Automatic transmission.

Intelligent technology meets dynamic power: the electronically controlled automatic transmission system enables a sporting, dynamic driving style – without a clutch pedal. It makes driving less demanding and adapts to suit your individual driving style.

A standard automatic transmission system consists of a number of planetary gears connected by a multi-plate clutch. This design enables remarkably smooth changes between gears.

The BMW automatic transmission also ensures quick and precise gear changes for high tractive force and dynamic driving. Depending on the model, particularly sporty drivers can shorten the change times even more with the lever S and M. Instead of a mechanical connection between the lever and the engine a serial bus system is used to convey information about the change. This saves space and weight and minimises engine noise, as without a mechanical connection vibrations are not felt in the vehicle’s interior. Stress factors are minimised and the journey is more comfortable.

The electronic gearshift control ensures that gear changes are executed without any loss of tractive force, adapting the timing of the shift to suit the current driving situation. The intelligent electronic system takes into account the driving style, whether it's winter or summer, whether a trailer is being towed or whether the road is at sea level or in the mountains. It also notes the speed and position of the accelerator. If the driver presses the pedal past a perceptible resistance a kick-down switch automatically changes to the gear that allows the most optimal acceleration.

The precise adjustment of the gear change processes enables a unique combination of sporty and dynamic driving and low consumption. The seven and eight-speed automatic transmissions are particularly good at noticeably lowering the noise level and fuel consumption. The BMW eight-speed automatic transmission is the first automatic transmission available with Auto Start Stop function. This doesn’t just save fuel when driving, but also at every traffic light. Extremely small gear steps also allow a lower difference in rotational speed and make gear changes smoother.