Why BMW Transmissions FAIL 6HP19 6HP21 6HP26 6HP32 

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@@werkstatte-bmwonly9515 I really appreciate your help. I watch another video from another professional how opened the transmission ( Garry Ferrano) and Yes your description is so precise I opened and I have the condition in your video . thank you Victor

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@@werkstatte-bmwonly9515 Victor I have problems with the drum. I only find 6 disc drum Clutch , my one is 4 disc . 1question I opened my own and I find Is piston disch .my question is. The drum is the same in 4 disc and 6 disc drum? The piston disch make the difference to accept the 4 or the 6 clutch ( sorry to bother you Whit this question) I don't know no one else Whit your knowledge

You know we had once issue like that. Parts company send us a drum and it would fit in properly so we didn't risk to install it and ordered the right now. I wouldn't risk it honestly.

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@@werkstatte-bmwonly9515 I was planning on a DIY for my valve body. I think you're correct about the small parts. I am a professional in other things, and I think it would make sense to have my ZF6HP21 serviced by a competent ZF trans shop. Does your shop do a mail in service like you talked about? Would you recommend I go with local instead? --Thank you again!

You could remove your valve body yourself and ship it to replace the plate and pressure dampering pistons. We could do it for you as well. It'll be roughly $800-$900. See what other places offer this .

@@werkstatte-bmwonly9515 I guess it's very complex so requires a lot of time? To me, it looks intricate, and many small parts that need to be inserted and aligned correctly if the mechatronics is disassembled. May I speak with you by phone?

@@SteveWeltman you can call me tomorrow on ext 3. Google BMW ONLY Las Vegas and you should find out main phone number.

Thank you. I'll think of what we could post out there. Let me know if you have any ideas or videos you can't find online

@@werkstatte-bmwonly9515 I’m interested in knowing more about which cars use isn locks and which don’t. Also anything you know about upgraded clutch packs, valve body’s, fluid or general upgraded parts. If they work, if they don’t etc. I would also like to know to interpret clutch pack adaptation numbers. What those numbers mean in terms of wear or what could be causing issues. Also basic guidelines for maintenance and preventative maintenance.

So the earliest ISN I've seen would be on e70 X5. For example 2008 BMW 750i with 6HP26 can be installed and driven used without a problem. 2008 bmw X5 with the same transmission will have a problem with ISN and CAS match. All 8 HP transmissions are locked with ISN. We can reset them here. There is a also a trick to make a used transmission work but you would need a CAS module from the donor vehicle.

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@werkstatte-bmwonly9515 --- I have a question (2008 750Li - ZF6HP26 - 102k miles). Is it necessary to "reset adaptations" after completing service on PAN/FILTER, LIFEGUARD 6 FLUID, VALVE BODY SEALING SLEEVES (5), and ADAPTOR PLUG? My car is running fine, this is just preventative maintenance. I have never replaced valve body plate, solenoids, or pressure dampers. In other words, if I simply complete a Mechatronic Service on sleeves and adaptor plug... with fresh BMW fluid, pan and filter is there any special reset or adaptation mandatory? @werkstatte-bmwonly9515

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Bushings, I've seen rebuild transmissions with original bushings. Also sometimes sungear is so worn out that you have to replace the bushings and the shart itself. Mainly that bushings form the oil pump to the sungear.

@@werkstatte-bmwonly9515 As stated in my query, the first thing I suspected were worn bushings which was confirmed on strip down. I then replaced all the bushings in the transmission at rebuild, so this cannot be a problem now. I have chaecked the new ZF solenoids and all good. I am now stripping the valve plate as I suspect the zip kit has led me the wrong way, and I will revert back to standard if I see nothing else obvious.

Check drums and gears for heavy scarring. Sungear commonly gets damaged and causes a pressure lossn

Appreciate it

Appreciate Sam

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Appreciate the feedback

Thank you Kate, still learning to deliver higher quality videos. Thanks for the suggestion, I always appreciate the feedbacks.

Hi, it is normal on N54 models. I've seen it plenty of time without having any issues or consequences. Our customers have taken it to the dealership with the same answer. I'm sure something is causing it like pressure built up but we haven't seen anything concerning.

Thank you

It happens. After all it's 6 speed. They moved from 5 speed on the earlier models so mistakes would happen. Time will test the quality.

@@werkstatte-bmwonly9515 has ZF improved these issues on later models? I focus on the F11 530i touring

There has been a ton of updates. Plus they moved to 8 speed in 2012 models.

I'll be honest, doing such a video might cause education of the local shops and loosing some of the jobs. Right now it's like a monopoly. I personally don't know another BMW shop in town that opens mechatronics. Dealership only replaces them. So we have a good leverage here. Hope this makes sense.

Lots of info on this on RU-vid. Search for Gary Ferraro.

Doing the solenoids and full valve body service is the best you could do for the transmission. Along with the new oil pan and fluid of course. Thank for the feedback

Thank you

Will do, 6hp and 8hp would be practically identical.

@@werkstatte-bmwonly9515 perfect, thank you very much! Looking forward to it.

Unfortunately they'll all be wearing out by now. 6hp19 6hp21 are more reliable. 6hp26 are going up to 2k in price with decent mileage. Also you realize not many people can replace their own transmission.

@@werkstatte-bmwonly9515 That's true. I'm rebuilding the 19 that just came out of my car right now just so I have a spare that's like new for next time. It's not as bad as I thought so far having done the valve body. Bushings look like I'm going to need to make my own tools but generally I'm in no rush so it's all about going slow and careful.

Great job, thanks for feedback

You're in Europe? People take care of the transmission services on time in EU countries. Even replace the torque converter to prevent future failures. Here in the US I've replaced the toque converter ( without the diapers transmission) maybe twice. People wait till it fails. 95% of our customers don't do service as we recommend it and only when they experience symptoms.

@@werkstatte-bmwonly9515 Yes, I’m in England. Unfortunately BMW, Audi, MB, JLR are all using ZF sealed for life transmissions. They are not on the service schedules. A lot of new cars are sold on 3-4 year leases so manufacturers are keeping service costs down at the cost of longevity by leaving out maintenance from the service schedule. Some second/third owners are waking up though…

Same is here, BMW does not offer replacement of the pan unless it's leaking. You just have to request and pay for it or use an independent shop

Hey Tima, fluid isn't as essential as people think. When it comes to 335 it's always cheaper to replace it. Buy a used one on eBay and just swap it out. If it's 8HP you need to do ISN reset as it wouldn't run. But since you're talking about runner sleeves I'm pretty sure you have 6HP21. You'll spend more money trying to figure it out.

Difference is the amount of torque they can tolerate. 3-5 series have 6hp19 to 6hp21. V8 engines on BMWs have 6hp26. X6M for example will have 6hp30 I believe. So you diesel engine has plenty of torque that's why you have a stronger transmission

Did you swapped gearbox ?

No, I would recommend the fluid in 80k miles range. ZF recommended 60k miles. Honestly we don't see failures much till 100k or so (unless it has a leak of course). So 80k would be a golden spot to have it serviced.

@@werkstatte-bmwonly9515 thanks man! Subscribed.

Appreciate it

@@werkstatte-bmwonly9515 That said, the recommended fluid change interval is every 60k miles or 8 years, whichever occurs first. So the poster's Z4 was due for a fluid change.

A clutch is the second issue after clutch E. Bushings inside the transmission are most likely worn already. Have to remove and open the transmission

It's a valve body problem most likely If it's taking longer to shift it's a low pressure issue

@@werkstatte-bmwonly9515 thx for reply. I’m not 💯 on the delay in up shifts my Honda does same. Is the GSW error related to transmission or just the lever comms issue?

You would have fail codes in the EGS itself. Shifter won't cause that

@@werkstatte-bmwonly9515 I also find when I release footbrake sometimes get a slight jolt and sometimes not when moving off from stationary. Don’t get the second to one gear jolt just moving off. Thought it was strange but doesn’t always do it and only on foot take not handbrake .?

@@werkstatte-bmwonly9515 I also find when I release footbrake sometimes get a slight jolt and sometimes not when moving off from stationary. Don’t get the second to one gear jolt just moving off. Thought it was strange but doesn’t always do it and only on foot take not handbrake .?

We don't have 325d in the US. I haven't had issues with replacing used transmissions and can signals. This could be a very specific issue related to diesel models

Have to take pictures when you open them. They aren't the same. Remember they are spring loaded so separate them very slowly

@@werkstatte-bmwonly9515 Hi, I have this 2009 BMW 330i with ZF6HP19 with DTC P170E Electronic Pressure Valve EDS5, I would like to know if you have fixed this type of DTC.. Thank You

Hi there, let me ask my main tech tomorrow. Can't tell from the top of my head

@@werkstatte-bmwonly9515 I would really appreciate any advice. Thank You again 🤝 By the way, you have a NEW subscriber from San Luis Potosí, México.

Hi Arturo, If you replaced the solenoids and still have short or open circuit for the solenoid that means your have a bad TCM ( Transmission Control Module). That's the black plastic part that's attached to valve body and holds all solenoids. You can separate it from valve body pretty easy. You can use a used one but it depends what vehicle you have. Some of them are locked with ISN. We could unlock It for you but you would have to ship it to us.

@@werkstatte-bmwonly9515 Thanks a lot I really appreciate your help I’m gonna try with that, if it doesn’t work, i’m gonna ask your help Again!

All you need is to open valve body, replace separation plate, piston pressure dampers kit from sonnox, solenoids, at pan, sleeves and seals plus fluid. After that you trany will be ready for another 100k miles.

Oh that's a question I wouldn't know the answer to. We don't do such a swap here. Sorry

Why would you want to fit a VW Group engine to your BMW? This coming from a VW enthusiast. It's going to be an absolute nightmare to get the TCU and ECU to communicate.

Roughly 5k to remove the transmission, replace clutches, bushings, valve body service etc.

It sounds like you have a misfire. Might be a leaking fuel injector

First of all check the fluid levels.

Di 420 doesn't sound like a specific fault. What description of the fault you get ? Very common is the failure of the adapter gasket that's between valve body and transmission. Also low transmission fluid level. Those two would do exactly what you described

Zf6hp26 transmission

I could only guess the job wasn't done right. I've never had issues after we did this work, ever. Also if sun gear has too much damage it should've been replaced

@@werkstatte-bmwonly9515 thanks for the reply! I took it back to the shop Sunday. I'll keep you posted. They're going to look over it hopefully soon.

​@@werkstatte-bmwonly9515 so trans is coming apart today and the first thing we saw was chunks of either clutches or bushings. Not really sure but plan on digging deeper

Send me a picture on the IG. @Werkstatte.bmw

Hi there, this would be clutch ratio monitoring. 5 series is the most common with the bushing failure. Replace the solenoids and do valve body service asap, you might postpone the problem for a year or even longer. Make sure to replace pistons that damper pressure in the mechatronics that I've mentioned.

You probably have clutches that are melted to the discs. You'll have to drop the transmission and open it. I've seen it before.

Are you going to do your own repairs and need guidance? First of all is checking fluid level and scanning the fault codes

@@werkstatte-bmwonly9515 yes I am. I changed all the solenoids and I just don't know where to go from there

1. Was the vehicle running before you started working on it? 2. Did you remove the valve body and replace the adapter gasket? That's the block that goes in between

It's weird that it doesn't detect clutch slippage. Unless they were stocked together but in that case when you put the reverse it'll try to pull forward as well. Hard to say without seeing it. Also make sure no immobilizer or software issues

So that's not the sensor issue. Don't try to replace it. It's slipping gears. Older BMW have the same faults and sensor will never fix it. You'll have to drop it and rebuild it or replace it.

Sorry it appears to be German?

Using thicker fluid would help clutch slippage. That's what dealerships do all the time, they have a car with a problematic transmission and they add transmission additive. Sell the car and new owner decides to service it a year later. Shop does the service and now the transmission has issues. So the idea is that the service is bad for the trany when it's a much deeper problem than the service.

So they are capable of holding more torque. That's the transmission they use on the BMW X5M and X6M. Parts are very similar to 6HP26. We have rebuilt them before on X5M and I do not recall having problem finding parts.

Marks aren't the issue. The shaft gets worn out and it loses pressure with the bushings. Replace the bushing that goes in the oil pump at least. Check the shaft with your nail, if it's really worn I'd replace the drum. If minor it'll be just fine.

ZF fluid is the best of course but expensive. There are plenty of good brands that work just fine. Even cheaper redline fluid does the job. I haven't seen a car fail because the original ZF fluid wasn't used. There's always a different issue behind it.

I used valvoline max life. 30,000 miles no issues

Bushings and clutches. But you'll need to take care of the valve body as well when you do that

@@werkstatte-bmwonly9515 Thanks for the quick response . And I kinda thouth that would be the case but was hoping that you will tell me something else . And if I may I got one more question . So this car is a 07 335 With 45 original miles . I got it from a guy who got it from some body didint know what they were doing at all . And u know how everyone tries to make these cars fast , so this was the same case . So the guy who I got it from had it for few months and he got a problem with the car slipping in first and reverse and I guess he figured out that he needs the sleeves . So he took the valve body down did change them and right after that he got a new problem with solenoid e so 1-3 no problem and on 3-4 shift it would act like it’s not engaging at all it felt like there’s not enough oil pressure or something cuz I’m a shift the rpm would fly up and go into limp mode . Unless u bearly touch the pedal but when u start pressing on it throws it in to limp mode . I did change the whole valve body same thing . And when I took the tranny down on the bottom there was some silver tiny particles, not a lot, but there was some. So I got 2 transmissions now the one with 45k and 4 and up are totally gone and it happened righ after changing out sleeves of the one I got in the car now and this one once it goes in the 4 th no problem u could step on it no issues and if I am gentle on a switch bo problem I did look on the sleeves they were good and the oil in the transmission was super clean so what transmission should I go with . Thanks for you’re advice . And do u deal with engines I have a high idle around 1k will not go down no matter what I swapped out the whole intake, manifold changed out, coils, injectors, not helping

For idle do you have any fault codes? If you don't I would flush the DME. When you're filing up the transmission make sure it fits 8-9 qt of fluid. This is a common mistake as well.

@@werkstatte-bmwonly9515 there’s no codes . And how do I flush it . What do I need to flush dme .

I'd replace it. It's an old myth that if you change the fluid, transmission might fail. In over ten years I have never seen this happen. Now I WOULD NOT reset the adaptation values at this mileage.

@@werkstatte-bmwonly9515 thank you!

I bought a 318d E91 Car has 295xxx Bmw dealer serviced up until 190xxx After this km, no service history. Should I flush/wash the transmission and change oil. Or should I not flush it and only change the oil? Sometimes you can feel the gear change, it shifts a little uncomfy.

Did you fix your problem?

We replace all bushings and the sungear (drum) that's the drum that comes in contact with bushing on the oil pump. That's the only one that gets damaged. Hope this helps

To add to the previous reply, yes the drum comes with the shaft as one piece.

@@werkstatte-bmwonly9515 OK thank you alot , any advice about the instalacion in the accumulator kit?or any other advice in the valve body

Valve body has small Pistons that are spring loaded. When you separate it do it very slowly. If you misplace one you're screwed. When open take a top of pictures to save their position

At this mileage drive it till it fails and then replace it with a used one. They are cheap on eBay. Don't try to rebuild existing transmission, it'll cost more money and won't work properly.

@@werkstatte-bmwonly9515 I have a warranty that will cover up to $3k in costs on any claim so I’m wondering even if I have to pay a little out of pocket if it’s worth rebuilding the trans

I'd still pick a used one. Rebuild won't be better than a low mileage used transmission.

So step one is to check the fluid level. If it's full we just replace the transmission because they aren't expensive these days. Of course you need to make sure you don't have fault codes for a stock solenoid. If you have solenoid faults then do the service and replace solenoids. If trany is low on fluid then fill it up and drive it for couple of days. If it shifts fine them do the service with solenoids. Also clear the fault codes and see when it slips. Clutch A and E are most common. For some reason 5 series transmissions are have better chance to be saved with trany service with solenoids then 3 series.

@@werkstatte-bmwonly9515 thank you for the quick response. when you say "we just replace the transmission", do you mean you rebuild it with all of your recommendations in this video? FYI...i had a full transmission service (fluid, pan, etc.) done less than 20K miles ago.

If service was done already I would just replaced it with a used one. I don't know why but 3 series are more common to fail

They are built similar but aren't the same. BMW uses a transfer case in all wheel drive models and Audi has output shafts directly from the transmission to the front wheels. So I don't know if the failures are common or not

@@werkstatte-bmwonly9515 okay thanks for your fast answer 😁

You're trying to send the valve body or the entire transmission?

It's the worst idea to keep the old valve body. Use the valve body that came with the donor transmission and find who can program it and reset isn ( individual serial number). Tools like autohex can do it

@WERKSTATTE - BMW ONLY I did keep the donor transmission valve body, I just swapped out the black plastic with the computer so my land rover would be computer would be the same. I noticed a slight shutter/jerk on every gear at first. Maybe low on fluid after going into torque converter. I really wish I knew more.

Make sure you get 10-11 quarts of fluid if the torque is new. I've seen it too many times

Solenoids loosing pressure. I'd service the valve body, replace solenoids, pressure dampers. We don't have 530d e60 in US but that's a super common problem on these transmissions

@@werkstatte-bmwonly9515 What a guy, thanks for your reply.

You're welcome. Let me know if you got more questions.

@@werkstatte-bmwonly9515 Just want to say thank you so much for taking the time out to reply to me. May the good lord give you health, wealth and prosperity.

Aww thank you, good luck.

So there are multiple companies that manufacture them. One of them is sonnax.com They do not sell it directly so you need to find a dealer. Where do you live? I'll try to find someone near you

@@werkstatte-bmwonly9515 i living in France, i seen a lot of bushing on ebay or aliexpress, but i suppose is very low quality.

Well ZF doesn't sell bushings or internal components. You'd have to find a dealer. A very solid company is Sonnax. See if they have authorized dealers in your area

If you're looking for a basic at pan, adapter gasket and plug for harness with oil $980.

@@werkstatte-bmwonly9515 I think it will be more than the basic. 09 750i, 160k miles. Has jolts when getting into gear or downshifting and doesn’t even grab the gear at all some times when shifting from 1-2.

So valve body plate, solenoids, pressure dampers, all of that without removing the transmission is around $1800 parts and labor

Hi there, sorry for the delayed reply. Are you sure you have ZF and not GM transmission? Downshift is typically due to the transmission fluid loss in the valve body

@@werkstatte-bmwonly9515 based on my Vin on bimmer cat it is Gearbox9.50l (GA6HP-19Z Auto). I did tranny service with a complete pan and integrated filter and sealing sleeves, new fluid, plug adapter grommet and valve body seal selves change. The tranny service did not fix the jerking issue that's why I am leaning towards solonoids replacement.

We always replace solenoids but also piston dampers inside the valve body are extremely important

@@werkstatte-bmwonly9515 I m in Dallas area. Any recommendation for shop who can do this work ?

Unfortunately I don't know anyone there

Are you sure you filled up the proper amount of fluid? Did you have the car idling while filling it up? It sounds like a pressure loss. I would remove the valve body and double check the adapter gasket. Also make sure it's the correct part number. If that adapter cracks or installed incorrectly it'll lose all the pressure and do what you described. Also if you only filled up 4 qt or so it'll do similar

@@werkstatte-bmwonly9515 Yes the car was running and I used 8qt. Is the adapter gasket the bridge seal? My old one wasn't cracked but I will try that.

Was the vehicle running fine before you did the service? 8 qt is the correct amount so that's not the issue here. Make sure you didn't mix up solenoids. Did you take a picture before you took them off? I always suggest taking a bunch of pictures.

@@werkstatte-bmwonly9515 Yes, I took them out one at a time, Do you think they sent me the wrong seal kit? because I ordered all OEM ZF seal kit for 6HP19, is kit the same as the 21 kit?

ZF 19 and 21 are very similar but these adapters aren't all the same. There are several sizes that's for sure. Let's assume.yours is thinner then you would lose pressure. I'd remove and compare side by side..I'm almost positive it's a mechanical issue. Remove and double check everything. I also had a tech that didn't torque the valve body bolts and we had clutch slippage. We only found out when we removed the pan again.

So it'll cost you $890 for new pan,gasket, adapter gaskets and fluid. Including labor of course. You can call or text us. Find out number on Google.

@@werkstatte-bmwonly9515 thank you for the response. Is this a 1 day service or does the service take 2-3 days? Or do you have parts on hand. Thanks.

We stock same. Typically done the same day unless we get super busy.

@@werkstatte-bmwonly9515 thanks I'll make an appointment within these 3 weeks. Thank you

Thank you.

We just had the same car but when we removed and opened the transmission we found the drums had been marked. So it's been worked on before. This specific case we replaced all of the above and it didn't solve the issue. Please let me know what results you get.

@@werkstatte-bmwonly9515 My transmission appears not to have been previously opened. I immediately changed the oil and the seals between the mechanics and the transmission, without success. I believe that this week the new clutch kit will arrive and only the new solenoids will remain. The idea is to download the transmission and analyze it completely. My fear is messing with it and not solving the problem.

Very similar, different torque. 6hp19 got updated to 6hp21 and was used on 6 cylinder engines. 6hp26 is used for 8 cylinder engines like example BMW 545, 745, 650 etc.

😁