shifting trouble

Tue Feb 07, 2012 12:32 pm

hi everyone, i've had a bit of a shifting issue since i've owned my car when engaging 1st gear. to engage it, i have to push it to the left and up(as you normally would) but then let off slightly when i push it left. that's the only way it will engage. anyway, i'm now starting to have trouble shifting from 1st to 2nd, sometimes i really have to fiddle about with the shifter to get it to engage. can anybody suggest what i can do? i saw a post saying changing from SAE80 to ATF Dextron II will help so will give that a go but thought i'd check before going ahead ;)

Tue Feb 07, 2012 12:40 pm

A swap to ATF will lighten the gearshift,but only re-building the linkage will give a decent gear-change.

Ideal oppotunity to install an improved,shorter shift as well.

This will help;

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... ar_Linkage

Tue Feb 07, 2012 6:41 pm

Is there any down side to using atf?

Wed Feb 08, 2012 8:05 am

thanks guys, think i'll just drain the gearbox and try the ATF, see how that goes. if there's no improvement i'll have a go at tackling the linkage rebuild

Wed Feb 08, 2012 8:25 am

ATF as in Auto Transmission Fluid ? - The pink stuff ?

Not heard of this before - are the no disadvantages of this ?

Wed Feb 08, 2012 9:29 am

capri_rob wrote:ATF as in Auto Transmission Fluid ? - The pink stuff ?

Not heard of this before - are the no disadvantages of this ?

I use ATF in both of my E30's,Rob,I seem to remember that it is the BMW recommendation for the later ZF built 'boxes!

In the Getrang 'boxes,it will make a worn 'box sound worse,but will give a much lighter shift when cold,as the ATF is thinner than gearoil.

I have been using it for at least 4 years with no ill effects.I started using it when 'er indoors moaned about 'heavy gears!'.....

Wed Feb 08, 2012 10:20 am

Might give that a go in mine - I suspect the current gear oil has been in there for 144k

Wed Feb 08, 2012 10:26 am

i asked the oilman, this question, but i would say do the linkage as well and short shift.

here is the answer i got

oilman wrote:Hi

The Gulf Comp is very good, everyone seems to be loving it.

You need an MTF for the gearbox and I would go with the Redline MTL, Amsoil MTF or Fuchs Sintofluid. The Millers EP or Motul Motylgear 75w-80 are good cheaper alternatives.

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/c-670-75w-80-75w-85-mtfs.aspx

Cheers

Tim