Notchy 1st and 2nd

D

DashBedrock

Member
Leeds
I bought my Z4C in November and think it's a fantastic car. The only thing that's taking the edge off it is the notchy gearbox.
I understand that they are known for this but I'd like to know what actually causes it and are there any steps I can take to improve it.
I fitted a ZHP and had the gearbox oil changed in January but I've not really noticed any improvement.
I booked it in for the CDV removing only to be told on inspection that it had already be done.
Selecting 1st from neutral is the main pain in the ar$e.

This is my first BMW let alone Z, so I think an experienced Z owner might be able to put me on the right track, even if their advice is that it's perfectly normal and I just need to get used to it.

I was thinking that it might be a good idea for a forum member to kindly take it for a spin and give me their thoughts.
I don't mind travelling an hour or so from Leeds for anyone who can spare me a bit of their time and I'll gladly buy them a couple of beers.
Cheers
 
mine is notchy too! 1st is especially painful :) think it's just part of the car tbf, I got used to it even tho sometimes I struggle to get in 1st in one go!
 
Buckz said:
mine is notchy too! 1st is especially painful :) think it's just part of the car tbf, I got used to it even tho sometimes I struggle to get in 1st in one go!
Click to expand...

Same here. 1st can be a bit of a pain, especially when cold. My first z4 was the same so I think it's just how the car is.
 
I've had the CDV delete and the 1st to 2nd changes are smoother, but I too sometimes struggle to engage into 1st when setting off. I sometimes resort to moving it to 2nd and then back to 1st. Doesn't happen very often - could be before engines has warmed up, not sure. Will keep an eye on it.
 
Still notchy here too. CDV delete and new oils. It's just a characteristic of the car I'm afraid. Some seem to be worse than others. I find you just need to be a bit more "firm" with it. The wifes tiguan is easy as pie to change gear so the zed definitely does require a different style of driving.

As above if you're​ really struggling to get it in on a cold start, sling it into second then back to first.
 
Thanks for the replies guys.
I have a Transit for work and it changes gear 10 times better than the Zed.
I just can't understand how BMW can produce such a notchy box.
I'll have to be a little more forceful with it.
Still a brilliant car :driving:
 
I was wondering the same....kind of glad to hear it's not uncommon. Was starting to worry about replacing the clutch!
 
Deleting the CDV does not make getting into 1st any easier. The CDV only slows down the process of releasing the clutch when you take your foot off of it. This is monst noticable when changing from 1st to 2nd and from 2nd to 3rd.
 
Also had cdv delete and oil change still notchy,as others have said you need to be firm with them.
My wife has a Sherman tank and its considerably smoother than the Z :thumbsup:
 
I changed my gearbox oil, hoping the changes would improve....but no difference.
At least I know new oil will be doing some good though.
 
My old Vauxhall had the same issue. There was a service bulletin to replace the oil with a smaller volume. I did that and also put some molyslip in it. Much better but not perfect. Have since got rid of that junk.
Anyway, I've replaced the oil and gear knob. Maybe some molyslip will help.

Are there any service bulletins for the z4?
 
BMW manual gearboxes and clutches (in my experience of 4) are not the nicest to use, they require firm effort rather than a delicate touch. On my 2004 3.0 I have deleted CDV, Storm Werks V4 gearknob (heavier than ZHP) and changed gearbox oil for 50/50 mix of Redline MTF and Redline ATF 4 as recommended by forums and OPIE oils. All these changes have made small improvements and the gearbox is now acceptable and my partner doesn't complain about it!!. My friend has a Caterham and we swapped cars on a recent blat, now that is a mechanical, clunky, short throw gearbox and heavy clutch. When I got back in the Zed if felt fantastic.

I had a 123d coupe and that was awful to use, selecting reverse was a pain and clutch was heavy and it was on a 20K mile car.
 
I live near Brighouse, and have had a Z4C & now have a Z4MC, I would happily give you my opinion, and have a beer with you :D
 
Interesting thread. I have a similar problem with 1st and 2nd. I have considered changing the gearbox oil. I still may do this just to freshen it up. I'm glad to hear it's really common.
 
My 2.5 M54 5 speed is OK, I've read that the 6 speeds are more prone to sticky N-1-2 shifts and is a bit of a trait (were they like it from new?)

My experience of sorting bad shifts on other (non-BMW) cars has been that changing the oil can make a small difference and making sure clutches are adjusted and bled is important to eliminate, but best results simply come from refreshing linkage bushes or sometimes just lubricating the linkages and sockets with a PTFE spray or similar. Not always easy to get at but usually improves things :thumbsup:
 
Mines still notchy 1st & 2nd especially when cold (now at 68k miles). I'm still talking about an oil change.....

One trick that is worth trying, hold it longer in 1st and 2nd than you normally would i.e. change at higher revs. Even if you are not caning (but are reviving it a bit) you'll find the gear change a hundred times better - bordering on acceptable...
 
In my 6 years of driving Zeds - I have come to the conclusion that the gearbox / clutch/ cdv etc are all fine and as per design
The fact is it's notchy at startup and when I am puddling around at low speed and low revs
However - when I drive it like it was designed - giving it beans and making progress I don't notice anything other than a tight slick and concise gear change - says it all for me🤔
 
On mine, 2006 2.5SI, I've done the normal thing stated here but to no effect.

Sometimes pumping the clutch helps a little; was sitting at the lights the other day and gently trying to push the stick into first and you could feel the car start to creep forward, release the pressure on the stick and it stopped. Clutch bite point is very low, just off the floor so mine might be the clutch wearing so might try that when I can save up the money. Shame there is no manual adjuster as it feels that it could do with just a tweak.

My Guzzi California has an adjuster at the clutch as well as the cable and that's a godsend. :)
 
Ewazix said:
My 2.5 M54 5 speed is OK, I've read that the 6 speeds are more prone to sticky N-1-2 shifts and is a bit of a trait (were they like it from new?)

My experience of sorting bad shifts on other (non-BMW) cars has been that changing the oil can make a small difference and making sure clutches are adjusted and bled is important to eliminate, but best results simply come from refreshing linkage bushes or sometimes just lubricating the linkages and sockets with a PTFE spray or similar. Not always easy to get at but usually improves things :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

I agree with this 100%. My '04 3.0 is smooth as a cashmere cod piece so it isn't something that you need to live with. My old MR2 had a really notchy gear shift, particularly when going from 1st to 2nd. I replaced the transmission fluid and it did diddley squat. I changed the bushes and lubricated the linkages, it left me a really smooth gear shift. I've not had to do anything to the Zed's shifter so don't know what set up it is but it can't be that different.
 
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