1st to 2nd gear change

[Jcm325]

I seem to be having trouble with the transition from 1st to 2nd gear , sometimes it's nice and smooth but other times it's a bit lumpy?
A bit of research points to the clutch delay valve but then other posts say it makes no difference
Anyone else have similar?
E85 m54 3.0
The stormwerks gear knob I bought from enuf zed has improved things but still not perfect

 

[MikeyH]

My 2.2 has a 5 speed and has the same problem. I found that I have to be quick and positive with it otherwise it seems to be notchy.

 

[Zedebee]

The CDV was included for the US market to protect the drivetrain against improper dumping of the clutch by drivers who weren’t used to driving a manual. For most manual drivers, removing the CDV does make it easier to change gear better, particularly first to second. Some people claim there is little benefit, but no-one thinks it makes the gear change worse. It’s also very simple and cheap to remove, so why not?

 

[Mr Tidy]

I've had the CDV removed on 4 or 5 BMWs and it improved all of them.

Fresh gearbox fluid helped too, despite BMW claiming they were sealed for life!

 

[j3nks79]

Edit. Wrong section

 

[BMWZ4MC]

Most people report improvement in shift feel with CDV removal in non-M variants. I found minimal difference in my ///M, but my gearbox is not as obstructive as that in some other ///Ms, being only a little stiff when cold.
As Mr T has said, fresh fluid helps too.

 

[BigDaddy]

The cdv makes it feel like the clutch is slipping when you’re trying to drive fast. I guess it is like letting out the clutch very slowly so it is slipping a bit. Removing it does make it feel better but I have found it to be a little clunky occasionally and have kangarood away from traffic lights occasionally. Still won’t be re fitting it though.

 

[Jcm325]

Thanks for all the responses
I'll look into getting it removed as it can't do any harm.
The gear change itself is not difficult it just seems to be a bit sluggish as I accelerate away in 2nd
Its like I've dumped the clutch if that makes sense?
But other times its really smooth and with no issues

 

[BumpyZ4]

Gearbox fluid change, ZHP Shift knob and removing the CDV made a big difference for me.

 

[Zedebee]

Just to add, it’s easily reversible if you don’t like it.