Stiff gear change.

RussellP

Member
Now that I am on my second car it seems that a stiff gear change is the norm, does anyone else have the same problem or is it me? Does the gearbox oil need a change perhaps?
 
It's not the slickest box I've experienced, but I would not describe it as stiff once it's warmed up. The 1-2 shift when you're in a hurry is pants, but I otherwise have no complaints. An oil change is worth a try I would say.
 
Just been for a good spin in sport mode and to be honest the gear change is spot on when driving the car at speed, must be a hard gearbox to handle the speeds I suppose, I was in a Ferrari 360 the other week and that really is a tough gearbox, took both feet push the clutch in!
 
Does the CDV delete make much difference my 3.0si 1st to 2nd is cow when cold i know its the nature of the gearbox would be nice to make it a little easier :grin:

Si-forks is tapatalking
 
nightyard said:
Getting into 1st gear isnt a nice experience in my coupe
Nor for my 2.0 sometimes either. Every now and then when stationary and selecting 1st, I got to bring the clutch up while simultaneously trying get it into 1st gear. When I first drove it about there were a few 'crunch' :o moments. I just thought it was where it hadn't been looked after by the previous. Only happens in first though.
 
si-forks said:
Does the CDV delete make much difference my 3.0si 1st to 2nd is cow when cold i know its the nature of the gearbox would be nice to make it a little easier :grin:
Yes it does help some, as the clutch disengages a little faster. This does not fix the general stiffness, it only allows the synchros to work a bit sooner.

I've just been out on an extended drive and paid extra attention to any "stiffness". While the lever moves quite smoothly and I would never describe it as stiff, I noticed the detent springs going into various gears are a bit on the strong side, which someone could describe as "stiff". While a different oil may help slightly, there's little to be done about the spring tensions short of rebuilding the box with weaker springs, not something I would recommend at all.
 
Grizzly9 said:
nightyard said:
Getting into 1st gear isnt a nice experience in my coupe
Nor for my 2.0 sometimes either. Every now and then when stationary and selecting 1st, I got to bring the clutch up while simultaneously trying get it into 1st gear. When I first drove it about there were a few 'crunch' :o moments. I just thought it was where it hadn't been looked after by the previous. Only happens in first though.

happened in my 2.0 roadster also.... crap boxs for selecting first gear..


TIP; I find putting it in 2nd then 1st works everytime
 
Happens with mine too. Can be quite embarrassing when in traffic stationary and then crunching when trying to select first.
 
I have never ending problems getting into 1st its the worst car i've ever driven for getting into 1st gear so you pull up at lights nice car, hood down and then can't pull away :oops:
I've since decided that shoving it into 2nd then putting into 1st is the way forward without taking foot of the clutch of course. Might mean it'll wear the clutch out quicker probably :?
 
I have the same issues, sometimes i have difficulty in selecting 1st gear when the car is stationary and the 1st to 2nd is not the nicest as well. With regards to the 1st gear my mechanic said it is the sychrons of the gearbox and you either have to go 2nd yo 1st or depress the clutch. I did an oil change and it improved a little bit. I plan to remove the cdv soon to improve the 1st to 2nd chenge
 
This is not a plug but since I have put a shorter heavier gear knob on I have found it easier. It is a tough gear change and let's the car down a bit IMO. I have one of my prototype gear knobs if any one wants to try for free?? Just pay the p&p.
 
This is my first bmw and i thought the 1st to 2nd was stiff-ish all the others seem alright. Hopefully my MM knob will make things feel better
 
The gear change is stiff

But I quite like it
Its very positive, either in or not
I struggle for the first couple of changes when I swap from my daily to the z4 then I get better at it lol

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I think that may be the problem, I have a Grand Picasso Auto and a brand new Focus so I think it's just a matter of getting used to it..
 
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