The gearbox uses an input, main, and
layshaft configuration.
Idler gears for speeds 1, 2, and 6 are on the layshaft while idler gears for 3 and 4 are on the main shaft. Gear 5 is
direct drive. The main and layshafts are hollow for weight savings. The shafts are supported by a combination of
ball and
roller bearings. For all six forward gears and reverse, the ZF S6-53 uses
synchronizers, with one to three
cones clutches depending on the gear. The gear engagement is configured differently than many other
rear-wheel drive manual transmissions. Instead of using one rod as gear selector and two more rods to move the forks, the S6-53 uses a single rod to move the four forks, which are hinged on two screws in the gearbox case. While a given fork is actuated,
ball detents and pins inhibit movement of the other forks. The
bell housing and
case of the unit are made of
die cast aluminum. Installed on the transmission are a
Hall effect sensor for input rpm, an oil temperature sensor, a reverse engagement sensor, a neutral sensor, and an electric oil pump. At high temperatures, the car's
engine control unit activates the pump, sending the oil to a
heat exchanger for cooling. The transmission weighs approximately . == Applications ==