Oilyma

DIY Info

The ZF8HP45 gearbox can be sourced from any E-series or from any F-series (N52/N20/N55 engines only) with the condition of using a mechatronics unit from E-series More identification information is to come soon.
The 8HP transmission requires EWS4 for Immobilizer Serial Number (ISN) compatibility. Hopefully, the BMW E60 LCI has CAS3 with EWS4 architecture.
The 8HP transmission requires DSC8+ (47 pins), BMW E60 LCI equipped with 6 cylinders engines has DSC8+ (BMW E65 has DSC 5.4).
N52 DME with MSV70 is not compliant. You need to have N52 DME with MSV80, Which BMW E60 LCI has
The 6HP21 and 8HP45 transmissions have the same overall length, making them compatible in terms of chassis fitment. Some 8HP variants require an additional hole on their engine mating surface
The rear output flange and mounting points are identical between the 6HP21 and 8HP45. However, in some variants (Default in 8HP70), the 6HP output flange must be fitted to the 8HP, in order to use the same drive shaft.
The rear mount is an easy adaptation, and there are several OE or aftermarket crossmembers that might bolt in.
The cooler pipes are different sizes, requiring modification (adapter)

Mechatronic Unit

The Mechatronic Unit (any of the listed part numbers) must be fetched from one of the vehicles below:
2434 7 631 714
2434 8 612 857
2434 8 687 812
2434 5 A13 157
2434 5 A13 158
2434 7 647 850
2434 5 A13 159
2434 5 A13 160

Torque Converter

The torque converter with the specified stall speed for N52N (2440 7 544 944 or 2440 8 612 865) must be sourced from one of the vehicles below:

Using a TC from any N55 vehicle (8HP) in case of a boosted/charged N52 is recommended

Respecting the torque specifications for mating the transmission to the engine, is critical

E-Shifter

The E60 LCI or E70 E-Shifter with 6-pin connector, is fully compatible and no modification is required.

Otherwise, the DCT (6131 9 213 647) or 8HP shifter with 8-pin connector (not the 10pin 61139132571). In this case, rewiring the existing 6 pins connector pins to the new 8 pins connector is necessary:
- 8 pins Connector: 6113 6 954 526
- 6 MQS pins 6113 6 931 880 or 6 already crimped MQS pins 6113 0 056 962)
- 6 color-coded automotive wires (3 meters each)
- 6 pins male socket connector (6113 6 913 635) and 6 MQS male pins 6113 0 005 198 or 6113 0 070 562
- Crimper tool eventually: 8330 0 496 850

EGS Connector Re-wiring

ZF6HP21 Connecter overview

ZF6HP21 Connector

Connector 16pins

Go Up

For rewiring, creating an adapter is the best solution, by using the OE female connector and a custom male socket.

ZF8HP45 Connecter overview

ZF8HP45 Connector

Connector 16pins

Go up

8HP ISN Reset

BTT 8HP ISN Reset tool

Update the 8HP45 TCU Firmware

Using WinkFP or ISTA-P Expert mode, with one of the ZUSB firmwares below

Sport Button

If the car is not equipped with Sport E-shifter, the user can still optionally retrofit the M5 (61317834518 / 51168045434) or aftermarket 4-wires sport button to the center console (SZM.)

SZM Pin 9 to switch pin 2 is ground (Brown/Yellow)
SZM Pin 7 to switch pin 3 is signal (Yellow)
SZM Pin 27 to switch pin 5 goes to led light 2 power wire (E60 M5 only) (Blue/Yellow)
SZM Pin 8 to switch pin 1 goes to led light 1 power wire (Black/Yellow)
Switch Pin 4 goes to 12Volts power wire (Gray/Red) - Terminal 58G

CAS Coding

Beforehand, plug a scanner like ISTA+, DeepOBD or Protools in order to make sure the EGS is recognized. Assert you can display clutch adaptations for example.

Deactivate: AUSWERTUNG_P_HW (Evaluate transmission Park/neutral signal from EGS)
Deactivate: ABZUGSPERRE_PLOCK_C6 (Engine Start only with EGS in Neutral/Park). Normally this option is already inactive for the E60 LCI

KOMBI (Instrument cluster) Coding

Change: DZM_DISP_RPM wert_01 to wert_02 (Tachometer RPM Signal source)

Activate: FDC_VERBAUT (Display Sport Mode) - If sport button is present

Activate: FDC_ID_MONITOR (Monitor Sport Mode) - If sport button is present

The variables above are already set in case of S2TBA VO option

Rear differential final drive

Considering the 8HP gear ratios, it is optional but recommended to change the differential to a lower ratio.

Knowing the F10 N52 differential ratio is 3.38 (wheels 245/45R18) and F30 320i 3.15 (wheels 225/45/R18)

You can calculate the correct Differential gear ratio in here

The sweet spot for a E60 LCI N52 vehicle is a ratio of 3.15, but it was never produced, thus it is recommended to fit one of the following:

E60 520d 3.23 3310 7 560591
E60 540i 3.08 3310 7 560042

Rear Vibration damper

For 8HP45 equipped vehicles (Especially 1st generation), BMW added some vibration dampers.

In the context of this conversion, the user might optionally look at different vibration dampers and install the one with the corresponding dominant vibration

Go for this step only if drivetrain vibrations are felt after the swap.

F10 35 Hz Vibration damper (Installed on the rear anti-roll sway bar) 3350 6 852 835
F30 40 Hz Vibration damper (Installed on the rear differential final drive) 3317 6 850 212
G30 42 Hz Vibration damper (Installed on the rear differential final drive or rear sway bar) 3350 6 861 489

Restrictions

The 8th gear cannot be displayed in the E60/E63 LCI instrument cluster (Kombi), even with the latest firmware (Investigation in progress as there might be a possibility with Tool32)

BMW E60 ZF8HP45 Reference