[JakeC]

I've got an issue with my bmw, fully expecting to get shot down but need some help

Basically it wont go into any gear from neutral but..

If you start the car in gear it will drive absolutely fine, no problem with gear changes or clutch etc but as soon as you stop lift of the clutch, then clutch back on to put into gear it simply won't have it.

Been to a specialist today who told me new gearbox (doubtful)

Any advice?

Cheers

 

[frozen-north]

Will it not pull the selector into gear (stick stops short), or does it crunch the cogs ?

Sounds like it could be synchromesh failure in the gearbox along with a lazy clutch not disengaging fully, either way expensive

 

[FredDibnah]

Sounds like synchromesh issues.

When you try to put it in gear from neutral, have you tried holding the clutch down for 1 minute before selecting a gear? If it makes any difference then it is likely to be synchromesh.

If the gearbox is fine once you get underway (by starting it in gear) that would suggest gearbox is ok. Is it entirely normal or still notchy when it's running like that?

Have you tried other gears other than first when you start in neutral? How about reverse? (not sure if a BMW 330 has synch on reverse TBH....)

I definitely look to the clutch and a check of the synchromesh before shelling out 2-3k on a new gearbox.

Good luck.

How old is 330 by the way?

 

[JakeC]

Will it not pull the selector into gear (stick stops short), or does it crunch the cogs ?

Sounds like it could be synchromesh failure in the gearbox along with a lazy clutch not disengaging fully, either way expensive

It just wont go into gear, haven't tried over forcing it..

Sounds like synchromesh issues.

When you try to put it in gear from neutral, have you tried holding the clutch down for 1 minute before selecting a gear? If it makes any difference then it is likely to be synchromesh.

If the gearbox is fine once you get underway (by starting it in gear) that would suggest gearbox is ok. Is it entirely normal or still notchy when it's running like that?

Have you tried other gears other than first when you start in neutral? How about reverse? (not sure if a BMW 330 has synch on reverse TBH....)

I definitely look to the clutch and a check of the synchromesh before shelling out 2-3k on a new gearbox.

Good luck.

How old is 330 by the way?

It's still quite notchy but what throws me off is that it while moving its fine, it's only while its stopped that it does it

2003

 

[Joss]

As silly as it sounds have you checked the oil level. Alfa boxes get hard to select and pop out of gear when low on oil. Give it a change first before going mad and ripping stuff out. Oh and nowt wrong with a bm. I have one

 

[JakeC]

Recently put in some redline oil to try and get rid of the notchyness, no difference though..

It's very strange, I suppose the only thing I can do is take gearbox off to check everythin and if it all seems ok change the gearbox

 

[Joss]

Is that the correct oil. I know some manuafcturers stipulate a certain oil. Ford springs to mind. I'd look at your slave next and see if the clutch is fully releasing as frozen north said. Maybe the system needs bleeding

 

[zulu ferret]

What FD mentioned. Synchro cones, gear clutch hubs worn baulking the static engagement?

 

[Joss]

What FD mentioned. Synchro cones, gear clutch hubs worn baulking the static engagement?

surely its better to rule out the easy to check stuff first?

 

[zulu ferret]

Oh! as Joss said incorrect oil can give similar problems, I experieced the same with one machine we had. Correct oil/sorted.:

 

[zulu ferret]

Yep! go for the oil business firstly.:thumbs: What mileage has the box done?

 

[Joss]

good point ZF. What mileage is the box?

 

[JakeC]

It's definately the correct grade oil + I changed the oil after this started happening

The milage is 74k

There is a leak from the selector seal and has been for 3 years! not a bad leak just misting. Could it be possible some oil has got into the clutch plates making them stick?

 

[Joss]

Oil would make it slip if anything. 74 is a fair mileage and if it has never had a clutch then it could all just be get a bit stiff in there if it was the clutch not releasing properly

 

[philoldsmobile]

Is it a hydraulic clutch? Sounds like a dragging clutch to me, if the slave or master cylinder has gone this could be a factor. Try pumping the clutch several times with the engine running, then see if you can get a gear.

 

[JakeC]

Yes its hydraulic though pumping it doesn't make a difference. If the clutch was dragging wouldn't it try to pull off when in gear?

What I have noticed is if you try 3 or 4 times it will slip into a gear but I'm starting to think it's the gearbox not spinning up properly?

 

[Joss]

Nope. The clutch drags all the time which is why you have drive. It only doesn't drag when the clutch pedal is depressed allowing the first motion shaft to spin freely. The dog teeth and sycro allow the gears to line up to the rest of the drive train. If you clutch is dragging the first motion shaft will still be spinning. It is like trying to force the car in gear without a clutch. You basically have one shaft not spinning (output) and one being spun by the engine rather than be free when the clutch is depressed.. Its easier as you move along as both first motion and output are spinning but they will still be out of sync as the engine will be dragging it. This gives you your notchy feel. I feel phil is on to something here.

 

[JakeC]

I suppose good news is the clutch is the cheapest part. Thanks for the help guys :thumbs:

I guess next step is get the box off

 

[Joss]

I suppose good news is the clutch is the cheapest part. Thanks for the help guys :thumbs:

I guess next step is get the box off

You need to confirm it is the slave. What is the level like on the fluid (clutch/brake this time )?

 

[JakeC]

Fluid level is good

Whats annoying is i took it to a bmw "specialist" who told me after having it a full day it's most likely the box