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 and 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 parts ordering, information research and identification. Also each manufacturer uses their own internal identification system. Here is a breakdown of these identification codes:

Fig 1: Identifying BMW Identification Code Breakdown

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Fig 2: Identifying ZF Identification Code Breakdown

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.