Poor gearchange

[John Kaiser]

HI I have a 98 M Roadster when it gets hot it is nearly impossible to get it into gear (1st mainly)
I don't mind fitting a clutch as it has done 97K but I would hate it if I fitted one and still had a problem is there something else which could be causing it.

 

[Nodzed]

Hi change the gear box oil as it is most likely original due to BMWs oil for life policy If its never been done then it will make the world of difference.

 

[John Kaiser]

Thanks, I had the oil changed for a new upgraded oil about 6 months ago and it improved it but it was still not right.

 

[Nodzed]

OK well before you invest in a clutch consider a clutch fluid changed (if its not been done ) and a massive help will be a braided clutch line (again if its not got one) could be the fluids have deteriorated or pipe expanding.

@t-tony @Lee any advice to offer?

 

[t-tony]

Ditto all you have said Niall, only other possibility could be the release arm is bent out of shape not allowing the full throw out on the release fearing. Only way to find out is removing the ‘box and at 97,000 it’s a no brainier to change the clutch.
We’re assuming there is no noises coming from the bell housing when the clutch is depressed.

Tony.

 

[Delk]

I changed mine and was recommended standard gear oil originally. Alot of controversy with BMW boxes.

The shift got worse and worse especially with 1st and about 6 months later I was recommended to go with ATF. I know ATF is used in alot of manuals so was not suprised
But the change has been dramatic. First is far easier to engage and I am happy again.

 

[Delk]

PS, mone is a 98 2.8 so not sure it's the same box.

I have also heard of issues with the detent springs but this has to do more with not locking you out of reverse from what I understand.

 

[John Kaiser]

Thanks, I will get a braided clutch line as it seems to have standard one and change the fluid, I have been reading elsewhere the selector pins where subject to a BMW recall, I love the car and use it for European travel as well as UK and I need to ensure it is reliable its cost have been very reasonable for the 7+years I have had it apart from rebuilding the rear suspension and getting the A/C working, so don't mind spending a few bob to get it sorted

 

[John Kaiser]

OK, I had the oil fitted by a BMW guy but not approved, I am finding there are very few who understand these cars, I had a leaking vanos and told by dealers it needed a new one and found a guy in Amersham who just replaced the seals for about £130.

 

[John Kaiser]

no noise from the box and the clutch is not creeping or slipping but as you say its a no brainer to do the clutch at this mileage , again my main concern is getting it sorted rather than sitting on the side of the road in France, I brought it after years of owning so called classics which just leaked oil all over my garage floor and on any journey I was never sure would get me home.

 

[Lee]

OK well before you invest in a clutch consider a clutch fluid changed (if its not been done ) and a massive help will be a braided clutch line (again if its not got one) could be the fluids have deteriorated or pipe expanding.

@t-tony @Lee any advice to offer?

Yeah totally agree, most notchy and difficulty finding first can be sorted with fresh fluid.

Unless your having trouble finding the gates changing gears I would leave the selector pins alone.

 

[Lee]

Failing the fluid change, get the clutch line replaced or as said above fit a braided line. They turn into balloons when they get old

 

[John Kaiser]

Thanks Guys you have been very helpful happy new year

 

[Pingu]

Due to "getting worse when hot", I suspect the hose. Don't consider OEM as a replacement. If you are doing the job, get a braided hose - it is an excellent upgrade. It was a very difficult job when I did mine as the unions were seized, but I've only had to do it once, so it was a day well spent.

Does it get better if you pump the clutch?

From the symptoms, it could be...

a. worn clutch plate
b. poor fluid
c. leaking seal in slave cylinder
d. leaking seal in master cylinder
e. poor hose
f. bent release arm
g. air in the system

You will need to remove the slave cylinder to bleed the system as the nipple is not at the highest point in situ.

 

[John Kaiser]

I have ordered the hose and while that's on it way I will decide what to do about the clutch as I would be happy to do the hose myself, I don't fancy taking the box out to replace the clutch (at 67 I find it a bit difficult to get under the car ) and if I go down the clutch route I will ask them to fit it and change fluid in the system. In answer to your question no it does not get better with a pump and the gate is well defined Again thanks for all you help.

 

[Nodzed]

Good luck John hope you get it sorted
Happy New Year

 

[t-tony]

I have ordered the hose and while that's on it way I will decide what to do about the clutch as I would be happy to do the hose myself, I don't fancy taking the box out to replace the clutch (at 67 I find it a bit difficult to get under the car ) and if I go down the clutch route I will ask them to fit it and change fluid in the system. In answer to your question no it does not get better with a pump and the gate is well defined Again thanks for all you help.

If the "gate" is well defined you can pretty much rule out Detant springs/pins issues as this is their main purpose.

Tony.

 

[Grumps]

OK, I had the oil fitted by a BMW guy but not approved, I am finding there are very few who understand these cars, I had a leaking vanos and told by dealers it needed a new one and found a guy in Amersham who just replaced the seals for about £130.

That's a good price for the vanos seals.

 

[minesh patel]

I have ordered the hose and while that's on it way I will decide what to do about the clutch as I would be happy to do the hose myself, I don't fancy taking the box out to replace the clutch (at 67 I find it a bit difficult to get under the car ) and if I go down the clutch route I will ask them to fit it and change fluid in the system. In answer to your question no it does not get better with a pump and the gate is well defined Again thanks for all you help.

Hi John

What were the symptoms when you replied you had to change the vans seals? I have some slightly noisy tappet sound on mine and am trying to work out if it is an issue or normal for the type of engine i have, Also, where did you get the braided hose from please as I am looking to see if i need to change mine if/when i change the clutch fluid

 

[Steve Medlock]

Any chance of a link to a suitable braided clutch line please?

 

[Nodzed]

Any chance of a link to a suitable braided clutch line please?

https://www.helperformance.com/
I used these for braided brake lines they do the clutches too.