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BMW ZF8 Transmission · Gearbox Software

xHP
GEARBOX
SOFTWARE

The Complete Guide to ZF8 Gearbox Tuning for BMW

xHP Flashtool is the industry-leading software solution for BMW's ZF8HP automatic gearbox. It recalibrates shift logic, torque management and response characteristics at a fundamental level – transforming the way your BMW drives without a single hardware change.

Book xHP Tuning → ↓ View All Stages
#2
xHP Dealer Worldwide
ST3
Most Popular Stage
ZF8
Transmission Platform
14+
Years Experience
#2 xHP Dealer Worldwide
All Stages ST1–ST3
Combined Engine + Gearbox Tuning
BMW & Compatible Vehicles

The Basics

What Is xHP?

xHP Flashtool is a professional gearbox calibration software developed specifically for BMW's ZF8HP automatic transmission – one of the most widely used and capable automatic gearboxes in the world.

The ZF8HP is an 8-speed automatic fitted to a vast range of BMW models from 2009 onwards. From the factory, BMW calibrate the gearbox conservatively – prioritising smooth operation, economy and refinement over outright performance.

xHP completely rewrites the gearbox's control software. Shift speeds, torque limits, gear hold logic, launch control, kickdown behaviour and sport mode characteristics are all recalibrated to unlock the transmission's full capability.

Unlike a simple gearbox remap or TCU flash, xHP is a complete software platform with multiple stages, driver-configurable profiles and the ability to be adjusted remotely via the xHP smartphone app.

What xHP Recalibrates
Shift Speed
Up to 40% faster
Torque Limits
Raised to match engine tune
Shift Points
Fully recalibrated per mode
Launch Control
Optimised for max traction
Gear Hold Logic
Holds gears under braking
Gear Display
Current gear shown at all times
Driver Profiles
Comfort / Sport / Sport+

Software Stages

xHP Stages Explained

xHP is available in three stages for road use. The stage you need depends on your engine tune and how you use the vehicle.

ST1
Entry Level
  • Faster shift speeds in Sport mode
  • Gear display enabled
  • Improved Sport mode shift points
  • Minor torque limit increase
  • Suitable for stock engines
ST2
Performance
  • Significantly faster shifts
  • Increased torque limits
  • Launch control optimised
  • Gear hold under deceleration
  • Stage 1 engine tune compatible
Most Popular
ST3
Advanced
  • Maximum street shift speed
  • Full torque limit removal
  • Aggressive Sport+ calibration
  • Full launch control system
  • Combined engine tune ideal
  • xDrive torque management
Our Recommendation
For most customers combining an engine remap with gearbox tuning, Stage 3 is the sweet spot – the most transformative experience for road driving without crossing into competition territory. It's the stage the majority of our customers choose.
Book ST3 →

What You Get

Key Features

xHP delivers improvements across every aspect of how the ZF8HP operates – not just faster shifts, but smarter, more intelligent gearbox behaviour throughout.

Faster Shift Speeds
Stock ZF8HP shifts are deliberately slowed for refinement and comfort. xHP dramatically reduces the time between gear changes – particularly noticeable in Sport and Sport+ modes where the difference is immediate and significant.
Torque Limit Removal
The factory gearbox software imposes torque limits to protect the transmission for a standard engine. When you remap the engine, these limits become a bottleneck. xHP removes them, allowing the gearbox to handle the full output of your tuned engine.
Smarter Gear Logic
xHP recalibrates how the gearbox decides when to change gear. Under load it holds gears longer and at higher revs. Under braking it downshifts more aggressively to match engine braking. The result is a gearbox that actually responds to how you're driving.
Launch Control
xHP optimises the launch control system for maximum acceleration from a standing start. Slip management, torque delivery and clutch engagement are all calibrated to get the car off the line as quickly as possible without wheel spin or drivetrain stress.
Smartphone App Control
xHP includes a dedicated smartphone app that allows the driver to switch between calibrated profiles, monitor gearbox temperature and adjust behaviour on the fly. Comfort, Sport and Sport+ modes can all be configured independently.
Gear Display
xHP enables a real-time gear position display on the instrument cluster or iDrive screen, showing which of the 8 gears is currently selected across all driving modes – including Comfort where this information is otherwise hidden by BMW.

Stock vs xHP

Standard Software vs xHP

The ZF8HP is an excellent gearbox. But BMW deliberately limit its behaviour from the factory. Here's what changes with xHP installed.

Stock BMW ZF8HP
  • Slow, comfort-biased shift speeds in all modes
  • Torque limits set for a standard engine
  • Early upshifts to maximise economy
  • Sport mode shifts feel soft and delayed
  • Gearbox unaware of engine tune level
  • No gear display in Comfort or Auto mode
  • Launch control heavily restricted from factory
  • Conservative kickdown behaviour
With xHP Stage 3
  • Dramatically faster shifts in Sport & Sport+
  • Torque limits raised to match your engine tune
  • Gear hold logic keeps you in the power band
  • Sport mode shifts feel immediate and decisive
  • Gearbox and engine calibrated together
  • Gear display active across all modes
  • Optimised launch control for max acceleration
  • Aggressive downshifts under heavy braking

Compatibility

Compatible Vehicles

xHP supports a wide range of BMW and other ZF8HP-equipped vehicles. If your car has a ZF8HP automatic gearbox, it's almost certainly compatible.

BMW
F & G Series · Petrol & Diesel
  • 1 Series (F20/F21, G20)
  • 2 Series (F22/F23, G42)
  • 3 Series (F30/F31, G20/G21)
  • 4 Series (F32/F33/F36, G22/G23)
  • 5 Series (F10/F11, G30/G31)
  • 6 Series (F06/F12/F13)
  • 7 Series (F01/F02, G11/G12)
  • 8 Series (G14/G15/G16)
  • X3 / X4 (F25/F26, G01/G02)
  • X5 / X6 (F15/F16, G05/G06)
  • M2 / M3 / M4 (select variants)
BMW
Engines – Petrol & Diesel
  • B57 – 3.0 diesel (20d, 30d, 40d)
  • N57 – 3.0 diesel (30d, 35d, 40d)
  • B47 – 2.0 diesel (18d, 20d)
  • N47 – 2.0 diesel (18d, 20d)
  • B58 – 3.0 petrol (30i, 40i)
  • N55 – 3.0 petrol (30i, 35i)
  • N63 – 4.4 V8 petrol
  • S55 – 3.0 petrol M engines
  • S58 – 3.0 petrol M engines
Not Sure?
If your BMW has a ZF8HP automatic gearbox, it's almost certainly compatible. Get in touch and we'll confirm for your specific model.

Check Compatibility

Is Your BMW Supported?

Use the official xHP compatibility checker below. Pick your vehicle details to confirm it's supported — or just send us your reg and we'll check it for you.

Official xHP Compatibility Checker

Check Your Vehicle

Select your vehicle details below to check whether your car is supported by the xHP Flashtool app.

Not sure which option to select? Send us your registration and we’ll confirm it for you.
Checking compatibility...

Compatibility Results

Select “View Map Details” to see available map information.

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Drivetrain
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Supported From
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View Map Details
Close Details
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Why Choose Us

Why DC Remapping UK for xHP

xHP is only as good as the installer. The software needs to be configured correctly for your specific engine tune level, driving style and vehicle specification. Getting this wrong can result in gearbox stress, poor driveability or missed performance.

As a #2 ranked xHP dealer worldwide, we have fitted more xHP installations than almost any other company on the planet. We configure every installation specifically to the vehicle – not a generic Stage 3 written for a different car.

  • Ranked #2 xHP dealer worldwide – among the most experienced installers on the planet
  • Every xHP install configured specifically for your engine tune and vehicle
  • Combined engine and gearbox calibration on our 4WD linked dyno
  • Torque limits set to match your exact engine output – not a generic figure
  • xDrive and 4WD vehicles tuned safely on our mechanically linked rolling road
  • Customers travel from across the UK for our xHP installations
#2
xHP Dealer Worldwide
Ranked second globally across the entire xHP international dealer network. One of the most experienced ZF8 gearbox calibration specialists anywhere in the world.
Bundle & Save
Combine a Stage 1 engine tune with xHP Stage 3 for the complete N57/B57 transformation. The two calibrations work together – gearbox torque limits are set to match the exact engine output for a seamless, cohesive result.
Book the Bundle →

Pricing

xHP Installation Prices

Professionally installed and configured at our Warrington workshop — every install set up specifically for your engine tune and vehicle, not a generic file.

E-Series
BMW E-Chassis
£325
inc VAT
F-Series
BMW F-Chassis
£325
inc VAT
G-Series
BMW G-Chassis
£385
inc VAT
M Cars
M3 · M4 · M5 & more
£385
inc VAT

Not sure which applies to your car? Send us your registration and we'll confirm the price and compatibility. Bundle with a Stage 1 engine tune for the complete transformation.

Book Your xHP Install →

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