Gear change....any way to tighten it up?

[AlexSimpson]

I've had my 3.0 E85 for a few months now and was wondering if there are any easy fixes to tighten up the gearchange?

It's not awful but would be nice if it was a bit tighter and precise. Or is this just the nature of the beast?

Car has done about 115k for reference and hasn't been abused.

 

[Z4C_er]

Mine's very tight (40k), so maybe it's a mileage thing?

 

[inkey$]

Might need a refresh. New shifter bushes etc, as these can wear over time.
https://www.powerflex.co.uk/product-details/Gear+Shift+Arm+Front+Bush+Oval/12916.html
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Gear-Stick-Shift-Lever-Pivot-Bearing-Bush-For-BMW-Z4-E85-E86-E89-Z8-E52-X1-E84-/272460171380

 

[brillomaster]

the diagram in the ebay link is a good visualisation:



as far as i see it, the gear shift arm front bush (item 2) is not a dynamic bush, so in theory, shouldnt wear related to mileage or usage. however, it will contribute to how much vibration you get through the gearstick from the engine - the 'tingly knob' sensation. and if it is worn, moving the gearstick will flex the gear shift arm slightly, rather than the actual gear linkage.

however lever pivot bush (the part indicated) will definitely wear with age/usage, so if thats cheap and easy to change from inside the car without dropping the gearbox, id definitely try that.

and also change the gearbox oil if that hasnt been done already.

 

[Chris_D]

Heavier gear knob will also help if you're on the original?
After installing Oliver's (Buckley06) gear knob mine was transformed!
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=104671

 

[Weston Matt]

I'm doing all 3 to mine. Have the knob ready to replace.

 

[brillomaster]

I'm doing all 3 to mine. Have the knob ready to replace.

let us know how you get on! i've been on the receiving end of many a loose BMW gearchange, but never heard of anyone successfully restoring some sharpness by changing bushes.

once had an e46 track car with an old 5 speed box that the gearshift was so sloppy, it wouldnt even self centre. so cruising along in 5th, go to downshift into what you think is 3rd, but actually find 5th again. not so much of a problem, until you really want to find 3rd, but overshoot and briefly engage 1st, while doing 70 mph...

 

[M1k3yC]

Gear change is tight on my E86 (c. 48k miles). Changing the gearbox oil made it slightly smoother and easier to engage. It wasn't a big difference, so it's possible I imagined it knowing that work had been done.

 

[Mr Tidy]

let us know how you get on! i've been on the receiving end of many a loose BMW gearchange, but never heard of anyone successfully restoring some sharpness by changing bushes.

once had an e46 track car with an old 5 speed box that the gearshift was so sloppy, it wouldnt even self centre. so cruising along in 5th, go to downshift into what you think is 3rd, but actually find 5th again. not so much of a problem, until you really want to find 3rd, but overshoot and briefly engage 1st, while doing 70 mph...

That sounds familiar!

I'm on my 7th and 8th manual BMWs and the only one I had with a sloppy change was a 5-speed E46 that had only done 80K. I had the bush replaced, fresh fluid and the CDV removed and as it was a Sport model it came with a ZHP and although it drove a bit better after that, it was still pretty sloppy. :roll:

4 of the others were higher mileage (one was on 135K) but none have been sloppy.

 

[inkey$]

Just my two cents, but I guess it depends on what the OP means by sharpness. I’ve had high mileage older BMW’s with ‘loose’ gear change movement and a bush and collar change has helped make it less ‘loose’ and more engaging.