2nd gear problem - BMW Forum

Dan TM · 02-24-2009, 11:01 AM

When the car is cold, I have a hard time getting it into 2nd gear. either it won't go at all, or it grinds like I don't have the clutch depressed. 1st and 3rd also go in 'rough'. Once the car warms up, 10-15 miles, it gets better, but still rough. Do I need a rebuild? and if so, to what extent.
It's a '90 325i, 5 speed.

marti5 · 02-24-2009, 11:13 AM

I would say that you probably could do with a refurb, you could try doing a fluid change that may improve it, also it may cure it as it sounds like the fluid is very thick until it warms up.

JdmEuroNorth. · 02-24-2009, 11:20 AM

When's the last time you changed the fluid?

Switching to synthetic will help this out alot because it can withstand lower tempuratures without changing viscosity.

Dan TM · 02-24-2009, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JdmEuroNorth.

When's the last time you changed the fluid?

The guy I bought it from said he changed the fluid late last year.

marti5 · 02-24-2009, 01:48 PM

May have put the wrong fluid in or even he may have put normal oil in!!!!

Dan TM · 02-24-2009, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marti5

May have put the wrong fluid in or even he may have put normal oil in!!!!

Should be ATF, right?

JdmEuroNorth. · 02-24-2009, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marti5

May have put the wrong fluid in or even he may have put normal oil in!!!!

Engine oil is a proper lubricant for transmissions.

Check your owners manual or search google for the proper oil.

Probably going to be 5w-30 or syncomesh.(it won't say this in your manual but it's good stuff.)