Potential bad problem..very bad...

[ZX2X5]

Does anyone have an X5 or any BMW with a manual transmission that has had it drop out of gear. I have an '02 3.0 X5 5speed w/50k. Several times under different circumstances my X has dropped out of 2nd gear shortly after shifting up from 1st. The first few times I thought it was me being half asleep or not paying full attenion and not properly engaging the linkage. Today I was wide awake and alert. My hand was still on the shifter when I felt vibrating oddly and it dropped out of grear with a "thunk." Is it something I'm doing or not doing. Or should I prepare my wallet for a sudden evacuation?

[motordavid]

'01 3.0 here, w/45K miles...have never missed a shift or
had it pop outta gear, (though the synchros can be beaten
regularly.) Hard to diagnose trannys by mail and it's been
"awhile" since I had one apart; I have neve seen the inside
of a BeamEr trans...jes'guessing, but it could be one or a
combo of the following:
-worn synchros
-bearing retainer shot
-trans loose or misalinged (too simple and not probable)
-bent linkage, but unlikely, or
other stuff. I'd head for the Best Privateer you have in your area...
I would not go near the Stlr: doubt they have seen many X5 manual trans new or old. And, BringMoneyWith you.
GL and let us know the diagnosis. BR,md

[Juanted]

Wow... so sorry to hear about that. I do not have a manual, so I can't help you. However, I WAS a mechanic in a previous life, and I well... the let's just say that the shifter pulling out of gear is not a good sign. I do wish you the best, and keep us posted. Good luck!

Juan