My first Z4...one slight problem.

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Pabby1980

Member
Hi all,

I've just purchased a Z4, 3.0i. It's a 2005 with low mileage and in general I am very happy with the car.

There's just one problem... downshifting into 3rd. It's sometimes a struggle getting it into gear...as if there's something impeding the gearstick.

I'm not mechanically minded at all, but after a bit of research I've read that it could be solved by new engine mounts. Is this true?

Any other suggestions on what I could do to try and solve the issue?

Everything else is basically perfect on the car, it's just the 3rd gear, and only really when downshifting. Going up through the gears seems fine.

Thanks in advance for any help.
 
Maybe see if simple gearbox change will help? More simple than new mounts I'm sure...
 
If it was just degraded oil, then surely it would be affecting all gears?
My gearbox issue manifested itself just in 3rd gear & that was knackered syncros! :headbang: Does yours jump out of gear/grind the cogs when attempting the shift? I would be returning the car back to the supplier asap as this could be an expensive repair, did you buy it privately or from a garage?
Rob
 
The most important question is private vs trade sale. If trade then report the issue immediately in writing and look to follow it up.
If private then you've got a few good starting points to begin trouble shooting with the cheapest first, or get an expert opinion.
 
No grinding, no jumping out of gear, smooth and solid in all gears throughout when up shifting, and same in all gears except 3rd when downshifting.

Private sale, 65,000 miles. It's been driven by a guy who's a bit of a car nut since I bought it and he's the one who picked up on it. It happens ONLY when downshifting from 4th to 3rd. Everything else with the gear changes is perfect.

It just feels like there's something in the way...a bit of a push and it engages, but not as smooth as the rest of the gears.

I don't want to appear like I'm wishful thinking here, but I'm certain this isn't a serious issue with the gearbox or synchro...its a niggling issue rather than something that I'm stressing about. I just wondered if anyone else had come across the issue?

It does seem to get better once the car warms up a bit. I think maybe a gearbox oil change is in order first and foremost.

Can anyone recommend a good option for the oil and do I need to do the differential oil at the same time? Any idea of how much this will cost?

As I said I'm no mechanic, so any and all advice is very much appreciated.

Cheers.
 
Pabby1980 said:
Can anyone recommend a good option for the oil and do I need to do the differential oil at the same time? Any idea of how much this will cost?
Click to expand...

Just discussed on another thread. Cost? Not sure buddy.

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1413418#p1413418
 
Its hard to say without actually trying it myself but it could be something as simple as the selector sticking a bit, try lubing it up with ptfe spray etc. Its on the top of the gearbox and they are known to get a bit sticky on BMW boxes. Problem is its not the most accessible thing in the world. Best done on a ramp etc
 
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