Problems Shifting

[sookiegg]

Question about shifting I just purchased today, a 98 M Roadster Z3 and I drove it home and at the end I couldn't shift. Any ideas, after it sat for a while it worked.

[e30m3]

probably need some more info. But here are a few things to look at. If the shifting is hard at first and gets better once the car warms up then you probably should consider using a lighter gearbox oil. I know that Redline do good ones. I use the Redline ATF in my 2.8 Z3 and its great in both hot and cold climates.

The thing that you describes sounds like shitfing gets 'harder' as you drive. Does this mean that when you press the clutch, its hard to slot out and into the next gear ? If this is the case then you might have a problem with your clutch system. Not necessarily the friction parts but the hydraulics. You might have a leak in the master cyclinder which drops pressure to the point of you not being able to shift.

The leak is probably small but its made worse when you shift, eg. driving home. Letting the car sit for a while in neutral probably tops up the pressure and allows you to work again. Probably try starting the car in neutral and with space available - put it in 1st gear and not let out the clutch. If there is a leak in the system you will probably start creeping forward once the pressure drops too low.