Gearbox or Clutch issues?

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Jimerr
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 7
Joined: Tue Jul 10, 2018 11:00 pm

Post Thu Jul 19, 2018 9:48 pm

Hi Guys,

Recently my e30 318i has encountered an annoying problem when selecting reverse. Only sometimes, the car will get stuck in reverse, I mean it's so stuck you can't move the shifter unless you stall, plus, even if you have the clutch pressed flat to the floor, the car will try to reverse and try to stall. Other than that, the clutch doesn't seem to slip, but does have a chatter every now and again (which I though was normal given the age) and sometimes the idle can be a bit sluggish when putting the car into neutral. I'm just wondering if anyone has had any similar issues, and can give me the heads up before I start paying mechanics to look where they may not have to :)

My car is a manual e30 318i UK version if that help.

Thanks all.
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Gavt
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Joined: Wed Apr 10, 2013 11:00 pm

Post Thu Jul 19, 2018 10:33 pm

Sounds like master or slave cylinders going or air in the system. Check the foot well and bell housing for fluid. Even if there isn't fluid present they can leak internally not giving the correct fluid displacement to fully disengage the clutch. They arnt to expensive to change both but the master is awkward in the footwell behind pedals. I don't think it's anything to do with gearbox as it works once there is no drive input. E.g. engine off.
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aimlessrock
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Joined: Sun Dec 06, 2009 11:00 pm
Location: Manchester

Post Mon Jul 23, 2018 11:05 am

sounds like a leaking slave/master cylinder- change them both at the same time.
E30 320i Convertible (1989)
190 Mercedes (1988)

"there is nothing more expensive than a cheap E30"
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Jimerr
E30 Zone Newbie
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Posts: 7
Joined: Tue Jul 10, 2018 11:00 pm

Post Mon Jul 23, 2018 4:15 pm

Thank you guys, really appreciate the advice. I will contact a mechanic and ask him to check this out.