[GuidoDoc]

I have a new 335xi 6MT with only 150 mile and 4th gear has seemed a bit off right from the start. I suppose notchy is the word used in the other posts, which I have searched and read. I can't believe a synchro is worn already since I do push that third pedal down when I shift. Presumably they put new fluid in the tranny at the factory. It is a little cold here in PA but even at temps in the 40's it is notchy or clunky when I shift into 4th. The other gears are similar but nowhere as noticeable.

Could this just be cold temps? I have only had the car for 2 weeks so no chance to drive it in warm weather for a comparison. Thoughts?

[tres]

mine does the same thing but once it warms up its fine. this is my second 6mt and its no different.

[tirana]

Patience, likely a combination of you getting used to it and the gears wearing in. It should be smooth as silk (ironically the more aggressive the shift, the smoother the change). Shifting from 1st to 2nd is usually the notchiest. If it doesn't improve, though, take it to the dealer.

[JS82]

Our transmissions can be real notchy, especially when it's cold outside, so take it easy when shifting until everything has warmed up.
First to second gear is usually the worst/notchiest.
I would say it's completely normal, you will get used to it.
I recently installed a modified clutch stop, which shortens the clutch pedal travel, and this little thing makes shifting so much smoother.
Would definitely recommend it to any MT driver.

[Edward]

Typical of BMW manual gear boxes. Porsche and Audi have sweet gearboxes, BMW does not.

[ctuna]

It smoothed it right out. (43k on the car at the time)I can see how you might not want to change it in a new car but I can't see how something that makes it smoother would be bad for it. I might let it break in a little and then change it if I were to do so. Consult the Redline website app for the proper replacement fluids.

[MCOChuck]

4th gear is a bit “off” on mine too. Guessing it’s normal. I've also found shifting feels best when I'm being a bit rough with it.

[GuidoDoc]

Originally Posted by MCOChuck

4th gear is a bit “off” on mine too. Guessing it’s normal. I've also found shifting feels best when I'm being a bit rough with it.

Thanks for all the quick replies. I'll have to smack her around a bit until the stick goes in smoother. The car I mean, jeez...

[MCOChuck]

Originally Posted by liborio

Thanks for all the quick replies. I'll have to smack her around a bit until the stick goes in smoother. The car I mean, jeez...

There ya go. Don’t take any crap from your transmission!

[quattrosaint]

Originally Posted by Edward

Typical of BMW manual gear boxes. Porsche and Audi have sweet gearboxes, BMW does not.

I like my BMW better than my Audi, Porsche is great except in the Cayanne GTS talk about notchy!!!!!

[roundle]

Be thankful that you have a good, rigid linkage that lets you feel the gearbox.

Shifting will "feel" a bit easier after things break in (after 5K miles).

[tibra1]

^This,,it will break in and then you will yearn for that feeling again..nothing better than a crisp new gearbox and linkage...

[jaadoogar]

Originally Posted by JS82

Our transmissions can be real notchy, especially when it's cold outside, so take it easy when shifting until everything has warmed up.
First to second gear is usually the worst/notchiest.
I would say it's completely normal, you will get used to it.
I recently installed a modified clutch stop, which shortens the clutch pedal travel, and this little thing makes shifting so much smoother.
Would definitely recommend it to any MT driver.

JS82 - What type of modified clutch stop would you recommend?

[deacon4100]

Originally Posted by JS82

I recently installed a modified clutch stop, which shortens the clutch pedal travel, and this little thing makes shifting so much smoother.

how do you get past the wiring that will not allow the car to start without the clutch pedal depressed all the way? searched for DIY and could not find one that is successful...

[jon328i]

just take it easy for the first 1200 miles, after that smooth and creamy like butter shifter

[JS82]

Originally Posted by jaadoogar

JS82 - What type of modified clutch stop would you recommend?

I would recommend the clutch stop at Ebay from "pickyeater334".
I didn't expect much, but after I've installed it I was amazed about how smooth the shifts were.
This is by far the best and cheapest mod for my car and completely reversible if you don't like it.

[JS82]

Originally Posted by deacon4100

how do you get past the wiring that will not allow the car to start without the clutch pedal depressed all the way? searched for DIY and could not find one that is successful...

I don't see any wiring.
Press the clutch pedal all the way in and you can feel a little rubber thing right behind it.
Just remove that and replace it with your modified clutch stop.
I will try to take some pictures tomorrow.

[brocklanders]

i found that my 3rd and 4th can be notchy as well, but that was only after i put on the bms clutch pedal stop. not alot and only in 4th mostly and 3rd rarely, and only when i lazily shift if i try to go slow or if i shift hard it has never done it hot or cold. i figured it was from the clutch stop but maybe not, i was just going to remove one of the washers, but its so rarely and its not grinding, i doubt i will do anything. this is my first brand new bmw, i put the clutch stop on at about 4500 miles never noticed it before but it is houston and just recently started getting cold, or what we consider cold.

[billiebob]

My 2011 328i with 200 miles has such terrible 1-2 shifts I think something is wrong. All the other upshifts are very smooth. It's quite a shock and not at all pleasant. It better resolve itself. I don't want to have to jam the stupid thing
into second every time.

[328i M-Sport]

The second gear seems to be the most notchy on my car as well. The clutch stop made a big difference in reducing the dead pedal travel but had no effect on the shifter (for obvious reasons).

I can shift smoothly but it feels like the shifter is kind of hesitating getting into the gear. There is no grinding or anything like that, it just does not feel smooth.

[GuidoDoc]

I have noticed it be a bit better when its warm and if I show it who's boss. I never noticed 1st/2nd because I wasn't try to shift quickly. I guess the feel is normal just have to be careful not to go on a rhythm when shifting but actually wait until I know it went into gear.

[CJ421]

I agree that patience is the key with these transmissions. A 3-series is not a Honda S2000 that you can just slam through the gears ..... take it easy.

The 1>2 shift is infamous on BMWs. In my 335i, I rev to 3.8-4k and then shift, the revs fall just right and you can engage second smoothly at just above 2.2k.
If you short-shift first gear e.g. shift at 2.5-3k, you may notice the RPMs hesitate at ~2.1k. These cars have rev-hang (don't know about the 328).
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=585000

CDV delete is an absolute must for any BMW 6MT driver. Much smoother gear engagement, especially off the line.
If you want to improve the shifting experience further, consider getting an SSK such as the Rogue Engineering one.