04 530i trouble shifting

[kkmiller]

shifter struggles to go into 1st and 2nd gear, especially when cold. 2nd gear almost have to grind it into. is this normal for this car? YES, i am depressing the clutch all the way. 49k on the car. would hate to blow $300 at the dealer for them to tell me nothing is wrong!
thanks guys!

[sidewinder69]

Shifter linkages could be bent. Also synchros could be screwed.

My guess is it's the linkage since only first and second are shot. Also lift up the shift boot and check underneath.

I thought I had a problem with my shifter in my 91 volks. Turns out my cars air freshener fell into the ripped shift boot and feel inbehind the shifter so when I tried shifting into 2nd and 4th it hit the air freshener.

I was happy it was an easy stupid fix though.

[BAVARIANM]

Originally Posted by sidewinder69

Shifter linkages could be bent. Also synchros could be screwed.

My guess is it's the linkage since only first and second are shot. Also lift up the shift boot and check underneath.

I thought I had a problem with my shifter in my 91 volks. Turns out my cars air freshener fell into the ripped shift boot and feel inbehind the shifter so when I tried shifting into 2nd and 4th it hit the air freshener.

I was happy it was an easy stupid fix though.

What shift linkage? Everything is internal

[sidewinder69]

Whoops. HA!

My bad, thinking fwd. D'oh.

Just so everyone is clear I'm not saying I have the right answer I'm just throwing some thoughts out there.

[Getrag5]

My guess would be syncros, R-1 and 1-2 if it is syncros good luck!

[jaala8810]

Well with only 49k on the car i couldnt tell u, i think ur best bet would prob. be the shifter linkages, its pretty possible that they're bent....