Produced by Magna Steyr in Austria, the Supra has been recalled yet again. Rather than Toyota, it was BMW who informed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that certain vehicles equipped with the 8HP auto may leak transmission fluid.
Manufactured by ZF Friedrichshafen, the long-running 8HP can be found in pretty much every rear-biased ICE model produced by the Bavarian automaker. Documents filed with the federal watchdog reveal that 552 vehicles have been recalled, starting with 16 examples of the Toyota GR Supra.
The list further includes the Supra's roadster twin, followed by the 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 8 Series, X3, X4, X5, and X6. When it comes to engine choices, the affected population ranges between the 330i and 430i to the X6 M and M8. In other words, everything from the German manufacturer's 2.0-liter turbo I4 engine to the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 lump.
Said vehicles were produced for the 2023 model year between January 2023 and March 2023. Part of the mechatronics module, the integrated transmission control unit may not have been produced according to specifications by Friedrichshafen-based ZF. According to the supplier, the weld seam of the control unit's housing could allow fluid to leak into the transmission control unit. This, in turn, affects the operation of the clutch pressure control valves.
If the fluid contacts electronic components, the transmission's gears could seize, thus increasing the risk of a crash. BMW was informed of a potential issue regarding the integrated transmission control unit on July 13. Micrographs indicated subpar welding seams, but for some reason or another, BMW and ZF decided to perform additional testing rather than issuing the safety recall five months ago.
Photo: Toyota
BMW and Toyota haven't received any reports alleging transmission seizure caused by fluid leaking into the transmission control unit. Dealers nationwide have been instructed to replace the mechatronics module and transmission fluid at no charge to the customer. Both automakers will notify owners via first-class mail no later than February 1, 2024.
Having started this piece with the Supra, the Z4's coupe-bodied sibling prepares to welcome a hardcore track-oriented version. Believed to be called GRMN Supra, the go-faster version is expected with BMW M muscle in the form of the M3's straight-six.
Certain peeps believe that it's actually the less powerful specification of the M2, but only time will tell. Another mystery is the transmission. The 8HP is perfectly fine in a sports car, but then again, the six-speed manual offers way more driving pleasure to the detriment of lap times and quarter-mile times.
The Z4 M40i is getting a stick shift as well, with production expected to start in March 2024 for the 2024 model year. Similar to the Toyota GR Supra, the Z4 is manufactured in Austria by Magna Steyr.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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