How to reset the ZF8HP 8 Speed Automatic gearbox on a BMW F20/F21

Hello guys and welcome to mattsbeamer.

Did you know that your BMW learns the way you drive? It is a very clever system, which I experienced on my old BMW E38 7 series.
Thou it learns the way you drive, that can also make the gearbox feel notchy, or sluggish, depending on your driving history. My car is used to driving in the city, so it leans that I need to pull away quickly etc.

So if you want your BMWs 8-speed auto, to drive the way it used to when it left the factory then these are the steps. Oh, Dad, just in case you watch my videos, this will work on your X6 too.

WARNING
Before you reset it thou, I will just say, if you have a car with over 150K km, or if the gearbox isn't in the best of condition, then I would think twice before performing this reset. This reset could cause it some issues, or put it in breakdown mode. Maybe I am being over-cautious, but its best to make you think.

My car has done 39000 km and is in great shape, so I will take the risk.
I will expect my car to respond better as if its in sports mode.

Step one: Push the start button with no feet on the pedals. This will turn the ignition on, but not start the engine.
Step 2: Now hold down the accelerator, all the way down, for at least 30 seconds, and keep it down until I say so.
Step 3: While continuing to keep your foot down on the accelerator, press the button to turn the ignition off.
Step4: let go of the accelerator pedal.
Step 5: Wait for 2 minutes.
Step 6: Start the car.

Now, in theory, this method should work. Many people say it works, and the odd few say they can't tell the difference. I will be interested in seeing if it works on your car.

Cheers and take care.

[nedlowe]

this is the trottle body reset; you need only hold down the accelerator for 30 seconds, turn the car off, then wait 2 minutes

[alexanderjones]

worked like a charm for my 2018 f30 drives like when i first bought it, smooth as butter

[fifie]

Perfectly clear video with every steps and details..! And it works ! Thanks a lot😉

[PlanetautoUK]

One intelligent transmission, a great idea especially if you’ve bought the car 2nd hand and you aren’t very happy with how it holds gears etc - great guide and well explained -

[seblaf]

Thank you for this video with this procedure. I know another one but not this one.
Owner of a M135I stage 3 with 135000 kilometers, I'm going to do a second complete oil change (every 60-80.000 kilometers), complete circuit + converter + gearbox), because the car delivers 620 nm of torque.
For information a complete oil change is 13 liters of oil (ATF8 ZF Lifeguard 8 standard).
In France, in a BMW dealership, this is not necessary (yes I know the French are weird, but I am...)
The official website of ZF recommends this oil change.
Thanks

[magsvibes]

Just did this reset on my f20 118 and it worked!! Car is driving like it’s brand new thanks!

[Sfg]

it worked, my transmission literraly shifts like brand new

[whateverrrrrr]

Did not work on mine
One question though do you press the gas paddle to the switch or not?

[lindypet]

Well explained and thanks for adding the warning 👍

[griffonsa]

matthew, do you press down all the way to kickdown?

[craftwanderer]

hi matt, can I do this if I have xhp transmission tune? or will it remove my xhp tune?

[shaunoti-akenten]

Can you tell me how to change the language on the instrument cluster, for some reason mine is in German and I want to change it back to English

[bienvenidomacapagal]

hi...i have a problem with my BMW 1 SERIES ...its showing CHECK DRIVE TRAIN SOON..after engine off
can you help me about this issue😥

[Mongezi]

How true is it that the F20/F21 front (bumper and headlights) can be swapped for the F22 morning parts (bumper and headlights)?

[Jesswoolliss]

Any experienced a whistle from engine bay a rattly vibration from engine battery doing this

[t.pxyz]

Ah nope! This procedure resets the electronic throttle pedal adaptation only. You need a really good scan tool or ISTA to get into the transmission computer.

[vernonsissing]

Howsit Matt
I have an automatic car is doing funny things
First when selected Drive or Reverse it would just jump back on its own into Park.
Now its not doing that anymore.
Now when i select reverse it goes into reverse and as soon as i get close to something it was sound an alarm, but when i select Drive it goes into drive and goes forward . the alarm disappears but the reversing information is still on the dash screen even when i put in Neutral.
Hope i can get some help from you or someone on this chat

[fivedotsdave]

Plastic wheel trims don't half spoil the look of a