Notchy Gearbox

[paulmac]

Hi all,
Probably nothing but just to put my mind at rest.
I have recently purchased a 3.0 Roadster. I love the car, but have noticed, especially when driving back to back with my normal family car, (Mondeo) that the gear change on the Z4 is much more notchy and mechanical. There is no crunching or noise and the gears engage correctly, but you can definately feel the cogs meshing, most obvious when going from 1st to 2nd.
I've searched and can find loads of similar posts, but most seem to relate to the M series.
Does anyone else feel this? :|

 

[spearman]

I've got the 04 3.0 roadster. 1-2nd is worst. It's marginally improved by changing the transmission fluid. Mtf-lt-2 is BMW recommended fluid, but some people opt for alternative brands.

You can only buy the BMW stuff in 5lt bottles @ £105. You need 1.6lt.

I've got some left over if you're near Southend.


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[a11y]

"They all do that sir"

Personally I love the feel of the Z4 gearchange - so very different to the feel of VAG cars where it feels vague and smooth but is actually quite accurate and easy.

 

[TINO]

Sorry to here short in the leg like me as ur indoor's says push harder :rofl: 0n the pedel.

 

[Dean-Z4]

Paul the best way for remedy and much smoother gear change. Get a CDV upgrade; search this forum, it will give you all the information.
Removal of clutch delay valve (CDV), and repalacing it with one with simply a larger bore.

Also buy this weighted gear stick, make a real difference, with a shorter throw! See it here, and a good price-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-M-Sport-Short-Shift-6-Speed-Leather-Gear-Knob-Stick-OEM-E46-3-Series-E60-/280843194506?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&fits=Car+Make%3ABMW&hash=item41638f108a

You will cherrish these simple upgrades, no need for expensive oil changes.

 

[spearman]

Dean - re: cdv mod/delete

Will this actually improve gear engagement? Not clutch control/engagement.

For example I feel a really notchy change from 1-2nd, with the clutch in. I've considered a cdv delete, but I have no problem engaging the clutch or clutch control. My only issue is the actual change of gear whilst the clutch is in.


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[Dean-Z4]

Hi Paul,
Yes it will improve gear change, especially first to second gearing-much smoother. The Gearstick adds an extra touch-with weighted, and lowered gear change.

 

[bcworkz]

I presume Dean is referring to dynamic smoothness as when actually driving. If the notchiness you find objectionable happens whilst standing in your drive and declutched, just shifting up and down, the cdv delete will not change this behaviour.

A weighted, short throw shifter will smoothen the overall smoothness of all shifts, but the cause of the 1-2 notchiness will remain, it only gets attenuated a bit.

 

[paulmac]

Thanks for all the useful feedback guys,
I think I will give the CDV mod a go.
What's the most popular thinking, remove the CDV all together?
Is the remaining pipe long enough if you do this.
Or get a modified replacement?
I'll also get the new gear knob, I think they look better anyway.

Spearman, thanks for your kind offer, I'm only down the road from you in Basildon area.
Are you going to the London meet on 25th?

 

[spearman]

Thanks for clearing that up bcw, I was struggling to understand how the CDV improved gear change.

Paul, wish I was going, but have a friends wedding that weekend. Considering zedfest at silverstone though.

If you want the oil let me know. It's not an expensive job. £30 for an Indy to change and a beer for the oil.

Sean


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[doofus4000]

I found this at the start coming from a silky mechanical type r box..I've found the best way to use it is by being direct and positive with your change..don't shift slowly and wait for it to slot in..be direct and its lovely to drive!

 

[Jimmy Gee]

All sounds normal to me, just get in and drive it

 

[nicollow]

I changed to a ZHP and changed the gearbox oil to Royal Purple Synchromax. Made a world of difference

 

[Dean-Z4]

Hi guys, I`m refering Paul to this idea only because I had similar symtoms.

The gear first to second felt stiff. And a trate of the gearbox. All gears can feel heavy and stiff generally. I changed the CDV and upgarded the gearknob, and it feels a different car.

Paul do you find it hard to shift when mostly cold? Have you ckeked the clutch fluid level,service? What is mileage on your car, if below 50K it`s not advised to change the gearbox fluid at an early stage, it can have adverse (ware) affects.
After all BMW recommend not chaninging at all, there must be a method to theire madness.

I had notchy change from the first couple of gears, thought about changing the oil. Sometimes hard to change up gears in the cold snapps.
So i figured I would go the CDV route, and fit the short shift ZHP Gearknob...glad I did! Solved my problems.

Try it first, you have nothing to loose. I am looking for a CDV upgrade for you...

 

[Dean-Z4]

http://www.zeckhausen.com/BMW/Z4.htm

 

[paulmac]

Thanks guys,
Will definitely do the CDV and gear knob.
My car is an 04 so I think the restricter will just push out.
Might even try leaving the whole thing out and connect the pipe direct.
Where is the best place to get the gear knob from?

 

[Dean-Z4]

Hi Paul, it will require the clutch bleeding if you remove and fit CDV upgarde. I have put a link in my last post for the Gearknob.
Best regards,
Dean

 

[goon]

Yes 1st to 2nd is worst,recently I have been pulling off in 2nd when not uphill and got around this. The box is fairly low geared and you can get away without excessive clutch slipping.

 

[Dean-Z4]

I still believe that all this changes with the CDV upgrade, and weighted gearknob. It solved all with me.

If its a gearbox issue it maybe a coincidence. These Gertrag boxes are mighty strong, and used in many cars. If the issue is with the first and second cog only, it would be very rare to find wear on these teeth, possible on very high mileage car, or abused car.

Paul let us know how you get on with the little mods. I`m sure you will be pleasently surrprised :wink: