Manual transmission - gears

[leibniz]

Hey all:

My 5 speed shifts real smooth and it seems fine. However, when I am in a gear, the shifter has some play; some lag. I can move it left to right about an inch. Seems to be the same in any gear.

Is this symtomatic of a shifter problem? Anyone know?

I noticed that I don't have any play in the shifter on my domestic car, which is also 5 speed, so I ask the knowledgable ones.

Thanks.

[Kevin325i]

There's a part you need to replace to fix that in the shift linkage. Grr I can't think of it right now, but somebody on here knows it. I'll do some digging and see if I can find it. Or it could be the little delrin piece on the shift lever, but that's unlikely.

Kevin

P.S. You might want to put in a SSK as long as you have everything apart.

[jllphan]

Man, I just have to say, if anyone out there is planning on working on their gearbox, please install a short shift kit. I was always interested with past cars, but now that I have one, I have to say it is the most fun you can add for the dollar spent.

just my $.02

[leibniz]

Thanks for the replies.

I would LOVE a SSK to replace my gearbox. Problem is, I'm a computer techie, not an auto mechanic. There's no way I could do that myself. I'm just starting up a BMW CC here, so maybe I'll meet some knowledgable local folks who could assist. In the mean time, it shifts fine, so I'll just keep an eye on it.