E34 Transmission Problems

[Fëanor]

I own a 1991 535i stick shift, just passed 150k. I'm not even close to being a mechanic, and have only the most basic understanding of cars in general; so I may ask some stupid questions. Bear with me.

I'm having serious issues with my transmission. I can't shift into gear at all. Clutch down or not, the gearshift stops about halfway to the gear position, for all positions(R--5). With the car not running, the gearshift slides smoothly into place, of course leading me to believe that the clutch is not being disengaged when I push the pedal down. Although it won't even grind when I try to shift, the gearshift just stops cold, hitting a wall. I haven't the slightest idea as to what may be causing this.

The car has driven more or less fine up until tonight, when attempting to leave work. It even drove fine this morning.

Any information on a possible specific problem, ballpark price of repairs, etc. would be immensely appreciated. Thank you in advance.

[njtech]

Sounds as though you need a clutch. It could also be a hydraulic issue, ie a slave cylinder or a clutch master. Did the problem come on gradually or all at once? As far as prices email me tomorrow, when I get in to the shop I can get you a price.

Steve

[Fëanor]

Thank you for replying.

Shortly after I bought the car, I found a shop sales receipt in the glovebox, for replacing an ignition coil. Under "other recommendations" on the receipt, the mechanic had placed "clutch slightly worn". That was around 30,000 miles ago.

I haven't driven enough manual cars to know how to tell whether it was degrading or not, but it did make the odd slap noise now and again when pushing the pedal in. The total meltdown to undriveability last night was more or less instant though. It drove normally on the way to work, but when I came out to leave work, it wouldn't go into gear.

Clutch was my logical first assessment as well; I'll contact you tomorrow. Thank you for your help.

EDIT - I just remembered that yesterday morning, driving during heavy rain, I drove through a 3-5 inch deep strip of water that I didn't see along the right side of the road. I didn't feel any ill effects from it afterwards, aside from steering being a bit sluggish for the next mile or two. Could this somehow have contributed to a hydraulic issue in the clutch?