1st & 3rd gear come and go 1981 BMW 528i e12 5spd

[wardenswife]

I have a 1981 BMW 528i e12 5sp. Most days, when the engine is cold, I have a hard time shifting into 1 and 3rd gears. Sometimes is won't go at all, but 2nd, 4th and 5th are still fine. After the engine warms up, things get better, but sill the linkage feels sloppy. Could changing the gearbox oil help or is it time for a new gearbox, or can your tighten something else? What type of gear oil is best?

ww

[4-Door Flunky]

If the linkage feels sloppy, it's because there's a little bushing on the shifter that needs to be replaced. I think it's supposed to have an inch of play. Mine is worn and has two inches of play.
The big reason it's hard to shift into the gears you mentioned is because the synchronizers are worn for those gears. I recommend double-clutching.
Double-clutching means that to shift from first to second, you clutch it to neutral, let off the clutch, and then clutch it to second. Truck drivers double-clutch every gear, unless they learn to rev-synch.
Rev-synching means you shift from one gear to neutral, and then from neutral to another gear...WITHOUT USING THE CLUTCH AT ALL! You do have to rev the motor up to the proper RPM first...
Truck drivers do that a lot. I don't recommend doing that with your BMW. I tried it on mine, and ground the synchronizers a little before I decided to call it quits.
And I'm a former truck driver, too!
But I'd recommend just driving the hell out it, and not having your transmission rebuilt/replaced until won't go into any gear, or won't come out of one. Practice the double-clutching. I know one guy with half a million miles on his transmission who has been double-clutching every gear since he's had it.
Flunky
PS-Double-clutching is easier on the transmission and clutch...but it's slower. Most people never do it unless they're driving a truck...or a tractor.
PPS-When Vin Diesel mentions double-clutching in The Fast and the Furious, he's just being an idiot. He doesn't know what it means.

[wardenswife]

Flunky-you're great. Thanx for the info.

I too have about 2 inches of play in the shifter, so I know what you mean there.
I will try out the double clutching. Maybe that will buy me some time, and I am sure that the bushings you mention, need replacing, as well as the synchronizers . I'm hoping some fresh gear oil will help a little, but sooner or later, a new/rebuilt gear box is a must. I should have fresh gear oil in about an hour. I'll be double clutching in the morning (or trying)

ww




love the '81 e12s!!

Originally Posted by 4-Door Flunky

If the linkage feels sloppy, it's because there's a little bushing on the shifter that needs to be replaced. I think it's supposed to have an inch of play. Mine is worn and has two inches of play.
The big reason it's hard to shift into the gears you mentioned is because the synchronizers are worn for those gears. I recommend double-clutching.
Double-clutching means that to shift from first to second, you clutch it to neutral, let off the clutch, and then clutch it to second. Truck drivers double-clutch every gear, unless they learn to rev-synch.
Rev-synching means you shift from one gear to neutral, and then from neutral to another gear...WITHOUT USING THE CLUTCH AT ALL! You do have to rev the motor up to the proper RPM first...
Truck drivers do that a lot. I don't recommend doing that with your BMW. I tried it on mine, and ground the synchronizers a little before I decided to call it quits.
And I'm a former truck driver, too!
But I'd recommend just driving the hell out it, and not having your transmission rebuilt/replaced until won't go into any gear, or won't come out of one. Practice the double-clutching. I know one guy with half a million miles on his transmission who has been double-clutching every gear since he's had it.
Flunky
PS-Double-clutching is easier on the transmission and clutch...but it's slower. Most people never do it unless they're driving a truck...or a tractor.
PPS-When Vin Diesel mentions double-clutching in The Fast and the Furious, he's just being an idiot. He doesn't know what it means.

[4-Door Flunky]

Well, did the fresh gear oil work? I'm on the edge of my seat here!
Flunky

[wardenswife]

Turns out you need a 17mm allen wrench let the oil drain out. I had to order one, (should be in today)so we are still up in the air at this time. We tried rigging up some bolts that might fit, but it just wouldn't break free. Of course the guy came mow the yard today too, so I'll have to look at the high patch where the car was, until next week, once I get this project overwith.

Tune in tomorrow. I should have a nice slightly used-very large allen wrench for sale.

ww

[wardenswife]

Hey Flunky-
The gear oil really seemed to help. There's still plenty of "slop" in between gears, but things feel "slicker". It slides into gear and doesn't feel like it's grinding as bad. I think I'll ride this for a while and see how it goes.

ww

ps - double clutching is harder than it sounds.

[4-Door Flunky]

Well, congratulations!
I'm glad your vehicle is shifting better, even if you did have to dig up a massive allen wrench.
Your husband was probably just itching to get one anyway!
Flunky
PS-Maybe I'll change the gear oil in mine..second is my difficult gear, until it warms up.

[wardenswife]

If you change the gear oil, call a friend and a piece of pipe. It took TWO men to get the plugs out. We tried heating up the area around the plugs and EVERYTHING, and they finally got it. This one was too much for me.

I'm back on the road now!


ww