Are all 4HP22EH transmissions the same?

[Tnarkowicz]

I'm having some issues with the 4HP22EH auto transmission in my '86 635. Its the electronically controlled type.

I'd like to understand my options for sourcing a replacement should I need to go down that path. Will any 4HP22EH transmission from an E34, or E28 or E32 fit the E24 without any mods? Or were there variances between vehicle models and/or years of manufacture?

[whiskychaser]

Simple answer is no, they are not all the same. For example, a quick search of realoem shows you probably have part no. 24001216130 (4HP22 -XM). That was superseded by 24001216551 but you will see from the notes that the two are not compatible. You need to swap like for like. From what I can see, that box was also used on the E28 and E23 so there may be a few around. But a used one is going to be getting on a bit It may be worthwhile investigating what is wrong with your current box

[shogun]

As said above, they are different.
The Electronic Control system was first introduced in 1986 and was incorporated into the totaly hydraulic 4HP-22 unit produced by ZF. It combines the hydraulic control of forward and reverse gear engagement, with electronic control for automatic upshifts from 1st thru 4th and automatic downshifts from 4th thru 1st gears.

Three different versions of valve bodies have been used on BMW vehicles, with minor differences between them

The 1st version, designated Early "E-7", has 5 solenoids on the valve body, was introduced in 1986 and used up thru 1989. This version includes a solenoid for reverse lockout.
The 2nd version, designated Late "E-7", has 5 solenoids on the valve body, was introduced in 1988 and used up thru Mid-1989. This version includes a solenoid for reverse lockout.
The 3rd version, designated "E-9", has 4 solenoids on the valve body, was introduced in Mid-1989 and used up thru 1994. This version uses a shift solenoid for the reverse lockout function.

SHIFT QUADRANTS FOR ZF 4HP-22/24 SERIES are different
Early "E-7" Models Only (5 Solenoid)
Mode Switch Description
A rotary switch with three fixed positions and an indicator light in the instrument cluster for the 3-2-1 (M) mode when selected

Late "E-7" Models Only (5 Solenoid)
Mode Switch Description
A three position slide switch with Digital display of the three individual positions in instrument cluster (E-S-M). The switch is a momentary contact and spring loaded to a neutral position.

"E-9" Models Only (4 Solenoid)
A two position slide switch for the "A" mode (Economy and "M" mode (Manual). The Sport mode is selected with the range selector inposition 3, 2, or 1 and "A" mode selected. The switch is a momentary contact and spring loaded to a neutral position.

Control units are different too, also the pin numbers are different, older ones have 8 pins till around end 1988, newer ones 7 pins.

There are some good ZF shops in Australia which overhaul your old transmission.

[Tnarkowicz]

Many thanks Shogun for your excellent summary.

I can only assume mine is the "Early E-7" type, being in a 1986 model, and with the original mode switch function. I don't need to mess around with changing to a newer model, and needing to run a different TCU etc.

Yes I will get mine checked, but I'm also investigating options, just in case I'm told "yeah it needs a total re-build for about $4.5K"

Is it only the valve bodies that differ? I do have access to a low km unit from an E34, a 7 pin unit so is not compatible. Do you know if the older 8 pin valve bodies can be fitted into the newer box, and maintain compatibility the older wiring/TCU?

[zubbie]

Many thanks Shogun for your excellent summary.

I can only assume mine is the "Early E-7" type, being in a 1986 model, and with the original mode switch function. I don't need to mess around with changing to a newer model, and needing to run a different TCU etc.

Yes I will get mine checked, but I'm also investigating options, just in case I'm told "yeah it needs a total re-build for about $4.5K"

Is it only the valve bodies that differ? I do have access to a low km unit from an E34, a 7 pin unit so is not compatible. Do you know if the older 8 pin valve bodies can be fitted into the newer box, and maintain compatibility the older wiring/TCU?

My understanding is that valve bodies can be swapped and the rest of the trans is the same. What is the issue? There are documented rebuilds on the web. And lots of expertise here. $4500 is ridiculous.

[shogun]

You can get a remanufactured transmission from many ZF authorized repair shops for much less than $4599, more than 50% less. And that makes sure you get exactly the same version as you have now, based on the type, serial number and Stuecklistennummer, with the corresponding upgrades.
Even if you have access to a E34 transmission, and the valve body should be swapped, it is recommendable to overhaul the valve body before.

But better tell us the exact issues you have with the existing transmissions and what has been checked / done so far. That starts with ATF change, level check, filter change, the old used ATF color, smell, and so on.

[whiskychaser]

As Zubbie and Shogun say, look at fixing the one you have or get a reman unit of the exact type you have now. Some of the problems you may encounter if you don't:
http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh...1#post28919811