[hector]

I know that both the 6 speeds and 8 speeds are different units in the 2 models. Would anyone be able to comment on the respective driving experiences? Specifically, with respect to the manuals; are the shift linkages and clutch comparable tactilely(had to look that one up,lol)? As for the autos, people rave about the ZF in the 235/240 but what about the unit(Aisin?) in the 228/230? thanks!

[Cyberdemon]

Sorry but where did you get this information?

The Aisin transmission is being used in FWD cars like the 2 Series active tourer or X1.

The ZF8 speed and 6 speed that get used are the same, though the MT has different gearing between the 4 cyl and 6 cyl cars.

[Kolyan2k]

Auto is the same ZF8, manual is different. 228 got Getrag, 235 got ZF same as in 1M and M2

[hector]

Originally Posted by Cyberdemon

Sorry but where did you get this information?

The Aisin transmission is being used in FWD cars like the 2 Series active tourer or X1.

The ZF8 speed and 6 speed that get used are the same, though the MT has different gearing between the 4 cyl and 6 cyl cars.

thought that I had read that somewhere. well, that's good news then(assuming that you're correct, ).

[bimmerfile]

Originally Posted by hector

..............................................? As for the autos, people rave about the ZF in the 235/240 but what about the unit(Aisin?) in the 228/230? thanks!

Had the auto tranny in my 2015 228xi ragtop (10 months) and in my 2016 M235xi ragtop and the driving experience (as it relates to the tranny) is zero, zip, zilch, nada..

[hector]

Originally Posted by Kolyan2k

Auto is the same ZF8, manual is different. 228 got Getrag, 235 got ZF same as in 1M and M2

thx! so, any opinion on the 2 manuals?

[2msport]

Originally Posted by bimmerfile

Had the auto tranny in my 2015 228xi ragtop (10 months) and in my 2016 M235xi ragtop and the driving experience (as it relates to the tranny) is zero, zip, zilch, nada..

meaning its the same? or completely different?

[hector]

Originally Posted by 2msport

meaning its the same? or completely different?

I took it to mean that, compared to a manual(or perhaps a DCT), that the autos were both unfulfilling; apologies to the author for any misinterpretation.

[Kolyan2k]

Originally Posted by hector

thx! so, any opinion on the 2 manuals?

Check out this thread. F30 uses same trannies as well

http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...8#post13771348

[bimmerfile]

Originally Posted by 2msport

meaning its the same? or completely different?

Sorry for any confusion. The trannys are identical as it relates to "driving experience". No difference.

[Jackie Chiles]

Help me out here:

I thought the M240i used a different auto ttrans than the M235i.

Am I wrong???

TIA

[Cyberdemon]

Originally Posted by Jackie Chiles

Help me out here:

I thought the M240i used a different auto ttrans than the M235i.

Am I wrong???

TIA

The M240 should use the same ZF 8 speed. There may have been minor changes or software improvements but I expect those changes to not be something that would be easily noticed. Without having driven a 240 I could not tell you.

[BLACKSNOMO]

The latest-generation 6-cylinder inline engine is combined with the latest version of the 8-speed Steptronic Sport Automatic transmission. This improved transmission, with its wider gear spread also has further improved internal efficiency. The option of carrying out multiple downshifts opens the door to more dynamic gearshifts and particularly swift responses to movements in the accelerator. The 8-speed Steptronic Sport Automatic transmission provides top-class shift dynamics featuring a Launch Control function delivering traction-optimized acceleration off the line.

[Jackie Chiles]

Thanks BLACKSNOMO!

So it is different, but supposedly better.

[Cyberdemon]

Originally Posted by BLACKSNOMO

The latest-generation 6-cylinder inline engine is combined with the latest version of the 8-speed Steptronic Sport Automatic transmission. This improved transmission, with its wider gear spread also has further improved internal efficiency. The option of carrying out multiple downshifts opens the door to more dynamic gearshifts and particularly swift responses to movements in the accelerator. The 8-speed Steptronic Sport Automatic transmission provides top-class shift dynamics featuring a Launch Control function delivering traction-optimized acceleration off the line.

The "old" ZF8 can do multiple downshifts and features launch control. Based on the specs it does look like the ratios have changed for 2017. 1st gear is not

The OP seemed to be more concerned about the manual, so my suggestion would probably to try and find a set of MT cars for a test drive and see if you notice any substantial differences. I have to imagine the clutch master cylinder and hydraulic design is similar enough that the "feel" would not be substantially different.

[amw896]

Originally Posted by hector

thx! so, any opinion on the 2 manuals?

the manual on the 235i is an absolute masterpiece. In comfort it's a bit docile and numb, similar to the steering I would say but once you put it in sport, the clutch delay valve closes I believe and it's magical. It's precise, gives great feedback, and tighter than a teenager lol. Has some nice features as well like hill assist which is lovely when you park uphill!

[augerpro]

I was happy to see the torque rating was increased on the new ZF8 but bummed to see the ratios changed, especially for "efficiency". The current spread is about as perfect as any trans I've used. Anyone have the actual gear ratios? I'd like to see what they were monkeying with.

[Cyberdemon]

Originally Posted by augerpro

I was happy to see the torque rating was increased on the new ZF8 but bummed to see the ratios changed, especially for "efficiency". The current spread is about as perfect as any trans I've used. Anyone have the actual gear ratios? I'd like to see what they were monkeying with.

Here is the new ratios:

https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/globa...60192EN/359680

The current 235 gearing is here:

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...fications.aspx

8th is a bit lower, which should help to improve the F2x fuel economy compared to the F30 which has a slightly taller wheel diameter and required fewer revs at speed.

[raleedy]

I think any perceived differences between the Getrag and ZF manual gearboxes would be masked by the engine differences. I have a 228i MT, so the Getrag. I would not change the description that was posted above by amw896 with respect to the M235i's ZF manual. The 228i has the same features, but with no computerized blippage such as we are expecting in the 240i MT. (Not really a gearbox feature as such but intimately related to gearbox operation.)

[Kolyan2k]

Originally Posted by raleedy

I think any perceived differences between the Getrag and ZF manual gearboxes would be masked by the engine differences. I have a 228i MT, so the Getrag. I would not change the description that was posted above by amw896 with respect to the M235i's ZF manual. The 228i has the same features, but with no computerized blippage such as we are expecting in the 240i MT. (Not really a gearbox feature as such but intimately related to gearbox operation.)

These seem to be the differences as pointed out by another user

* Getrag gearbox uses immersion or flooded lubrication while ZF utilizes dry sump approach. According to BMW dry sump is about 2% more efficient than flooded sump. In the 17BG gearbox the gear wheels on the counter-shaft are actually submerged in oil, sloshing the lubricant uncontrollably as they rotate. In the ZF box the transmission fluid is delivered directly to gears by a pump via injection pipes. I would venture to say that this may explain certain inconsistency in the way 1-2 and 2-3 shifts feel in my 328. Sometimes they are silky smooth, sometimes they are a bit notchy.
* The syncromesh units in 335's transmission are coated with "newly developed" carbon friction lining for "improved shift quality". I have not driven a new 335 with a stick, but I would imagine that coating the synchronizers would indeed make the shifts smoother.
* The ZF transmission uses triple band syncronizers on gears 1 and 2, while Getrag's box has single band units.

[augerpro]

Originally Posted by Cyberdemon

Here is the new ratios:

https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/globa...60192EN/359680

The current 235 gearing is here:

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...fications.aspx

8th is a bit lower, which should help to improve the F2x fuel economy compared to the F30 which has a slightly taller wheel diameter and required fewer revs at speed.

Looks like the shortened all the tranny ratios but offset it with a taller final drive ratio.

EDIT: *if* I'm doing the math right the overall effect is still slightly taller overall gearing. Not sure if I care for that.