6MT Shifting Effort Inconsistency, Looking for Feedback

[Celestion]

Problem 1: Rarely, when shifting to reverse after a cold start, the shifter will get stuck somewhere between the final reverse position and the safety gate thing. The issue goes away after returning to neutral and trying again.

Problem 2: Up-shifting effort, in general, varies wildly. This is most prominent however on 2-3, and 3-4 shifts. When performing these shifts, I often feel an extra click or two of mechanical resistance/lugging in the gearbox that isn't always there. When this happens, it almost feels as if something is getting in the way of the final in-gear position and I have to push past it.

Does anyone else experience these problems? Any ideas what either of these could be?

[boss2k]

are you on factory shift knob, suggest moving to a weighted one.

[MonacoMurphy]

Originally Posted by boss2k

are you on factory shift knob, suggest moving to a weighted one.

I second this.

Bought a titanium shift knob and overall feel and throw is much better.

[SakhirM4]

Have you tried using the clutch?

[lippy]

I'm getting out of an '08 335i 6MT with 125k mi and into an M4 (6MT). Since it was new, the tranny in the 335 occasionally will require a bit of muscle. More when cold than when warm. That really hasn't changed much since when it was new, and it's essentially the same now, with 125k mi. My point is that some of this is natural with almost any MT.

[brianeck]

Every once in a while the same thing you're noting with reverse happens to my first gear.

Usually if I just engage second gear and then throw back up to first it will go in smoothly. Its kind of weird but I've gotten used to it.

I actually had the same problem I just mentioned in my 335 and then the synchro went and they had to warranty replace some tranny parts. . . Not to scare you or anything but that could be a similar issue.

[al3xander]

Originally Posted by brianeck

Every once in a while the same thing you're noting with reverse happens to my first gear.

Usually if I just engage second gear and then throw back up to first it will go in smoothly. Its kind of weird but I've gotten used to it.

I actually had the same problem I just mentioned in my 335 and then the synchro went and they had to warranty replace some tranny parts. . . Not to scare you or anything but that could be a similar issue.

Same here with 1st.

[SROC3]

Maybe your clutch needs adjusting? I'd take it into the dealer and ask them. You shouldn't have to deal with crap like that. I personally have a 6MT and don't have those issues. While a weighted shifter might help the "feel" of it, you should not be having difficulty with the stock shifter to begin with.

[KZEVO]

I have 4K miles on mine and haven't experienced anything out that has got my attention except for the shifter getting stuck and not going into reverse a handful of times.

[Lynchmob6]

Once in a while I have an extra "click" from third to fourth. Used to it with 13K on the clock. Happens maybe once per week.

[Lee808]

ive had this happen on a lot of different cars especially when the trans is cold still. Im no pro, but I believe its because reverse gears on manual cars dont generally have syncros. Its a cumbersome thing when the trans donesnt let you into reverse, but can easily be solved by letting the car roll a few inches, going back to neutral and trying the gear again.

[G35POPPEDMYCHERRY]

if you ever drove a 6spd g35 then you dont know what driving manual is....


but sometimes its rough and shit, but cars are not perfect

[dinonz]

Not experienced either problem you describe in my 6MT - it's been fantastic from day 1.

[OMMMG]

Well my 3rd is super notchy for some odd reason

[Jeffe]

Originally Posted by al3xander

Same here with 1st.

I've always done this with every car I've ever owned that was manual. I thought this was standard in newer cars equipped with manual.

[S65V8]

sorry, have to say, if you know how to properly shift there are zero issues...

[Celestion]

Originally Posted by SROC5

sorry, have to say, if you know how to properly shift there are zero issues...

lol, ok. glad you were able to drive my car and assess it for me.




Anyway.... I'm starting to notice that these issues are happening mainly when the transmission is cold. I'll change change the transmission fluid and see if that helps.

[morgan302]

It seems to me that shifting ease or not depends on what type of driving you are doing. At speed the trans is perfect at lower speeds you can feel the spring assist in the trans but not a problem at all. If you think reverse is a problem you should try my 36 Ford not that requires attention

[Ultimate Driving Giraffe]

I've not noticed these issues with my 6MT. It does shift a little bit "stiffly" before the engine/drivetrain is warmed up, but that stiffness is pretty consistent through the gears. Once the engine/drivetrain is warm, I think it shifts quite well.