“'Tween:” How to Identify the ZF6HP Series Valve Body that Bridges the 1st & 2nd Generation Designs

The ZF6HP series valve body with an 053 separator plate code could be labeled as a “tween” as well. It has similarities to the early Generation 1 ZF6HP19/26/32 valve bodies, but also some significant differences that could cause rebuild problems if not noticed. And while this 053 plate version also has features seen on the updated Generation 2 ZF6HP21/28/34 transmission units that are equipped with higher torque capacity, improved acceleration, quicker shift timing, etc., it did not skip a grade and make that leap, as it still has the basic functionality of a Gen. 1.

Since this awkward valve body is stuck in the middle, not fitting the mold of either an early or late OE design, extreme care should be taken when attempting any repairs. Existing fixes are readily available for it and easy to install, providing a significant cost savings over an OE remanufactured valve body. However, the location of particular valves and some of the valve designs themselves are different from Gen. 1 and Gen. 2, so verify proper location and interchangeability of any products before altering the core in any permanent way.

Early identification of the “tween” ZF6HP valve body is critical for a successful rebuild. This particular valve body is most commonly seen in the beautiful and pricey 7-series BMWs. Identification of a valve body core is easiest by referencing the codes and number stamped on the separator plate, which will be A053, B053 and 1068-327-189.

ZF6 053 Separator Plate

Another quick identification method is by measuring the OE pressure regulator sleeve, as it is different from both the Gen. 1 and Gen. 2 designs. OE exploded views found in Sonnax Zip Kit instructions can further aid in distinguishing the differences between Gen. 1, Gen. 2 and the “tween” Gen. 1 valve bodies with 053 separator plate codes. These provide detailed views of valve design and location so that differences and similarities across valve body types can be seen. See the ZF6 identification guide for details on how to measure the valves and the Zip Kits available for all three valve bodies.

This chart indicates the bore location in the various valve body types for ease in locating particular valves.

ZF6 Series Valve Body Valve Locations
Valve Description	Valve Body Type
	Gen. 1, M-Shift	Gen. 1, E-Shift	053 Code, E-Shift	Gen. 2, M-Shift	Gen. 2, E-Shift
Manual Valve	101	-	-	101	-
Parking Lock Valve	-	101	101	-	101
Park Lock Cylinder	-	109	109	-	109
Lubrication Control Valve	102	102	102	102	102
Converter Release Regulator Valve	103	103	103	103	103
Bypass Clutch Control Regulator Valve	105	105	105	105	105
Clutch Cooling Valve	-	-	-	106	106
Main Pressure Regulator Valve	104	104	104	104	-
Solenoid Pressure Regulator Valve	113	113	113	201	201
Clutch A Latch Valve	116	116	116	116	116
Clutch B Latch Valve	115	115	114	-	-
Clutch D1 Latch Valve	112	112	110	110	110
Clutch D2 Latch Valve	203	203	201	113	113
Clutch E Latch Valve	106	106	106	202	202
Clutch A Control Pressure Regulator Valve	108	108	108	108	108
Clutch B Regulator Valve	201	201	115	115	115
Clutch C Regulator Valve	204	204	205	114	114
Clutch D1 Control Pressure Regulator Valve	205	205	204	204	204
Clutch D2 Regulator Valve	202	202	202	112	112
Clutch E Control Pressure Regulator Valve	107	107	107	107	107
Delay Accumulator Piston	109	-	-	-	-
Solenoid Multiplex Valve	110	110	-	-	-
Drive Enable Valve	111	111	-	-	-
Shift Valve 3	-	-	-	205	-
Shift Valve 2	-	-	111	203	203
Shift Valve 1	-	-	112	111	111
Position Valve D	-	-	203	-	-
Position Valve	-	-	-	-	205

It's What's on the Inside that Counts

When my daughter was struggling with the awkwardness of her middle school years, I gave her a bracelet with a hidden message. This ZF6HP “tween” valve body can be an easy rebuild and money in the bank if you keep that same thing in mind and pay close attention to the details of what’s on the inside.