For 6MT kind owners... (give me a hand, please)

bsp · 02-17-2009, 06:20 PM

Dear all,
I have some slight trouble with my gearbox (or clutch, maybe) and I would like to compare with others experience. Every once in a while, mostly when cold, 1st would not engage or would be difficult to engage, with a "2 gate feeling". I found a way to replicate the sub-standard behavior (see below).
My car is a 2yr old 320d, around 25Kmiles, but any 6MT is probably more or less the same.

So, to cut it short, if some kind souls out there are willing to replicate this and post here their experience, it would mean a lot to me:

1. Start the engine
2. Place it in neutral, release clutch
3. WITHOUT depressing the clutch, try to engage 1st. Not lightly, not heavily, but in a normal and determined way. You may keep it pushed forward for a few seconds. Should not engage, of course

. Release the pressure.
4. Now push the clutch down fully and try to engage 1st.

My question is : Does it engage smoothly, or it feels like something is in the way? Is it the same 1st you "know"?

In my case it's significantly harder to engage 1st in the last step, and it feels like it has to go past two or three gates before engaging, unlike the normal "1 gate" feeling.

Thank you for any help.

mmm def · 02-17-2009, 06:32 PM

no im not doing that with my car

methodtim · 02-17-2009, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmm def

no im not doing that with my car

Don't blame you.

PaulBailey@ltbmw · 02-17-2009, 06:46 PM

hahah nobody is going to grind their gears for you buddy. . .
Get CDV mod.
You'll be happy

blue2fire · 02-17-2009, 06:52 PM

That is like asking for pound of flesh.

BzsBimmer · 02-17-2009, 07:03 PM

There you go.
I think people will only go so far but to trash their own gears... I love the scene as much as the next person but c'mon

There.. I'll give you two hands

boymonkey · 02-17-2009, 07:15 PM

"WITHOUT depressing the clutch, try to engage 1st." - I don't think you should ever do that.

And like others pointed out, you might need to delete the Clutch Delay Valve so the engage is not delayed.

Gig103 · 02-17-2009, 07:21 PM

I've found that sometimes my first gear is resistant, and if I slide it into 2 (without engaging) and back to 1, it goes right in.

Also, I would encourage the CDV delete as well.

quiksilver1029 · 02-17-2009, 07:34 PM

I think I know how you feel. Sometimes when i'm stopped at a red light or whatever and I try to put first gear in (obviously with the clutch pedal in) for some reason it feels blocked. All you have to do is release the clutch, push it back in and 1st gear will go in. This has happenned to me only about 5 times in the 2 years i've owned my car. I have to say tho, that ever since I took out the stock CDV it hasn't happened again.

Arustik1 · 02-17-2009, 07:39 PM

Happens to me too...dont worry about it.

choopy · 02-17-2009, 08:12 PM

LOL Funny post OP!!

ohnoes · 02-17-2009, 08:15 PM

Happens to me on my E46 M3, too.

Perpetrator · 02-17-2009, 10:09 PM

Happens every now and then to me as well. As others have said, you can just let off the clutch, press clutch and try again. I've driven manual for years in both BMW and non-BMW cars, and this happens from time to time. Last comes to last, just put it in 2nd and go.

BK · 02-17-2009, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Perpetrator

I've driven manual for years in both BMW and non-BMW cars, and this happens from time to time.

Completely normal.

lamia2super · 02-17-2009, 10:35 PM

mine gives me trouble also when putting it in first but im changing the clutch and flywheel

should be done tomorrow next step is turbos then exhaust

Bobbykurva · 02-17-2009, 10:47 PM

Hey guys - I got into an accident the other day and my airbags didn't go off. Would one of you mind starting your car, redlining 1st through 3rd and then hitting a brick wall as you shift into 4th? I just wanna see if you guys experience the same problem.

Thanks.

joke of course

ohnoes · 02-17-2009, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobbykurva

Hey guys - I got into an accident the other day and my airbags didn't go off. Would one of you mind starting your car, redlining 1st through 3rd and then hitting a brick wall as you shift into 4th? I just wanna see if you guys experience the same problem.

Thanks.

joke of course

Sure, I'll try it, if you replace my car.

If Jeremy Clarkson did, why can't I? Never mind the fact he was in a semi...

Strongmad · 02-17-2009, 11:12 PM

If you are having trouble getting into first at a stop light, just double clutch it from nuetral. Works everytime.

spacedogg · 02-17-2009, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsp

Dear all,
I have some slight trouble with my gearbox (or clutch, maybe) and I would like to compare with others experience. Every once in a while, mostly when cold, 1st would not engage or would be difficult to engage, with a "2 gate feeling". I found a way to replicate the sub-standard behavior (see below).
My car is a 2yr old 320d, around 25Kmiles, but any 6MT is probably more or less the same.

I had an issue with my 6MT E90 325i where when I was stopped at a light and about to set off again, the car wouldn't shift into 1st gear. It was like the 1st gear was locked off. I could only shift into 2nd gear and set off, or shift into 2nd gear and then back into 1st gear. As this was annoying I tried to get the dealership to diagnose. They were unable to replicate the problem.

I believe it's normal operation of the synchros and they may not line up in certain conditions. Best way is just live with it...shift into 2nd and then back into first to set off.

Alternatively, you could try getting a shop to switch out the tranny fluid to Redline (or something similar). Apparently that stuff does wonders to make the shifting feel less notchy, etc. Might help with that problem as well.

visor · 02-18-2009, 12:54 AM

Ditto, it's normal.
There have been a handful of times in the past 3 years that 1st gear was "locked out" when I wanted to start moving from a stop light. No rhyme or reason to it.

Dan73 · 02-18-2009, 01:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobbykurva

Hey guys - I got into an accident the other day and my airbags didn't go off. Would one of you mind starting your car, redlining 1st through 3rd and then hitting a brick wall as you shift into 4th? I just wanna see if you guys experience the same problem.

Thanks.

joke of course

Hah, I was about to post the same exact thing.

SR|RED · 02-18-2009, 02:25 AM

I just experienced it today once... I thought being a newer car I wouldn't have to deal with issues I had in my 17 year old car... But clutching in a second time in neutral always seems to free things up... Just make it second nature and it won't bother you a bit... It helps that another owner told me about BMW trannies being a bit sticky.

02-17-2009, 06:20 PM	#1
bsp New Member 2 Rep 5 Posts Drives: E90 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Europe iTrader: (0)	For 6MT kind owners... (give me a hand, please) Dear all, I have some slight trouble with my gearbox (or clutch, maybe) and I would like to compare with others experience. Every once in a while, mostly when cold, 1st would not engage or would be difficult to engage, with a "2 gate feeling". I found a way to replicate the sub-standard behavior (see below). My car is a 2yr old 320d, around 25Kmiles, but any 6MT is probably more or less the same. So, to cut it short, if some kind souls out there are willing to replicate this and post here their experience, it would mean a lot to me: 1. Start the engine 2. Place it in neutral, release clutch 3. WITHOUT depressing the clutch, try to engage 1st. Not lightly, not heavily, but in a normal and determined way. You may keep it pushed forward for a few seconds. Should not engage, of course . Release the pressure. 4. Now push the clutch down fully and try to engage 1st. My question is : Does it engage smoothly, or it feels like something is in the way? Is it the same 1st you "know"? In my case it's significantly harder to engage 1st in the last step, and it feels like it has to go past two or three gates before engaging, unlike the normal "1 gate" feeling. Thank you for any help.
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02-17-2009, 06:32 PM	#2
mmm def Colonel 147 Rep 2,611 Posts Drives: 21 330, 19 ND2 RF, 11 RX350 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	no im not doing that with my car
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02-17-2009, 06:46 PM	#4
PaulBailey@ltbmw General 678 Rep 26,876 Posts Drives: 2-325 330 2-335 2-Z4 2-135 X5d Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Huntington Beach, CA iTrader: (34) Garage List 2008 BMW 335i E90 [7.00] 2011 BMW 335i E92 [7.96]	hahah nobody is going to grind their gears for you buddy. . . Get CDV mod. You'll be happy
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02-17-2009, 06:52 PM	#5
blue2fire Brigadier General 235 Rep 4,279 Posts Drives: BMW 135i Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Location, Location, Location iTrader: (8)	That is like asking for pound of flesh.
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02-17-2009, 07:03 PM	#6
BzsBimmer Major General 3435 Rep 6,818 Posts Drives: '23 G80 FO M3 & '23 G05 X5 M50 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Nor. Cal iTrader: (32)	There you go. I think people will only go so far but to trash their own gears... I love the scene as much as the next person but c'mon There.. I'll give you two hands
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02-17-2009, 07:15 PM	#7
boymonkey Lieutenant 41 Rep 530 Posts Drives: slow Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	"WITHOUT depressing the clutch, try to engage 1st." - I don't think you should ever do that. And like others pointed out, you might need to delete the Clutch Delay Valve so the engage is not delayed.
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02-17-2009, 07:21 PM	#8
Gig103 Major 76 Rep 1,324 Posts Drives: 2014 Tesla P85D Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Gilbert, AZ iTrader: (1)	I've found that sometimes my first gear is resistant, and if I slide it into 2 (without engaging) and back to 1, it goes right in. Also, I would encourage the CDV delete as well. __________________ Was: 2008 335xi sedan 6MT Black Sapphire Metallic Is: 2014 Tesla P85D (Blue Metallic) Wife's: 2013 Infiniti G37 S sedan 6MT, Black
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02-17-2009, 07:34 PM	#9
quiksilver1029 Lieutenant 58 Rep 535 Posts Drives: BMW 228i Mineral White M-Sport Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Boca Raton iTrader: (4) Garage List 2015 BMW 228i F22 [9.00]	I think I know how you feel. Sometimes when i'm stopped at a red light or whatever and I try to put first gear in (obviously with the clutch pedal in) for some reason it feels blocked. All you have to do is release the clutch, push it back in and 1st gear will go in. This has happenned to me only about 5 times in the 2 years i've owned my car. I have to say tho, that ever since I took out the stock CDV it hasn't happened again. __________________ 2015 F22 Mineral White Metallic M-Sport 228i 2007 E92 Sparkling Graphite Metallic 328i
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02-17-2009, 07:39 PM	#10
Arustik1 HYEPWR 103 Rep 2,868 Posts Drives: E46 M3 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Mesa, AZ iTrader: (3) Garage List 2007 E92 335i [0.00]	Happens to me too...dont worry about it. __________________ 2002 330ci Titanium Silver / Gray 2005 X5 3.0i Black Sapphire Metallic / Black 2002 M3 Laguna Seca Blue / Black 2001 M5 Jet Black / Black
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02-17-2009, 08:12 PM	#11
choopy Juicy Booty NomNoMnom 50 Rep 1,203 Posts Drives: 04 M3 Vert/2005 M3 Competition Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Lemont, IL iTrader: (0)	LOL Funny post OP!! __________________ 19" Monarch 410 Staggered \|\| Matte Black Grill \|\| 4" Exhaust Tips \|\| Dual Intake \|\| GP Tunders 7500K \|\| Money Tints \|\| JB2 \|\|Custom Start Button \|\| Updated!
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02-17-2009, 08:15 PM	#12
ohnoes Private 4 Rep 70 Posts Drives: '08 135i Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: NoVA iTrader: (0)	Happens to me on my E46 M3, too.
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02-17-2009, 10:09 PM	#13
Perpetrator Lieutenant 20 Rep 407 Posts Drives: E90 330i Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Fullerton, CA iTrader: (4)	Happens every now and then to me as well. As others have said, you can just let off the clutch, press clutch and try again. I've driven manual for years in both BMW and non-BMW cars, and this happens from time to time. Last comes to last, just put it in 2nd and go.
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02-17-2009, 10:35 PM	#15
lamia2super Colonel 147 Rep 2,661 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: May 2008 Location: Miami Beach, FL iTrader: (4) Garage List 2007 335i [10.00]	mine gives me trouble also when putting it in first but im changing the clutch and flywheel should be done tomorrow next step is turbos then exhaust
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02-17-2009, 10:47 PM	#16
Bobbykurva Banned 7 Rep 133 Posts Drives: 2005 BMW Z4 3.0i Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Connecticut iTrader: (0)	Hey guys - I got into an accident the other day and my airbags didn't go off. Would one of you mind starting your car, redlining 1st through 3rd and then hitting a brick wall as you shift into 4th? I just wanna see if you guys experience the same problem. Thanks. joke of course
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02-17-2009, 11:12 PM	#18
Strongmad Private First Class 13 Rep 139 Posts Drives: 335 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: nonja iTrader: (0)	If you are having trouble getting into first at a stop light, just double clutch it from nuetral. Works everytime.
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02-18-2009, 12:54 AM	#20
visor BMW, can I have some LSD please? 91 Rep 1,591 Posts Drives: 2017 F30 340i xDrive Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Vancouver, Canada iTrader: (0)	Ditto, it's normal. There have been a handful of times in the past 3 years that 1st gear was "locked out" when I wanted to start moving from a stop light. No rhyme or reason to it. __________________ 2006 330i \| TiAg \| Black \| Al \| 6MT \| Sports Package \| Logic 7 retired 2008 335i \| AW \| Black \| Al \| 6MT \| Sports Package \| Logic 7 retired 2013 328xi \| Red \| Gray \| Al \| 8AT \| Sports Line \| Premium \| Executive \| Heat Pkg retired 2017 340i xDrive \| Estoril \| Black \| Al \| 8AT \| M Package
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02-18-2009, 02:25 AM	#22
SR\|RED Private 10 Rep 66 Posts Drives: 92' 180SX Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Calgary iTrader: (0)	I just experienced it today once... I thought being a newer car I wouldn't have to deal with issues I had in my 17 year old car... But clutching in a second time in neutral always seems to free things up... Just make it second nature and it won't bother you a bit... It helps that another owner told me about BMW trannies being a bit sticky.
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