E46 330Ci - difficulty engaging gear
Discussion
Hi - I have a 2003 330Ci manual (5 speed). In the past month or two it has been difficult to engage reverse or first from cold - the gears just won't engage and I can hear a remote thump from the rear of the car as I try to get the gear. I have to row around the gearbox and engage 2nd or 3rd first before I can get reverse/first.
The clutch was replaced 12 months ago. Local garage changed the gearbox oil but no difference. Once it's up and running it's just fine - the problem only occurs from cold.
I would be grateful to hear of any potential solutions.
The clutch was replaced 12 months ago. Local garage changed the gearbox oil but no difference. Once it's up and running it's just fine - the problem only occurs from cold.
I would be grateful to hear of any potential solutions.
You may need to consult a garage. You're never going to get a reliable diagnosis by asking on the internet and without someone actually inspecting the car.
If you think about it, the problem is going to lie somewhere in either the pedal linkage to the clutch, the clutch pack failing to engage for some reason, or the gearbox baulking for some reason. Since you don't appear to be knowledgable enough to drop the transmission out and check it yourself, you're going to end up in a garage one way or another, so you might as well book it in..
If you think about it, the problem is going to lie somewhere in either the pedal linkage to the clutch, the clutch pack failing to engage for some reason, or the gearbox baulking for some reason. Since you don't appear to be knowledgable enough to drop the transmission out and check it yourself, you're going to end up in a garage one way or another, so you might as well book it in..
Common with that box, I had it from time to time. Had to put it in second then into first to align the synchros.
As it only happened when very cold, I put up with it, she was an old girl after all
I think some people have had good experiences with red line gear oil but personally I would just live with it
As it only happened when very cold, I put up with it, she was an old girl after all
I think some people have had good experiences with red line gear oil but personally I would just live with it
quick cheap and possibly may solve your problem as it clearly a clutch disengagement/hanging problem rather than a transmission one e.g oil etc etc Which gearbox oil did they use?
They should take MTL-2 spec 75W80.
I'll admit that my friend's even with the above is hard 'box to throw into gear. It does go in but you do need your shoulders to put it in! By comparison my W124 manual with more miles is much easier as are the Fords on the driveway. all with more miles on the clock.
They should take MTL-2 spec 75W80.
I'll admit that my friend's even with the above is hard 'box to throw into gear. It does go in but you do need your shoulders to put it in! By comparison my W124 manual with more miles is much easier as are the Fords on the driveway. all with more miles on the clock.
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff