Manual transmission trouble
 

Hi!

I have 2003 X5 and warranty running out. Friend of mine noted that transmission has a problem. Basically, what happens is that when shifting from 5th gear to neutral - shifter stays below 5th gear and not returning to center. It's not always issue while driving, but it does look unusual. You have to push it to the left to let it "click" into center.

I also have problem shifting into 1st gear. This is occasional. It wouldn't shift from first try on dead stop. I can't duplicate it to show at dealership.

Is is a problem? Do I have to push dealership into looking harder? Any advice?

Thanks!

I don't think it is transmission related, as much as it is shifter related. Could be bad bushings in the shifter linkage.

This is an E36 article, but facts hold true.
http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/tech...t_Bushings.htm

I know for the fact that is was a problem with 528 E39 and there is TSB's for that. People had transmissions replaced under warranty. I personally wish it's just bushings... I don't even care if I had to do it myself. I just don't want to miss opportunity if transmission shows signs.

doesn't sound like the trans is the problem. From what you've stated all the issues are occurring at the shifter, not the transmission. If you said you felt hesitation or slipping, that would indicate transmission fault.

My car does this especially when the engine is cold and hasn't warmed up... Regarding the problem getting the car into 1st from neutral from a standstill, try shifting to second first and push up to 1st, that's what I usually do... Other than that, I have adjusted the little quirks in my car and just know how to get it in first...(took a long time though)

I test drove other BMW's with a stick shift and have had similar symptoms (it's just more pronounced on the X5)

Have you ever changed the transmission fluid? I have heard that switching to redline fluids help shift smoother, but the problem isn't annoying enough to me to shell out the coin to do the tranny flush..

Mine has this into first quirk, but not anything with other gears. I do the same thing - throw it into 2 first then back up to one. Sometimes it goes into 1 on the first time, sometimes not.

I changed my fluid 2k miles ago to RP MTF and it was better for a while, but it still does it on occasion. Personally, I am not too concerned.

My wife drives that car. I noticed yesterday that she automatically does 2nd and then 1st shift. So, she figured this is the best way to shift and she does it automatically. Well. I don't really like that. Transmission feels "notchy". I drive 540i/6 and it's not like that at all.

Will see what happens at dealership, will replace oil when it's out of warranty. I use Neo oil in 540 and it helped a lot with 2nd gear synchros.

Folks, what about shifting from 5th to neutral? Does it go into center automatically? Or you have to move it there?

I also have a 5 speed. I've experienced the issue going into 1st. I simply go to 2nd then 1st. It does not happen often. It's definitely NOT a transmission problem. It could be the bushing. I'm looking into a short shifter mod. It's really a non-issue to me.

My pops right into neutral, from 5th or 4th or 3rd...

Occasionally a little stiff into first and it's been notchy/a lil' rubbery
since day one, 6 yrs & 59K miles ago. My Vette shifts much better
as do my M'cycles. Figure it's just the beast.
GL,mD

Mine recenters to neutral by itself.

I've noticed the same thing on mine ('01 Sport w/ 93k miles), but it only happens under certain circumstances- when I'm braking and downshifting from 5th to 4th to 3rd (to take a freeway offramp). It only ever happens at this certain clover offramp where I have to hit the brakes and downshift simultaneously.

Then I have to jam it into 4th...when I downshift to third as I'm taking the curve, I have a hard time putting it into 3rd, and goes back into 5th, ending up in my having to coast around the curve.

I just put up with it and workaround is to just keep it in 4th long before I have to slow down for the turnoff.

At all other times, it goes straight to the center / neutral position as soon as I shift out of 5th. Weird.

1 st gear is not an issue
 

I have seen it on all stick cars I drove in last 20 years, from Lada to Lotus, some are better, some are worse. 5th gear issue is worth investigating, but I would start from linkage before blaming gearbox. Good luck.