This is about their automatics, but parts availability (especially aftermarket) and service information is relatively scarce and expensive compared to e.g. GM/Allison. Their bus/truck transmissions also shift quite roughly, almost like a manual.
ZF is what I'd consider very stereotypically German engineering: optimised for efficiency and cost, at the expense of longevity and serviceability, with very little margin for overload.
ZF is what I'd consider very stereotypically German engineering: optimised for efficiency and cost, at the expense of longevity and serviceability, with very little margin for overload.