Manual Transmission: Shift Knob Vibration

TORAY · 03-13-2014, 05:36 PM

I recently purchased a manual 335.

Is it normal for the shifter in neutral position to vibrate or shake a bit? It is intermittent and very minor. I have had two manual cars previously, both did not show it. Normal for bmw manuals? I am not sure why it happens when the transmission is in neutral with the clutch not engaged to the engine.

mikelord7 · 03-13-2014, 05:38 PM

Mine doesn't. N54 tho

CJ421 · 03-13-2014, 05:45 PM

The shifter on my 2011 335i has a slightly visible vibration in neutral. I'd say normal since it has been that way since I picked up the car with six miles on the ODO.

Remember, hands off the shifter while in neutral. Congrats on the car & good luck with it.

335NJ · 03-13-2014, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJ421

The shifter on my 2011 335i has a slightly visible vibration in neutral. I'd say normal since it has been that way since I picked up the car with six miles on the ODO.

Remember, hands off the shifter while in neutral. Congrats on the car & good luck with it.

N54 here, but question on your above statement about hands off the shifter.

Why is that? Newb question I know

I've also heard to not rest your hand on the shifter while in gear, so I don't do that either.

Aaron_N55 · 03-13-2014, 10:49 PM

I have the same exact issue.
2011 BMW E92 335xi N55

eyim1988 · 03-14-2014, 11:04 AM

F30 335i here and does the same thing

TORAY · 03-14-2014, 11:47 AM

Thanks for the replies.
I guess it is normal.

andrey_gta · 03-14-2014, 12:05 PM

check bushing on the ball joint. and shift linkage at transmission
Transmission mounts are maybe worn out - replace with OEM. others will not prevent vibr

There is a vibration damper available on F30 that can be retro fitted under shift boot

CJ421 · 03-14-2014, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shafer

N54 here, but question on your above statement about hands off the shifter.

Why is that? Newb question I know

I've also heard to not rest your hand on the shifter while in gear, so I don't do that either.

By holding the shifter in neutral, you're forcing the vibrations go into the transmission. I'm unable to prove how much stress that puts on it but every bit counts if you plan on keeping the car a while. If it's a habit, try just resting your hand on the shift boot instead of the actual shifter.

Generally I follow the rule - hands on the shifter only when you're shifting.

335NJ · 03-14-2014, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJ421

By holding the shifter in neutral, you're forcing the vibrations go into the transmission. I'm unable to prove how much stress that puts on it but every bit counts if you plan on keeping the car a while. If it's a habit, try just resting your hand on the shift boot instead of the actual shifter.

Generally I follow the rule - hands on the shifter only when you're shifting.

That makes sense, and I do agree with you. Hands off unless shifting.

03-13-2014, 05:36 PM	#1
TORAY Go Patriots! 2 Rep 30 Posts Drives: 2011 335i X-Drive M-Sport 6MT Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (0)	Manual Transmission: Shift Knob Vibration I recently purchased a manual 335. Is it normal for the shifter in neutral position to vibrate or shake a bit? It is intermittent and very minor. I have had two manual cars previously, both did not show it. Normal for bmw manuals? I am not sure why it happens when the transmission is in neutral with the clutch not engaged to the engine.
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03-13-2014, 05:38 PM	#2
mikelord7 Private 8 Rep 99 Posts Drives: 2010 335XI 6MT Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Exton, PA iTrader: (1)	Mine doesn't. N54 tho __________________ 2010 e90 335xi 6MT - JB4, DCI, Lux AEs
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03-13-2014, 05:45 PM	#3
CJ421 Brigadier General 1901 Rep 4,200 Posts Drives: BMW G80 M3 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: PA, USA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2024 BMW M3 Sedan [9.67]	The shifter on my 2011 335i has a slightly visible vibration in neutral. I'd say normal since it has been that way since I picked up the car with six miles on the ODO. Remember, hands off the shifter while in neutral. Congrats on the car & good luck with it. __________________ 2024 BMW M3 Sedan Frozen Pure Grey II/Fjord Blue, 6MT Past: 2021 Z4 M40i Frozen Grey II/Black Alcantara \| 2017 F30 340i Mineral Gray/Coral Red, 6MT \| 2011 E92 335i Le Mans Blue/Black, 6MT
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03-13-2014, 10:49 PM	#5
Aaron_N55 Lieutenant 59 Rep 425 Posts Drives: F82 M4 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: NY iTrader: (3)	I have the same exact issue. 2011 BMW E92 335xi N55 __________________ E92 335XI M-Sport - BSM, CR, 6MT, KW Variant 3, Cobb V3, PSS, ETS Charge Pipe and BMS Intake
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03-14-2014, 11:04 AM	#6
eyim1988 Lieutenant Colonel 103 Rep 1,647 Posts Drives: 2022 BMW M4 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (5) Garage List 2022 M4 [0.00]	F30 335i here and does the same thing __________________ Current: 2021 X3MC Past: 2013 bmw 335i, 2011 bmw 335i coupe, 2016 bmw m3
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03-14-2014, 11:47 AM	#7
TORAY Go Patriots! 2 Rep 30 Posts Drives: 2011 335i X-Drive M-Sport 6MT Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the replies. I guess it is normal.
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03-14-2014, 12:05 PM	#8
andrey_gta Brigadier General 318 Rep 4,040 Posts Drives: 130i coupé ;) Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Bimmerpost iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 BMW 128i [10.00]	check bushing on the ball joint. and shift linkage at transmission Transmission mounts are maybe worn out - replace with OEM. others will not prevent vibr There is a vibration damper available on F30 that can be retro fitted under shift boot __________________ 128i Sport 6MT converted to Euro 130i spec, 3.73 diff, tuned by evolve ~220 whp 207 wtq(ft-lb) SAE In-progress: //M front arm, M3 rack, e36M lip Wishlist: Coils, n55 mnts, headers, LSD, e60 finn diff "The 1-series is the last car that BMW engineered before the Germans, as a car-making culture, fell out of love with driving." - R&T 2013 135is
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