Does your Peugeot 308, 3008, 407 or your Citroën C4, C4 Picasso, C5 have a BMP6 gearbox that's started juddering, changing gear slowly, or refusing to engage a ratio? You're in the right place. The BMP6 is one of the most common automated manual gearboxes on the road in France — and one that generates more workshop questions than most. Here's how to understand it, diagnose its known faults, and decide between recalibration and replacement on an exchange basis.
What exactly is the BMP6 gearbox?
The BMP6 — Boîte Manuelle Pilotée à 6 rapports — is an automated manual gearbox developed by the PSA Group. Mechanically it is a conventional manual gearbox, but the clutch pedal has been removed: a system of electronically controlled actuators manages the clutch and gear changes on your behalf, in automatic or sequential mode. It is found mainly on the Peugeot 308, 3008, 5008, 407 and 607 and the Citroën C4, C4 Picasso and C5, most often paired with 1.6 HDi and 2.0 HDi engines.
Its advantage: automatic comfort with manual efficiency. The trade-off: the control system and single-plate clutch work hard and account for the vast majority of faults.
Symptoms of a BMP6 that's struggling
- Pronounced juddering during gear changes or when pulling away (beyond the slight response lag that is normal for this type of transmission);
- Slow gear changes or refusal to engage a ratio;
- Gearbox warning light illuminated, dashboard message, or the vehicle entering limp-home mode;
- Clutch slip: the engine revs rise without the car accelerating properly;
- Clunking or unusual noises during gear changes.
What causes BMP6 faults?
Three categories of cause come up repeatedly in the workshop. First, the clutch: it is a single-plate unit controlled by the actuators, and wear — accelerated by urban driving — manifests as slip and juddering. Second, the control system: the actuators that operate the clutch and gear selection can drift or develop leaks, disrupting the precision of gear changes. Third, calibration: after any work (clutch replacement, battery disconnection, etc.), the gearbox must be recalibrated using the manufacturer's diagnostic tool; missing or corrupted calibration produces symptoms that mimic a mechanical fault.
Hence the golden rule: get a diagnosis before replacing anything. Recalibration or a new clutch resolves a proportion of cases. But when wear affects the gearbox itself (synchromesh rings, bearings, selector forks), replacement with a reconditioned BMP6 on an exchange basis is the lasting solution — for a full walkthrough of the process, see our complete guide to exchange gearboxes.
Our reconditioned BMP6 references
Each BMP6 is identified by a gearbox code (stamped on the casing, typically 20DR or 20DS). Here are some of the references available reconditioned at EDEN BOITES:
| Reference | Application | Engine |
|---|---|---|
| 20DR03 | Citroën C4 | 2.0 HDi |
| 20DR15 | Peugeot 3008 / Citroën C4 | 1.6 HDi |
| 20DR24 | Citroën C4 / Peugeot 3008 | 1.6 HDi |
| 20DS12 | Citroën C4 | 1.6 HDi |
| 20DS13 | Citroën C4 | 2.0 HDi |
| 20DS33 | Citroën C4 | 2.0 HDi |
Can't see your exact code? We cover many more references: browse our Peugeot gearboxes and our Citroën gearboxes, or send us your number plate via our online quote form — our experts will identify the right reference for you.
BMP6 exchange at EDEN BOITES
Every gearbox is fully reconditioned in our workshop: complete strip-down, systematic replacement of all wear parts, reassembly and inspection before dispatch. The gearbox is supplied without the actuators (the "robot") or the ECU: your original components are checked and refitted during installation. You benefit from a warranty of up to 24 months, the option to pay in up to 10 instalments, delivery throughout France and the European Union (lead time confirmed on quote), and a satisfaction or money-back guarantee on the exchange, subject to our Terms and Conditions. For pricing guidance, see our reconditioned gearbox price guide.
Frequently asked questions — BMP6
My BMP6 is juddering: is the gearbox done for?
Not necessarily. A worn clutch or degraded calibration can produce exactly the same symptoms as internal wear. A diagnosis by a professional equipped with the manufacturer's diagnostic tool will give you a clear answer before you commit to any expenditure.
Can I drive with a BMP6 in limp-home mode?
Only as far as the nearest garage. Continuing to drive with a gearbox that is slipping or clunking accelerates wear and turns a manageable repair into a costly failure.
How do I find my BMP6 gearbox code?
It is stamped on the gearbox casing (usually in the 20DR / 20DS series). The easiest approach is to send us your number plate or VIN: we will identify the exact reference for you.
Is the gearbox supplied with the actuator unit?
No — as with all automated manual gearboxes, the BMP6 is supplied without actuators or ECU: your original components are reused during fitting, which ensures full compatibility with your vehicle.
Get your BMP6 quote online — no obligation, with a prompt response from our advisers.
