38 Votes

New BMW 7-Series Will Come With 8-Speed Transmission

Agent009 submitted on 2/5/2007 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 9:51:50 AM

56 user comments | Category: Spy Shots | Source: | SOURCE: www.autoblog.com

When BMW released the redesigned 7-series back in 2001, they were the first to offer a six-speed automatic transmission.

Two years later, Mercedes upped the ante by throwing an additional cog into the mix, equipping their new S-class with a seven-speed auto. Now that Lexus is offering an eight-speed slush box in their waftastic LS460, BMW has vowed not be left behind in the ratio wars and plans to bring an eight-speed transmission to market by the end of the decade.

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New BMW 7-Series Will Come With 8-Speed Transmission

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"If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough."
— Agent009 (View Profile)

User Comments

Agent009,

Do you have any idea why these German automakers are not adapting the CVT? Are there reliability issues with CVT? Perhaps it's consumer perception of a shifting transmission and speed.
— lewissalem (View Profile)

Posted on 2/5/2007 10:07:07 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

CVT absolutely sucks. DSG is the future, in my opinion.
— mitchatlexusofmarin (View Profile)

Posted on 2/5/2007 12:27:29 PM | | Votes: 0

mitch, we agree on many things. This is one of them.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 2/5/2007 6:47:55 PM | | Votes: -1

You people know nothing about CVT. It is not something new; it is SUPER OLD (dating from Leonardo da Vinci).

BUT!

The new version of CVT 2.0 is of much more difference. It is stronger, lighter when making shifts, and of course what everyone wants today, fuel efficiency advantage. This is in fact the reason why many companies are adopting this system. And, this new version of the CVT has been recognized as a great advance in mechanical engineering. You should read more about CVT before saying that it sucks, etc.

***By the way for driving enthusiasts they still can feel the jerk when shifting, because many drivers expect a jerk when they begin to move the vehicle. The satisfying jerk of a non-CVT transmission can be emulated by CVT control software though, eliminating this marketing problem.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continuously_variable_transmission

As you can notice, today there are more and more companies that are adopting this new version of the CVT 2.0.

Let me remember you that CVT is old, very old, but it has been developed and upgraded mostly by the Japanese car companies. One of the most outstanding and responsible in what today is CVT is the Japanese company, "JATCO."

Make some investigation about JATCO, and CVT, and then take your conclusions. Later then you will understand why car companies are making these moves.

Thank you, and have a nice day.
— auronsicero (View Profile)

Posted on 2/5/2007 10:02:15 PM | | Votes: 0

S4cabriofoxone
agree!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
— AUDBMLEXMRC (View Profile)

Posted on 2/6/2007 3:51:51 PM | | Votes: -1

not sure why they're not adopting CVT. but i must say that 8-speeds seem completely unnecessary. can't believe BMW is getting caught up in this silly one-upmanship.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/5/2007 10:33:29 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -5

If they really want to oneupman the other car makers, then shouldn't they come up with a 9 speed? Anyways, this is just following Lexus with the 8 speed.

Personally I think 6 or 7 speeds is more than enough. In my car I don't even bother using the manual mode on my 2004 E500.
— 07mcs (View Profile)

Posted on 2/5/2007 5:13:18 PM | | Votes: 0

I'm waiting for the 2012 fifteen-speed Mercedes S580 with 490,000hp.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 2/5/2007 6:48:44 PM | | Votes: -2

You forgot the rocket launchers and pollution free engine! hahaha
— BMWMPower (View Profile)

Posted on 2/7/2007 2:23:39 AM | | Votes: -1

All the CVTs I've seen figures for can only tolerate a maximum torque of 250-275 ft lbs. Evidently, the way in which the pulleys in a CVT rely on friction to keep the belt from slipping has the side effect of reducing the permissible force being applied through them.
— 02WRX (View Profile)

Posted on 2/5/2007 10:47:23 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Look at that! The Germans are "copying" Lexus!

*Sarcasm intended*
— Bill (View Profile)

Posted on 2/5/2007 11:37:20 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

What happened to 8 speeds being unnecessary??? Hybrids, 8 speeds, what else are the Europeans going to copy next?
— 1970toyotamarc (View Profile)

Posted on 2/5/2007 11:48:33 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

Hybrid was first introduced as a concept by Audi (Audi Duo) back in the mid 90's but no one cared for it at the time.
8 speed is useless.
DSG tranny with 7 gears is all you need.
— AlexTx (View Profile)

Posted on 2/5/2007 12:03:18 PM | | Votes: -3

It will be interesting to see how such dinosaur nut-cases as Automobile Magazine, Road n Track and Car n Driver react to the new BMW 8-speed box. None was especially complimentary about Lexus with its world's first 8 speed box.
— MercBasher (View Profile)

Posted on 2/5/2007 1:10:48 PM | | Votes: 2

They will say this, "Lexus was the first come out with the 8 speed and we thought it was completely unnecessarily. In this BMW however we find that it compliments the drivetrain, why? Well of course this is a BMW."
— kart1 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/5/2007 1:26:23 PM | | Votes: 3

Also if 8 is unnecessary so is 7. Six is all you need if you make that arguement.
— kart1 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/5/2007 1:27:07 PM | | Votes: 0

Copy um. The Germans are credited with the first car (what is now M/B), so all brands are coping them.
— adoptgreyhounds (View Profile)

Posted on 2/5/2007 5:44:00 PM | | Votes: -3

oh abd by the way you don't actually need 7 gears either!
— MercBasher (View Profile)

Posted on 2/5/2007 1:11:59 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

As usual Lexus fan boys getting mad and accusing of copying...
— jt716 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/5/2007 1:38:01 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

I want a 10 speed auto transmission!!!
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/5/2007 2:12:27 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -6

You need to peddle away some of that belly fat, by riding on a ten speed.
— EL34i (View Profile)

Posted on 2/5/2007 10:22:41 PM | | Votes: 6

LOL Will that was funny.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 2/5/2007 6:47:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

the magic feel.
— kart1 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/6/2007 10:47:05 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Yeah i too want to hear what the German fans and German (Biassed) Reviewers have to say about the new 7 Series with 8 gears.

(In Lexus it is useless and a gimmick)

JUGNU
— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 2/5/2007 3:31:27 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7

Ah.,......you freakling German fanboys loser. Look like your favorite brand copying the big daddy Lexus. Who copy who now? Loser...Loser....I wonder what the German brand are going to Toyota/Lexus. Maybe they going to the Acura or even design too.

Lexus
— Lexus (View Profile)

Posted on 2/5/2007 5:34:27 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

Come on..let a game, it call followed the leader, LOL:) ah...ha...ha...ha... Lexus is the leader in auto lexury and technology. Even the bit mighty German brand has to copy the leader in auto industry(A.K.A) Toyota/Lexus
— Lexus (View Profile)

Posted on 2/5/2007 5:36:23 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

hahahaha, when i saw this it cracked me up, first you guys talk trash about hybrids and then the germans use it. then you guys make fun of lexus for having a 8-speed transmission and guess who is going to also have it, I'll let you guys guess.
— trd1 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/5/2007 5:57:45 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7

RICEMASTER, i think that only trick the German still try to figure out. They must off ask each other how does the Toyota/Lexus and other Japanese does it? how do they master reliability in their product? could it be the rice they are eating? or could it something else mystical? hmmm...

Ah...ha...ha...ha..sure would to see those German fanboys face now as they are reading this. Loser....loser....

thank you for copying Toyota/Lexus and please come again;) I wonder what are they going to copy next? perhap a hybrid sportcar like the Toyota sportcar concept?

Lexus

ah....ha...he...he....he..ha...he...ha..he...
— Lexus (View Profile)

Posted on 2/5/2007 6:25:26 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7

Their are nothing to be ashame of. Because you are copying and following the leader in the auto lexury industry. LOL:)....................................ah.......ha...ha....ha....ha....ha...

Where is are the Lexus basher hiding, probably hiding because shame that their favorite is copying Lexus. I wonder which German brand will jump on the bandwagon and copy Lexus 8 speed too.
— Lexus (View Profile)

Posted on 2/5/2007 6:30:03 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6

C'mon, it not copying. It's like air-filled tires. Only one company had them at first, now every single automobile has 'em. It's just technology advancing.
— mstangpny07 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/5/2007 6:30:42 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -6

Yeah! sure whatever you say mstangpnyo7;) sure whatever you say. Hey! we just doing for the hell of it man. Because the German fanboys was making fun of Lexus. Now it our turn to make fun of them and their brand, with interest of course. This is only for fun only, please do not take this personal.

Lexus

p.s. BMW you still copy Lexus LOL :) ....
— Lexus (View Profile)

Posted on 2/5/2007 6:39:26 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

Ha!

They're copying Lexus!

And don't worry, Lex fans... I still think the eight-speed is stupid, and I will even if it comes out in the new A8.

Audi will probably be smart and engineer a seven-speed DSG for their cars. DSG rules!
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 2/5/2007 6:46:57 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -5

"XeroK00L" Aston Martin actually had the LED headlamps first not Lexus. Seeing as you care so much though BMW was the first with Xenon & l.e.d tailights, which everyone now uses.
— MunichRob (View Profile)

Posted on 2/5/2007 6:48:45 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -5

What "success Lexus has"? The LS hasn't been on sale for longer than five or six months.

Audi isn't going to do that; they're having their own seven-speed DSG. Normal automatic transmissions are a thing of the past; adding an extra cog isn't innovation at all.

Although I think it's funny that BMW is doing this, this isn't "copying" at all. Every once in awhile somebody, somewhere, designs a car with one more gear than everyone else. Someone made the first two-speed. Then three-speed. Then four-speed (which, by the way, Lexus was still offering in the RX300). Then, the five-speed automatic was introduced... all the way up to the S-Class with the 7-speed and the LS with the 8-speed.

This isn't some revolutionary transmission. Somebody's going to come up with a nine-speed before Lexus... will I care? No!
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 2/5/2007 10:13:17 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

ooouuuu bmw following lexus footsteps.
— sewingmachine (View Profile)

Posted on 2/5/2007 8:21:07 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

"S4Cabriofoxone1" you’re trying to tell me that; as he puts it, to be a “really man” I should drive a used Nissan that’s not even in production anymore?

So let me get this straight, a hard working man who has the luxury to afford a car like an M6, R8, or 911; which could tare apart a skyline on the track, isn’t a real man.

Grow up, non-auto enthusiasts won’t understand a Nissan Skyline, most woman (or girls in his case) who can’t see past the badge on the car’s hood, won’t think it’s nice! Tuner car’s aren’t attractive they’re fun.

Buddy if you only had a clue. Learn some proper English & grammar...then people on this site MIGHT take you seriously.
— MunichRob (View Profile)

Posted on 2/5/2007 8:33:56 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

Just to point out MunichRob the current Infinti G35 is the Nissan Skyline in Japan and it is currently produced. Of course you were probably talking about the R34.
— kart1 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/6/2007 10:52:29 PM | | Votes: 1

You people know nothing about CVT. It is not something new; it is SUPER OLD (dating from Leonardo da Vinci).

BUT!

The new version of CVT 2.0 is of much more difference. It is stronger, lighter when making shifts, and of course what everyone wants today, fuel efficiency advantage. This is in fact the reason why many companies are adopting this system. And, this new version of the CVT has been recognized as a great advance in mechanical engineering. You should read more about CVT before saying that it sucks, etc.

***By the way for driving enthusiasts they still can feel the jerk when shifting, because many drivers expect a jerk when they begin to move the vehicle. The satisfying jerk of a non-CVT transmission can be emulated by CVT control software though, eliminating this marketing problem.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continuously_variable_transmission

As you can notice, today there are more and more companies that are adopting this new version of the CVT 2.0.

Let me remember you that CVT is old, very old, but it has been developed and upgraded mostly by the Japanese car companies. One of the most outstanding and responsible in what today is CVT is the Japanese company, "JATCO."

Make some investigation about JATCO (a Nissan subsidiary), and CVT, and then take your conclusions. Later then you will understand why car companies are making these moves.

Thank you, and have a nice day.

P.S. Aisin Seiki Co. is a Toyota subsidiary that manufactures transmissions systems for Toyota and for other companies. And, Honda makes their own transmission systems.
— auronsicero (View Profile)

Posted on 2/5/2007 10:11:00 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Very soon The big Germans will also copy the Self-parking feature,Messageing + reclining Seats,Hard disk for storing music(S class's don't store music),Rear big screen....etc

And also maybe will use a less displacement high power engine(MB especially)

JUGNU
— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 2/6/2007 7:54:49 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I am patiently waiting until someone will come out with 11 speeds re: "Spinal Tap". That will be the one to buy!
— cynic (View Profile)

Posted on 2/6/2007 11:15:05 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

The whole "BMW is copying Lexus" and vice versa is getting REALLY old. Why must you people argue about which one is superior? We already all know the answer anyways. Why did Lexus even come out with the IS? To TRY and de-throne the 3 series, which it hasn't done. Is there even a comparison test where the IS came out of top? Not to my knowledge. Also, who is copying who? The whole reason the IS even exists is because of BMW. End of story.

With that said, the whole argument is lame.
— phantom330 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/6/2007 4:09:16 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

When Lexus came out with the IS they were trying to dethrone a successful car, which is not as much copying as it is good business sense. If a product sells well other companies will come up with a competitor to that product - they aren't trying to copy the BMW as much as they are just trying to make money off of the market.
— kart1 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/6/2007 10:54:55 PM | | Votes: 1

Looks like Lexus is gunna get jacked up by BMW.

lol
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/6/2007 8:17:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

oh my god, lexus started an amazing revolution. none of this would happen unless lexus did it. didn't they invent the combustion engine?

i can't help but imagine the repair costs of these trannies.

that's a lot of extra shifts everytime you drive.
— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/6/2007 10:24:35 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Well you know about Lexus reliability right? I would be worried about the BMW.
— kart1 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/6/2007 10:55:55 PM | | Votes: 1

kart1, you'd be more worried about a bmw transmission than a lexus?

lexus having good reliability doesn't mean everything else has bad reliability. there's more than one reliable car on the road these days.
— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/7/2007 12:46:10 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

The new 7 series will also have a two-speed reverse system.

What? You can't drive in reverse at 80mph? You must not be an enthusiast.
— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 2/7/2007 1:04:07 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

All 2008 Lada s will come standard with a 23 speed transmission including 9 speed reverse.
— 1000rrRider (View Profile)

Posted on 2/7/2007 10:00:27 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Let's see ... each gear adds how many pounds to the transmission, and each shift adds how many milli-seconds from acceleration time?
We must have crossed the threshold where more gears increase the time to accelerate to 100k or 60 MPH ... the main bragging criteria.

But what baffles me is why a performance company like BMW would get dragged into a pi55ing match with a luxo-barge company like Lexus? Is this a case of tranny envy?

PS: Does anyone remember the Aston Martin (I think?) that used a Corvette 6-spd standard trans, but left out 6th gear because "we have enough power that we don't need more than 5 gears!"
— DieselRules (View Profile)

Posted on 2/8/2007 7:07:35 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

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New BMW 7-Series Will Come With 8-Speed Transmission

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