[mgarvey]

My 320d was very notchy, particularly 2nd and 3rd (which used to graunch a lot). Being firm and changing gear quickly helped. You basically have to really manhandle BMW gearboxes, which is why my wife hated it so much and I now have an auto.

[E92Vancouver]

My transmission is back to silky smooth. The problem is that I had it in at the dealer. It was left over night and the temperature was cold, around 0 Celsius.

When the tranny oil is cold and thick, the shifting to second is notchy. Once the car is warmed up, all is good.

[NFS]

Originally Posted by mgarvey

You basically have to really manhandle BMW gearboxes, which is why my wife hated it so much and I now have an auto.

Absolutely true, BMW gearboxes need firm positive action.

After a while they loosen up, but if you 'baby' the controls they will stay notchy for ever.

[FieldingMellish]

Following on from Doughboy's tip for second gear changes: I tried this at the weekend and it's an interesting technique, like all such it would doubtless take a bit of getting used to. BUt sadly it does not alleviate the notchiness of my gearbox, in fact it sort of worsens it as when using this technique I now get a double notchiness - one notch to pull the gearstick left, anotehr notch to bring it down into second. Ah well, maybe it'll have loosened up by the time I've done 20,000 miles.

[NFS]

Originally Posted by FieldingMellish

Following on from Doughboy's tip for second gear changes: I tried this at the weekend and it's an interesting technique, like all such it would doubtless take a bit of getting used to. BUt sadly it does not alleviate the notchiness of my gearbox, in fact it sort of worsens it as when using this technique I now get a double notchiness - one notch to pull the gearstick left, anotehr notch to bring it down into second. Ah well, maybe it'll have loosened up by the time I've done 20,000 miles.

Not sure why this would lead to 'double notchiness'.

The position I use for my hand on the gearstick depends on the shift and I never have it directly on the top of the gearstick.

For 1st - 2nd I turn my hand to the right (thumb down) and PULL the the gearstick back with my fingers wrapped round the front of it.

This keeps the stick over to the left, so it falls naturally into the 'gate' for second gear.

For 2nd to 3rd I turn my hand to the left (i.e. thumb up) and PUSH the gearstick forward with my fingers on the front.

This makes sure the stick moves to the right so it finds the gate for 3rd gear.

Some momentary resistance at the gate is normal, whilst the synchros do their job.

For me the notchiness was all at the gate in 2nd gear.

[FieldingMellish]

Hi NFS. I agree with all that, and I have experimented with a number of 'hand positions' [insert own joke here], but only when Doughboy mentioned the 'thumb down' method for getting into second did I realise, of course, that makes sense, as you say.

But when I do that, I feel a notchiness in just moving the stick left, then the usual old notchiness as I actually pull it down into second. Whereas with the traditional mehod, with my hand on top, I only get the notch when I pull down, not when i move across. So although it's an interesting and logical technique, it doesn't help me!

[NFS]

Originally Posted by FieldingMellish

Hi NFS. I agree with all that, and I have experimented with a number of 'hand positions' [insert own joke here], but only when Doughboy mentioned the 'thumb down' method for getting into second did I realise, of course, that makes sense, as you say.

But when I do that, I feel a notchiness in just moving the stick left, then the usual old notchiness as I actually pull it down into second. Whereas with the traditional mehod, with my hand on top, I only get the notch when I pull down, not when i move across. So although it's an interesting and logical technique, it doesn't help me!

What exactly is the 'notchiness'?

Is it that the gearstick itself is stiff and requires force to move?

Or is the problem the final push of the stick through the 'gate'?

[doughboy]

Originally Posted by FieldingMellish

But when I do that, I feel a notchiness in just moving the stick left, then the usual old notchiness as I actually pull it down into second.!

I take it you are talking about 3rd down to 2nd here? The stick should move effortlessly to the left or right if it is properly in the neutral position. Down from 3rd, if you try to move it left before reaching N or going slightly into 4th then it will catch.

Moving any direction through the 'H' and partway into each gear should be without any resistance at all. Only a delightful 'clik clak' if you do it whilst stationary, engine off and door open!!

Only when pulling against the syncro into each any gear should you expect to meet resistance, if any.

[FieldingMellish]

The notchiness is the push through the gate. I have seen some people complain that first is very notchy, and alohtough my 1st can be, it's 2nd that's the real sticking point. Whereas 3rd gear is lovely and smooth.

[FieldingMellish]

Originally Posted by doughboy

I take it you are talking about 3rd down to 2nd here?

Moving any direction through the 'H' and partway into each gear should be without any resistance at all. Only a delightful 'clik clak' if you do it whilst stationary, engine off and door open!!

Nope, I mean going from 1st into 2nd.

Man, that really does not sound like my experience. As always, I am open to the idea that I am at fault, but really what you describe bears no resemblance at all to my gear changes, there's nothing delightful involved!

I'll double check tonight, but I' pretty sure I do get resistance when moving the gearstick over from neutral to teh left hand of the 'H'.

[doughboy]

Originally Posted by FieldingMellish

Nope, I mean going from 1st into 2nd.

Man, that really does not sound like my experience. As always, I am open to the idea that I am at fault, but really what you describe bears no resemblance at all to my gear changes, there's nothing delightful involved!

I'll double check tonight, but I' pretty sure I do get resistance when moving the gearstick over from neutral to the left hand of the 'H'.

Please don't think I am trying to make you feel at fault here!

You said "But when I do that, I feel a notchiness in just moving the stick left, then the usual old notchiness as I actually pull it down into second.!"

If you are going from 1st to 2nd (unless you have an old dogleg racing 'box) you are already in the left of the 'H', so the shift to 2nd requires no left or right movement, only holding its current leftward position as you pass through neutral with a straight movement down into second.

If you pull TOO hard to the left you will catch the REVERSE indent as you pass through neutral, which I have done many times - I've even selected reverse instead of first at traffic lights - gives you a shock when you try to pull away!

[FieldingMellish]

Ah, you're right Doughboy, I was conflating two shifts there: from 3rd to 2nd and from 1st to 2nd. Yes, if going from 1st to 2nd there is of course no leftward movement, so I must feel some sort of notchiness in coming halfway down from 1st, then another notch into 2nd. The actual leftward notch must be from 3rd to 2nd. I'll check all this tonight. But maybe I am catching that reverse indent.... God, eggting into reverse by mistake at the lighst I do not need!

> Please don't think I am trying to make you feel at fault here!

Nope, I can do that myself anyway :-)

Seriously, I appreciate your advice, and I'll keep trying the thumbs down technique. Hell, it's not like I have any better technique to try....

[Carrera RSR]

I think you are worrying yourself over a BMW gearbox inherrant trait. This positive notchiness is what differentiates BMW from the soft mushy gearboxes I have used previously. It is what makes a BMW car a 'drivers car' and adds a positive driving feel as does the slightly heavier feel of the clutch, brake pedals and steering.

I would far prefer the added driver input asked of my 320d than the over assisted feel you get from say Japanese or American cars.

Agreed if its too notchy you could have an issue with the clutch and/or gearbox so you may need to drive another car to compare.

[NFS]

Originally Posted by FieldingMellish

The notchiness is the push through the gate. I have seen some people complain that first is very notchy, and alohtough my 1st can be, it's 2nd that's the real sticking point. Whereas 3rd gear is lovely and smooth.

If you hold the gearstick against the gate momentarily, with firm pressure, does it eventually slot in?

[FieldingMellish]

Originally Posted by carrerarsr

I think you are worrying yourself over a BMW gearbox inherrant trait. This positive notchiness is what differentiates BMW from the soft mushy gearboxes I have used previously. It is what makes a BMW car a 'drivers car' and adds a positive driving feel as does the slightly heavier feel of the clutch, brake pedals and steering.

I would far prefer the added driver input asked of my 320d than the over assisted feel you get from say Japanese or American cars.

Agreed if its too notchy you could have an issue with the clutch and/or gearbox so you may need to drive another car to compare.

I take your point but (a) I still think mine is annoyingly notchy, and (b) ny clutch pedal is massively stiff. I just drove home through traffic and my left leg is in agony......

[Carrera RSR]

Originally Posted by FieldingMellish

I take your point but (a) I still think mine is annoyingly notchy, and (b) ny clutch pedal is massively stiff. I just drove home through traffic and my left leg is in agony......

Go and test drive another 320d at your BMW dealer to make sure there's no problem with your car. Or when you are having the CDV done at Ant's get him to drive your car.

[FieldingMellish]

Originally Posted by carrerarsr

Go and test drive another 320d at your BMW dealer to make sure there's no problem with your car. Or when you are having the CDV done at Ant's get him to drive your car.

I will indeed let Anthony try it. He tried the clutch before and agreed it was very stiff. The notchiness would not bother me anywhere near as much if it weren't for the fact that it is just one contributory factor to a general problem area - notchy 2nd, stiff (and long, and inconveniently located) clutch pedal, CDV causing jerkiness...... Well, with teh CDV gone hopefully that will make a big difference.

[FieldingMellish]

Originally Posted by NFS

If you hold the gearstick against the gate momentarily, with firm pressure, does it eventually slot in?

Well, it's hard to draw a line between 'holding with firm pressure' and 'pushing through', but no, I don't think it does.

I have recently driven another E90, a 318d, and it had teh stiff clutch and a similar though not so severe notchiness.

Then again, I also drove Anthony's SR3 and his had a nice clutch action and I don't recall any undue notchiness.

[NFS]

Originally Posted by FieldingMellish

Well, it's hard to draw a line between 'holding with firm pressure' and 'pushing through', but no, I don't think it does.

I have recently driven another E90, a 318d, and it had teh stiff clutch and a similar though not so severe notchiness.

Then again, I also drove Anthony's SR3 and his had a nice clutch action and I don't recall any undue notchiness.

What I'm trying to describe is the 'normal' momentary resistance that you feel when trying to push the gearstick through the gate.

This is the synchromesh doing it's job and even now in my car it can take a fraction of a second for speeds to equalise and the stick to slot through the gate.

When newer the box in my car was noticeably stiff when trying to engage second gear. It almost felt as if their was a physical constriction at the gate and it took a fair amount of pressure to engage the gear.

I can't tell if this is what you are experiencing (in which case it's not unusual and it will go away) or if there is something more significant wrong with your car.

[FieldingMellish]

Originally Posted by NFS

What I'm trying to describe is the 'normal' momentary resistance that you feel when trying to push the gearstick through the gate.

This is the synchromesh doing it's job and even now in my car it can take a fraction of a second for speeds to equalise and the stick to slot through the gate.

When newer the box in my car was noticeably stiff when trying to engage second gear. It almost felt as if their was a physical constriction at the gate and it took a fair amount of pressure to engage the gear.

I can't tell if this is what you are experiencing (in which case it's not unusual and it will go away) or if there is something more significant wrong with your car.

Well, thank you for your helpful and considered posts. On balance, I reckon there is nothing 'wrong' with my car, what you describe sounds like what I'm experiencing on most other gears, a momentary resistance. BUt 2nd gear is notably notchier than the rest, and this of course makes itself felt more than other gears because you often want to be quick going into/through 2nd.

By the way, if I am rough with it - 'manhandle' it as someone recommended above - it just gets worse.

As you say, hopefully it will get better, loosen up, etc. Thanks for your help.

Cheers
John

[NFS]

Originally Posted by FieldingMellish

Well, thank you for your helpful and considered posts. On balance, I reckon there is nothing 'wrong' with my car, what you describe sounds like what I'm experiencing on most other gears, a momentary resistance. BUt 2nd gear is notably notchier than the rest, and this of course makes itself felt more than other gears because you often want to be quick going into/through 2nd.

By the way, if I am rough with it - 'manhandle' it as someone recommended above - it just gets worse.

As you say, hopefully it will get better, loosen up, etc. Thanks for your help.

Cheers
John

It does sound similar to my experience, in which case I would be 100% certain that it will improve over time.

Best advice I can give is not to 'manhandle' or force it, but to apply very firm pressure as you come up against the gate.

Mine was worst between 8000 and 10000 miles. After that, it totally loosened up.

[E92Vancouver]

I think first to second involves moving more gears around in the transmission. 1st to 2nd is the notchiest shift. 3rd to 2nd is smooth and 2nd to neutral back to 2nd is smooth, comparitively.