic faults, or torque converter shudder, particularly in high-mileage vehicles. Regular servicing with ZF Lifeguard Fluid 8 ensures longevity, with some 8HP-equipped BMWs exceeding 200,000 miles.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite its acclaim, the 8HP faces challenges. Its complexity increases repair costs, with mechatronic unit replacements or rebuilds starting at £1,000. Early 8HP45 units in 2.0-litre diesel models (e.g., 320d) had torque limiter issues, capping performance in certain gears, though tuning can resolve this. Additionally, BMW’s “sealed for life” stance has misled owners, leading to premature wear in unserviced units.
Impact and Legacy
The ZF 8HP transformed BMW’s lineup, enabling better fuel economy, faster acceleration, and smoother driving dynamics. Its adoption across luxury and performance brands underscores its versatility, with Aston Martin’s CEO praising it as lighter, cheaper, and quicker than DCTs. The gearbox’s hybrid compatibility has supported BMW’s electrification strategy, powering models like the i4 and iX.
From 2002 to 2025, ZF gearboxes have been pivotal to BMW’s success, blending cutting-edge technology with real-world reliability. The 6HP laid the groundwork, but the 8HP set a new standard, becoming the benchmark for automatic transmissions. As BMW moves toward electrification, ZF’s modular 8HP ensures it remains at the forefront, delivering performance and efficiency for years to come.
