[Edtheted]

I wonder how many know the Aisin 8 speed has a gps connection to anticipate the road conditions in advance, holding low ratios of steep hills change down for bends etc. I'm led to believe, I'm not sure if the ZF8 has a similar system?

[MJE60]

Originally Posted by Edtheted

I wonder how many know the Aisin 8 speed has a gps connection to anticipate the road conditions in advance, holding low ratios of steep hills change down for bends etc. I'm led to believe, I'm not sure if the ZF8 has a similar system?

Drive an X1 and then a 3 series or X3 with identical engine, you will then see how inferior the Aisin gearbox is compared to ZF. Aisin is slower to change, less smooth and just second rate compared to ZF. In 3 years of driving X1, I saw no evidence it anticipated changing road conditions, the box may have a gps connection but not sure it is connected to navigation mapping in the X1.

Edit- thanks to Peter_R - BMW do highlight the Aisin auto box is connected to the navigation map data base and will, if detected, change gear to match changing road conditions.

[Jorix]

Originally Posted by MJE60

In 3 years of driving X1, I saw no evidence it anticipated changing road conditions, the box may have a gps connection but not sure it is connected to navigation mapping in the X1.

That's a feature from 2019 X1 model, as far as I know. Since you've been driving it for 3 years, yours should be older.

[MJE60]

Originally Posted by Jorix

That's a feature from 2019 X1 model, as far as I know. Since you've been driving it for 3 years, yours should be older.

Very valid point, my car was an August 2017 build. However, I did drive a Feb 2020 model F48 Xdrive Msport (on loan whilst my car had a rear bumper/fender repair) for nearly a week, the only difference I noticed was slightly worse fuel economy but absolutely no difference in the quality of gear change. In fairness to the “new” Aisin gearbox, I did not drive it up and down steep hills or mountains or challenging roads. My point, I believe is a valid one, namely the ZF gearbox in a BMW is impressive and the Aisin, in comparison, is noticeably slower to change and is noticeably jerky/clunky is certain driving conditions, it can also make the car feel twitchy in sport mode. I am also dubious, with business” navigation in the X1/X2, that the mapping is detailed and/or accurate enough to allow the gearbox to anticipate the next dip, corner/bend in the road. In both X1 I drove , the U.K. maps were pretty poor and up to 5 years out date (particularly noticeable with new road layouts). For a gearbox to use gps data it would have to have a detailed and accurate mapping. Have BMW highlighted the feature or even confirmed it is functional in the F48?

I am not criticising the F48, but the Aisin gearbox is not one of its best features, the car would benefit from a faster changing auto. I have not driven an F48 with dual clutch system but hope it is better than the Aisin.

For info, the other thing I noticed is that for my 210lb (100kg) build, the sports seat back felt very narrow and uncomfortable compared to the std seats in the X1 X-line. Anyone buying/changing into an Msport should make sure they try both seat types.

[Beagler]

For me the Aisin box in my M Sport Petrol is a dream ( I assume thats what I have) compared to the dual clutch in my previous Tiguan. That was terrible at junctions and roundabouts when you came up to one and when you didn't quite stop then put your foot down there was a noticeable annoying lag when for a split second nothing happened then all of a sudden the power came in aggressively. Others on that forum shared the same view.

[Jorix]

I agree that the ZF is better, however the Aisin is not bad at all, compared to the rest of the autos out there. As Beagler said, VAGs DCT, for example, is much slower than the Aisin.

[MJE60]

Originally Posted by Beagler

For me the Aisin box in my M Sport Petrol is a dream ( I assume thats what I have) compared to the dual clutch in my previous Tiguan. That was terrible at junctions and roundabouts when you came up to one and when you didn't quite stop then put your foot down there was a noticeable annoying lag when for a split second nothing happened then all of a sudden the power came in aggressively. Others on that forum shared the same view.

It was not my intention to imply the Aisin auto gearbox fitted in the X1 is bad or poor quality merely that it is inferior to the ZF. As the ZF will not work with transverse engine layout it will never be fitted it the F48 anyway.
The Aisin is a relatively new gearbox for BMW, who have an excellent reputation for integrating auto boxes into the fleet. I expect BMW are continually updating the gear change software for Aisin which will complement any improvements in the gearbox itself.

As you rightly mention, It is a comparative viewpoint, the Aisin may well be significantly better compared to VAG dual clutch and other competitors. I sincerely hope that the auto in the F48 continues to improve over time and owners are happy with it. The transverse engine layout is the most efficient for cabin space and we all want the best driving experience we can afford. I bought and happily drove my X1 for 3 years, I found the Aisin gearbox occasionally irritating but normally not, it was only when returning to a ZF box that I realised it’s weaknesses.

[MJE60]

Originally Posted by Jorix

I agree that the ZF is better, however the Aisin is not bad at all, compared to the rest of the autos out there. As Beagler said, VAGs DCT, for example, is much slower than the Aisin.

Agreed

[Beagler]

Actually this gearbox is better in normal driving mode than my Tiguan’s in sport mode. I realise there are other factors involve.

[Peter_R]

Originally Posted by Beagler

Actually this gearbox is better in normal driving mode than my Tiguan’s in sport mode. I realise there are other factors involve.

....and it is just as good as the Audi Quatro on my previous MKII Q5.

[Peter_R]

Originally Posted by MJE60

I saw no evidence it anticipated changing road conditions,e box may have a gps connection but not sure it is connected to navigation mapping in the X1.

Have a read of my post on 09-24-2020, 12:41 PM

Power Train and Connected Shift

https://f48.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...1184552&page=2

[MJE60]

Originally Posted by Peter_R

Have a read of my post on 09-24-2020, 12:41 PM

Power Train and Connected Shift

https://f48.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...1184552&page=2

Thanks for this, in summary, BMW highlight from 2019 that the Aisin auto box is connected to the navigation mapping data base and will, if it detects certain road condition, change gear. ......... (slowly. ;- joke ). The Aisin box may be found in xDrive models, but not sDrive.

Always happy to learn something new. Thank you again.

[kulfon48]

Hi guys! Reviving old thread. Did anyone with BMW F48 have their AISIN GA8G45AW gearbox tuned to improve performance? Can't find any information on the internet... Shame there is no solution like XHP remap for ZF gearboxes...