hard to get into reverse?

[Newbieowner]

Any advice for my Zed really not wanting to go into reverse recently? Absolutely have to force it through the gate, foot is to the floor on the clutch, doesnt like first either but is better. Is quite a stiff box, but I dont know if its supposed to be silky smooth - its not. Have done a partial bleed of the transmission and top up with some new fluid recently but no change. No noises or shuddering or anything from the gearbox, just really tough to get into reverse and all gear changes require a very firm ram into the gates.

Any ideas on what could be the issue?

 

[AntStark]

Does your gear stick re-centre itself in neutral? Likely the pins are worn ..lots of threads on here about it. As you are in the south maybe a quick message to your local Zedshed @Lee …they have done a few of them.

 

[Newbieowner]

Does your gear stick re-centre itself in neutral? Likely the pins are worn ..lots of threads on here about it.

ooh, I havent checked if its centred. It does go into neutral and seem centred but I will check. Plus I'll search for the threads on pins, see if that matches what I'm getting

 

[Newbieowner]

Does your gear stick re-centre itself in neutral? Likely the pins are worn ..lots of threads on here about it. As you are in the south maybe a quick message to your local Zedshed @Lee …they have done a few of them.

Yup - exactly my issue, troubles on cold start then gets better as warmed up. Will book her in to get that fixed. Cheers matey

 

[AntStark]

troubles on cold start then gets better as warmed up.

Who doesn’t

 

[Newbieowner]

anyone know where I can get the replacement pins from and how many are needed?

 

[t-tony]

BMW parts. Lee listed the parts (and possibly part numbers) on one of the threads IIRC.

Tony.

 

[the Nefyn cat]

A bit late to the party, maybe, but does it make any difference whether the engine is running or not? If it's ok with the engine off but hard to engage gears with it on then you may have a dodgy clutch.

 

[Newbieowner]

A bit late to the party, maybe, but does it make any difference whether the engine is running or not? If it's ok with the engine off but hard to engage gears with it on then you may have a dodgy clutch.

That's an interesting view, I need to make sure but I think it goes in easily with the engine off, hard with it on. Easy also when going into 1st first, then reverse, don't have an issue. Cold start into reverse is the problem

 

[t-tony]

Does cold start, into first then reverse work? If it were me I would be tempted to change the gearbox oil (unless it’s been done “recently”) I haven’t noticed that it has been, but it’s a relatively inexpensive thing to rule out before committing to taking the gearbox out for repair.

Tony.

 

[Newbieowner]

Does cold start, into first then reverse work? If it were me I would be tempted to change the gearbox oil (unless it’s been done “recently”) I haven’t noticed that it has been, but it’s a relatively inexpensive thing to rule out before committing to taking the gearbox out for repair.

Tony.

Yes it goes in just fine when cold starting, then into first, then into reverse, no issues at all. Cold start straight into reverse it is not happy at all. I am going to do process of elimination first so she's booked in for a gearbox flush and oil change with some nice Amsoil synthetic fluid.

 

[Bazza]

I have just had my gearbox refurbished by Lee and the difference is amazing, having problems selecting
any gear definitely points to the selector pins

 

[the Nefyn cat]

That's an interesting view, I need to make sure but I think it goes in easily with the engine off, hard with it on. Easy also when going into 1st first, then reverse, don't have an issue. Cold start into reverse is the problem

Difficulty selecting a gear with the engine running, but not with it off, points towards a clutch getting tired/ not fully releasing on the splines. I'm not saying that the car wouldn't benefit from new springs and pins, or an oil change, either, but if it ain't releasing properly it'll never work.

 

[Ianmc]

Mine wouldn't go into any gear the other morning with the engine running. Had driven in very very wet conditions the previous day; rocked the car in second gear and the clutch freed up - all well since. Happened to me once before some years ago in another Z3.
I would suggest that the OP has a clutch issue.

 

[Pingu]

I've not read all the replies, but it could be air in the clutch lines.

 

[1955Davidr]

Mine has exactly the same issue so would be interested to see how it is resolved. I can live with it but Mrs R refuses to drive it, so in no hurry to fix it

 

[the Nefyn cat]

Mine has exactly the same issue so would be interested to see how it is resolved. I can live with it but Mrs R refuses to drive it, so in no hurry to fix it

Just the right time of year, too.

 

[1955Davidr]

Shame the garage door was as thin last time Mrs R tried a manual.