Difficulties selecting gear from standstill

[F1Wannab]

Hi. Just bought a very nice 1997 Z3 M Roadster with only 66.000 KM on the dial. Car in perfect condition. From standstill however selectin 1. gear can be very "heavy". No sounds or problems from the gearbox what so ever when driving, only when selecting. How "heavy" is the movement supposed to feel? There is no problem with the sync. mechanism. Any ideas/comments? Does anyone have experience with a "short shift" mechanism for this car? Thanx.

[BimmerE39]

It's actually pretty normal on BMW's for there to be some resistance when going into first gear from neutral. This can be particularly true on some of the models which have a shorter throw as a short shifter tends to add notchiness to the shifter feel.

[tpz3]

I have a 1998 Z3, 45,000 miles, same kind of issue when putting car in reverse. I have to use 2 hands. Is this normal as well? Like F1Wannab no unusual sounds, scraping from gear box or clutch

[BimmerE39]

No, the synchros are really notchy so I don't think it's unusual. You can loosen them up by putting the transmission in neutral and shake move the shifter from left to right in neutral. This loosens everything up and it should go into gear easily.

[darkhorse737]

trapped air in clutch lines?

[F1Wannab]

Found this: http://www.zvolution.com/documents/2...d_to_Shift.pdf

and loads of other good stuff ....

[tpz3]

Thanks for the info. I'll give it a try and see how it goes. the bulletin was interesting...I wonder how hard this would be to do yourself...

[F1Wannab]

Removing the gearbox is not DIY I guess