E46 320TD hatch 2003

[RexRich]

Hi all. Bought this nice little car with a fairly good history, 113,000, in 2016 . Goes nicely but the gear change is really notchy in first to second. Not a big problem but wondered if it can be improved ? . I don't know if it's direct into the selectors or is there linkeage ? . It's also has a real whine when taking off in first gear, fine after that and cruises very quietly . Is this normal gear noise ? .

Edited by RexRich on Saturday 21st October 09:53

[Mike335i]

Not sure you included the right picture haha

Notchy gearshift is part and parcel of the bmw boxes, not terrible as some suggest, but certainly notchy.

Improvements can be made by removing the clutch delay valve and fitting a weighted gear knob.

Not 100% sure, but I believe the whining noise can be resolved by replacing the gearbox oil.

Edited by Mike335i on Thursday 19th October 21:54

[Mr Tidy]

Yes, definitely the wrong photo OP!

I bought a 2004 320td back in 2005 and had it 3 years.

It was a great car but certainly did have a notchy gearchange, although it did improve as the miles went on (I bought it with less than 2K and did 43K with it). It's the only car I have ever had that could easily do over 600 miles on one tankful!

But at the mileage yours has reached I don't think it will get any better from use somehow!

As has been suggested a gearbox oil change can help (BMW claim they are sealed for life, but many find that an oil change improves them - my Z4 was definitely better after having one).

Good luck with yours!

[RexRich]

Thanks for the replies . Helpful .

Edited by RexRich on Saturday 21st October 09:55