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1st generation (2008-2013) gearbox: faults and reliability

ZF 8HP (caja automática de convertidor de par, 8 velocidades) version

With caution

Cars with this first generation are now around 13-18 years old in 2026; on the BMW 5 Series (F10) there are documented cases of failed mechatronics and of being unable to engage reverse after 120,000-130,000 km, so it is worth checking the gearbox's service history before buying.[1]

Years
2008–2013
Power
No data
Faults that affect it
3
1 of high or critical severity
Cars that use it
10
in our database

10 sourcesHow we work

What changes in this version

First generation of the gearbox, with variants for torques from around 450 to around 1,000 Nm (8HP45 to 8HP90). It debuted in 2008 in the BMW 7 Series 760Li and quickly spread to the rest of the BMW rear-wheel-drive and xDrive range, and to the higher-powered quattro versions of Audi.[2]

Engine codes of this version: 8HP45, 8HP55, 8HP65, 8HP70, 8HP90.

Faults of the 8HP45 gearbox

The documented engine faults that affect this version and its years, from most to least important.

  1. 1High severityFrequency: OccasionalElectronicsMechatronic failure as the gearbox ages (sometimes with reverse)Yes, although in a minority of cases: there are documented ZF 8HP mechatronic failures on BMW after 120,000-130,000 km, costing €1,400 to €3,500, and also control unit or electronic selector faults on Audi and Land Rover.Repair: €1,400–€3,500
  2. 2Medium severityFrequency: CommonTransmissionJerking and hesitation when changing gear, sometimes needing reprogrammingYes: on BMW, Audi, Jaguar and Alfa Romeo there are accounts of jerking, hesitation or harsh shifts with the ZF 8HP. It is usually due to ageing oil or the calibration of the mechatronics, and the dealer often fixes it -not always first time- by reprogramming the gearbox control unit.
  3. 3Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationOil leaks from the gearbox gaskets or sumpYes: on the BMW 1 Series and the Jaguar F-Pace there are accounts of oil leaks from the ZF 8HP gearbox gaskets, in one case already at 40,000 km. If it is not repaired soon, the loss of pressure can speed up internal wear and lead to the jerking or mechatronic failure of the related faults.Repair (garage): €1,000–€2,000

Cars fitted with the 8HP45 gearbox

Open each car to see all its faults with this engine and what to check before buying it.

Audi

  • Audi A6 C7A6 3.0 TDI quattro tiptronic · A6 3.0 TDI 272 quattro tiptronic2011–2018[8]

BMW

Chrysler

Volkswagen

Frequently asked questions

Is the 8HP45 gearbox reliable?

Our verdict is “With caution”. Cars with this first generation are now around 13-18 years old in 2026; on the BMW 5 Series (F10) there are documented cases of failed mechatronics and of being unable to engage reverse after 120,000-130,000 km, so it is worth checking the gearbox's service history before buying.[1]

What faults does the 8HP45 gearbox have?

The documented ones that affect this version, by importance: mechatronic failure as the gearbox ages (sometimes with reverse) (high severity), jerking and hesitation when changing gear, sometimes needing reprogramming (medium severity) and oil leaks from the gearbox gaskets or sump (medium severity).

Which cars use the 8HP45 gearbox?

BMW Serie 1 F20 (2012–2019), BMW X1 E84 (2012–2015), BMW Serie 3 F30 (2012–2019), BMW Serie 5 F10 (2010–2017), BMW Serie 7 F01 (2008–2015), BMW X3 F25 (2011–2017), BMW X5 F15 (2013–2018), Audi A6 C7 (2011–2018), Chrysler 300C II (2012–2014) and Volkswagen Amarok I (2012–2020).[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]

Are you buying a car with the 8HP45 gearbox?

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Do you have a car with this engine? Tell us which faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Fiabilité BMW Série 5 (2010-2016), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  2. ZF 8HP transmissionWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  3. Fiabilité BMW Série 1 (2011-2019), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  4. Fiabilité BMW X1 (2009-2015), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  5. Fiabilité BMW Série 3 (2012-2018), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  6. Fiabilité BMW X3 (2010-2017), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  7. Fiabilité BMW X5 (2013-2018), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  8. Fiabilité Audi A6 (2011-2018), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  9. Chrysler 300 (2011-2023): engines, transmissions and European salesWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026
  10. Volkswagen Amarok: powertrain (2.0 BiTDI con automático ZF de 8 velocidades desde el año modelo 2012)Wikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026