8 Speed auto gearbox in the 1 Series or BMW gearbox?

[zed4]

Hi,

My girlfriend is looking to buy a new car to replace her Mk5 Golf GTI DSG. We’re looking at a BMW 120d and would like the 8 speed automatic gearbox. My dad has it in his 3 Series and it’s an impressive gearbox.

My question is, do they offer a choice of automatic gearboxes in the 1 Series? Is there a BMW step auto and the 8 speed ZF gearbox? I’ve been having a quick trawl through Autotrader, but I can’t find any mentions of the 8 speed gearbox, they all say step auto. Is that the 8 speed, or is that a BMW gearbox?

Also, when was the 8 speed introduced on the 1 Series? We’re looking for a 2012 onwards car.

Many thanks,

Dan

[smashy]

Just a thought,they were still having problems with timing chains in 2012 id get a 13 or 63 plate

[jayemm89]

I'm not sure BMW have ever built their own gearboxes.

My stepmother has a 135 convertible, it's 2011/2012 (sorry I can't be more specific) and it's the DCT box I believe.

I don't think the first generation 1 series ever had the 8-speed auto, it's a pretty recent thing. The DCT box replaced the steptronic, I think the only option was manual or auto, then manual or DCT.

According to Wikipedia the newer model comes with either the manual or 8-speed auto box - no mention of DCT. Posssibly reserved for the 2-series

[rosejem]

November 2011 onwards F20 1 series came with option of the 8 speed ZF auto option. Very smooth gear box & suits the 118 & 120d very well.

[zed4]

rosejem said:

November 2011 onwards F20 1 series came with option of the 8 speed ZF auto option. Very smooth gear box & suits the 118 & 120d very well.

Thanks, but did that option run alongside the DCT gearbox as well?

When I'm looking for a car in the classifieds, can I assume all post November 2011 automatic cars will have the 8 speed gearbox, or will some have DCT and others have 8 speed?

[zed4]

jayemm89 said:

I'm not sure BMW have ever built their own gearboxes.

My stepmother has a 135 convertible, it's 2011/2012 (sorry I can't be more specific) and it's the DCT box I believe.

I don't think the first generation 1 series ever had the 8-speed auto, it's a pretty recent thing. The DCT box replaced the steptronic, I think the only option was manual or auto, then manual or DCT.

According to Wikipedia the newer model comes with either the manual or 8-speed auto box - no mention of DCT. Posssibly reserved for the 2-series

Great, that's useful. Thanks.

[apn]

I've got a 2012 F20 120d, with the 8 speed ZF, it really does suit the car. Such a smooth gearbox.

The standard auto doesn't have paddles, sport auto does.

rosejem said:

November 2011 onwards F20 1 series came with option of the 8 speed ZF auto option. Very smooth gear box & suits the 118 & 120d very well.

[JNW1]

zed4 said:

Thanks, but did that option run alongside the DCT gearbox as well?

When I'm looking for a car in the classifieds, can I assume all post November 2011 automatic cars will have the 8 speed gearbox, or will some have DCT and others have 8 speed?

In the 1-Series I think DCT was only ever offered on the first generation 135i; I don't think it's ever been fitted to one of the diesel derivatives (first or second generation models) in which case I think the answer to your question above is yes, you can assume 8-speed auto if you're looking at a second generation car with an auto box.