E30 Zone

My gearbox doesnt select first, is very tempremental with 2nd, all other gears seem fine.

What could this be?

(Manual on an M42)

Has it got gradually worse? Sounds like the synchros are fooked on 1st and 2nd but check the linkage as it could be something simple. If it is the synchros then a replacement box would be favorite.

Is it an auto or manual?

^good question.

Its a manual on an M42 will edit the first post

may be the clutch not clearing correctly , is reverse a problem too ?

Could be a badly worn linkage or the scooby mi flop could be worn......

When you try to select first does the gear stick hit the centre console?

blackcountrybimmerman wrote: the scooby mi flop could be worn......

What????

charlE30 wrote:

blackcountrybimmerman wrote: the scooby mi flop could be worn......

What????

I can't remember what it's called.... the bush (I think)type thing that connects the gearstick to the gearbox????

I've heard it banded about a couple of times....

BTW charlE30, are you up for a Midlands meet?


Sorry rix313 for the slightly off topic post....

blackcountrybimmerman wrote:

charlE30 wrote:

blackcountrybimmerman wrote: the scooby mi flop could be worn......

What????

I can't remember what it's called.... the bush (I think)type thing that connects the gearstick to the gearbox????

I've heard it banded about a couple of times....

Just put a reply in the meets section

charlE30 wrote:

blackcountrybimmerman wrote:

charlE30 wrote:
What????

I can't remember what it's called.... the bush (I think)type thing that connects the gearstick to the gearbox????

I've heard it banded about a couple of times....

Just put a reply in the meets section

lol

back on topic,when the car is stationary is it only first gear that you cant get?
once the car is moving gear selection is easier anyway!
does it do it all the time?ie,cold/warmed up

blackcountrybimmerman wrote:BTW charlE30, are you up for a Midlands meet?


Sorry rix313 for the slightly off topic post....

Tis fine, your description of the thingy mabob makes up for it haha.

Reverse does select but with a fair clunk.

Is the clutch adjusted correctly?

Being a car from the 80's, with a clutch that has to be topped up, I would assume that you can adjust them?

Not 100% sure, but I'm sure one of the more experienced members will be able to shed some light on it.

does it do it all the time or does it ease up once you have been driving a while?

It just doesn't do first. Second got worse recently.

The clutch is wankered though, with foot going through the floor, a knats fart about of movement on the peddle causes the car to start crawling.

i dont think there is any ajustment on an e30 clutch ,but could be wrong on that . i think im right in saying that as the clutch wears out the biting point gets higher , so i would say you have a hydraulic / fluid problem .

Seeing as you have said clutch is fubar'd I would suggest it's that.

When you are pressing the pedal to the floor and your car still moves, it is either the clutch itself or slave or master cylinder which has gone.

to me it sounds like the slave or master cylinder as if you've got your foot to the floor on the clutch and the cars still crawling it means the clutch isn't getting fully depressed

6 pots dont need 1st gear

sounds like your master or slave has packed up and the other will be going with it not too long after.
Could alwas try replacing the fluid first

Its had a new master and slave cylinder. I did one of them before cost me £80 from BMW stealers.

Engine is coming out soon so wil give me a better veiw.

Bled the clutch system?

So just explain what happens when you try to engage first at a standstill.

Very stiff, but will go in and the car starts to edge forwards straight away?

1st just doesn't happen it's as if there isn't a gear there.

2nd grinds but then engages, all the other gears seem fine.

If it grinds then the input shaft is being driven with the clutch pressed, which takes us back to the clutch not working as it should.

Have you checked the fluid level? And have you tried bleeding it?

The level is right up one of the first things I did.

Will try bleeding it but I know the previous owner had troubles with it so may just find a new box and go a-fresh with the new engine. I've got a new clutch will try it with the current box if not I'll put another one in and see what happens

Bleed the clutch System. The clutch can be quite difficult to get a good bleed. Do a search and you will read about it.

There is no need to go looking for new gearboxes though.

Buy yourself a gunsons easibleed if your still having problems.