:devillook


A couple of days ago, I noticed that the transmission is difficult (I mean really difficult) to shift, both engaging and disengaging, at higher RPMs. Does this mainly in 2nd and 3rd. I had the fluid changed about a year and a half ago (25K miles) with factory fluids. What's going out on me? Throw out bearing? synchros? clutch? warped flywheel? the whole tranny?:eek:

'01 E46 M3 with 68k miles, manual

Mine is like this until it warms up mainly 1st &2nd for me though. But still not anywhere as smooth as my e36 m3.

Mine is like this until it warms up mainly 1st &2nd for me though. But still not anywhere as smooth as my e36 m3.

Yeah, I've had the car for years. This is a brand new problem that happens at temp. Happens at 5500+ RPMs.

Is this an all of a sudden new problem Mark, or something you just noticed??

First thought would be worn synchro's, or a clutch thats not fully disengaging. Have you tried bleeding the clutch?? Might have a touch or air in the line showhow, or the old fluid might be burnt and compressing. I've created/fixed this problem on lower hp FWD cars, but have yet to see it in a BMW, but anything is possible........

Is this an all of a sudden new problem Mark, or something you just noticed??

It started happening about a week ago. You're scaring me, Ken!

It started happening about a week ago. You're scaring me, Ken!

Mark, re-read, I edited ;)

Everything works fine at lower RPMs...no grinding. It doesn't make any noise (it is an E46) when it shifts. Its just really, really hard to get in and out of gear...

Hmm, doubt it's a hydraulic issue then.

Now you say 2nd and third. Going both ways (up AND down) into both gears? Or just up-shifting?

Dude, the title of your thread is classic.

Original clutch?

I have the exact same problem as of last week. Maybe slave cylinder?

Hmm, doubt it's a hydraulic issue then.

Now you say 2nd and third. Going both ways (up AND down) into both gears? Or just up-shifting?

Up shifting and down shifting. An example would be, I'm coming to a corner going 30ish, try to shift into 2nd and have to literally muscle it. There's no grinding, no noise what-so-ever. It just doesn't want to go. Then after I finally do shift, it really hard to get out of the gear. It almost wants to wait until the RPMs come down.

Dude, the title of your thread is classic.

:devillook Do you think people would look at a thread titled "Give me free advice about my transmission"?

Original clutch?

Yep. Do you think that's a possibility, G?

I have the exact same problem as of last week. Maybe slave cylinder?

I've read that the E46 has had issues with the flywheel warping but I don't know what the symptoms are...

My money is on the clutch...

Had a similar problem in the e30 before the clutch went bye-bye...

My money is on the clutch...



Wow! Thanks, Bill. I didn't want to ask but since you offered...Is that going to be check or cash?

Wow! Thanks, Bill. I didn't want to ask but since you offered...Is that going to be check or cash?

Third-party check. In an amount of $1,000,000. You take what you need for your repairs and send the remaining cash to me at an address to be provided.

Third-party check. In an amount of $1,000,000. You take what you need for your repairs and send the remaining cash to me at an address to be provided.
:D

My money is on the clutch...

Had a similar problem in the e30 before the clutch went bye-bye...

+1, when I had the E36 it happened to me as well.

Jordy is smrt.

I'd throw a clutch kit at it. If that ain't it, used tranny with the already new clutch kit. Doubt it's the flywheel, but get it lightened/resurfaced/rebalanced/whatever while you are at it. Probably should do a rear main seal as it's ~10 bucks and RIGHT there. Good time for a SSK too.

If you ain't doin the work yourself... good luck! Could get expensive real quick.

Slip an extra $20 in her...umm...wait, just how tranny are we talkin?

I'd throw a clutch kit at it. If that ain't it, used tranny with the already new clutch kit. Doubt it's the flywheel, but get it lightened/resurfaced/rebalanced/whatever while you are at it. Probably should do a rear main seal as it's ~10 bucks and RIGHT there. Good time for a SSK too.

If you ain't doin the work yourself... good luck! Could get expensive real quick.

Throwing parts at cars is NOT the right way to fix a problem, didn't we tell you that when your E30 wouldn't pass emissions??

YOur clutch is gone :(

LEt me understand this .Your trans shift fine at low Rpm but Hard to engage 2 and third ? Possible Problems
1 Pressure plate
2 Clutch Disk
3 Worst Case Bent shift Fork
The best advise would be to remove the trans inspect the pressure plate and clutch disk
after bleeding the master cylinder If that doesnt solve the problem .Than the tran is the problem .
Sorry for the bad news

Your Tranny is not doing what you want her to do because your pimp hand is not strong enough.

LEt me understand this .Your trans shift fine at low Rpm but Hard to engage 2 and third ? Possible Problems
1 Pressure plate
2 Clutch Disk
3 Worst Case Bent shift Fork
The best advise would be to remove the trans inspect the pressure plate and clutch disk
after bleeding the master cylinder If that doesnt solve the problem .Than the tran is the problem .
Sorry for the bad news

Thanks, Dave! Anything else I should change while I have it out? Tranny mounts, etc?

Your Tranny is not doing what you want her to do because your pimp hand is not strong enough.

[Darth Vader]The Pimp Hand is strong in this one[/Darth Vader]

YOur clutch is gone :(


No, its still there. Just isn't in ideal condition...

Mainly You need to figure out if its the clutch or pressure plate . If it's the trans you would be better off replacing it .than repairing it ! That be said replace the gubio/Flex disk and trans mounts .The other thing to check would be the piovit arm for the throw out bearing.It could be bent causing this issues .

Throwing parts at cars is NOT the right way to fix a problem, didn't we tell you that when your E30 wouldn't pass emissions??

Why not, boss? Sounds like a clutch to me.

Also, information I got on the emissions was wrong.

The clutch should work the same regardless of RPM. I don't have another option for you, other than the worst one, synchros, but I'm having a hard time believing it's the clutch.

The clutch should work the same regardless of RPM. I don't have another option for you, other than the worst one, synchros, but I'm having a hard time believing it's the clutch.

You've never had a clutch slipping at only higher RPMs?

Actually, I think I mis-read it. It's not slipping apparently, it's having trouble shifting. Personally, I think a clutch kit is the way to go. If it's the tranny, you pretty much gotta do a clutch while you are in there anyways. Just have to drop the transmission twice. e46s are not that bad.

Or take it to a shop and get a real diagnosis.

You've never had a clutch slipping at only higher RPMs?

Actually, I think I mis-read it. It's not slipping apparently, it's having trouble shifting. Personally, I think a clutch kit is the way to go. If it's the tranny, you pretty much gotta do a clutch while you are in there anyways. Just have to drop the transmission twice. e46s are not that bad.

Or take it to a shop and get a real diagnosis.

Iam one of the shop forman At united bmw in roswell bring it by if your in the area Ask for David would be glad to give some advise

Iam one of the shop forman At united bmw in roswell bring it by if your in the area Ask for David would be glad to give some advise

We really have to have a chat about the typing/spelling issues going on here...it hurts my eyes to read.

:shifty

We really have to have a chat about the typing/spelling issues going on here...it hurts my eyes to read.

:shifty


:rofl

We really have to have a chat about the typing/spelling issues going on here...it hurts my eyes to read.

:shifty

The new kid never said he could spell, he only said he could hand out parts. :shifty

Iam one of the shop forman At united bmw in roswell bring it by if your in the area Ask for David would be glad to give some advise

You must know Ken Thrower then! Tell him his stepdaugter's boyfriend says hi. Wow, that sounds like a redneck soap opera... No wait, he's in Gwinnett, nevermind. Say hi to someone for me, don't care who.

:devillook


A couple of days ago, I noticed that the transmission is difficult (I mean really difficult) to shift, both engaging and disengaging, at higher RPMs. Does this mainly in 2nd and 3rd. I had the fluid changed about a year and a half ago (25K miles) with factory fluids. What's going out on me? Throw out bearing? synchros? clutch? warped flywheel? the whole tranny?:eek:

'01 E46 M3 with 68k miles, manual
You need your transmission fluid changed; OEM or Redline. Do not know if
MTF-LT2 is still the latest OEM fluid or if they have LT3 now but people claim Redline lasts longer than the OEM. LT2 did not last too long for me but fluid change will most probably get rid of your problem.

My Tranny's Not Doing What I Tell Her...Then smack "her" around until she does.

Nobody said pimpin' was easy.

Amateur.

As for real help, can someone please explain to me why a clutch would cause hard shifting? I've worked on tons of manual cars for years and I don't understand how the consensus is that it's the clutch.

Does it shift easier when you are light on the throttle vs. hard acceleration?

Iam one of the shop forman At united bmw in roswell bring it by if your in the area Ask for David would be glad to give some advise

Haha, Steve Anton has told me alot about you....

We really have to have a chat about the typing/spelling issues going on here...it hurts my eyes to read.


+1

As for real help, can someone please explain to me why a clutch would cause hard shifting? I've worked on tons of manual cars for years and I don't understand how the consensus is that it's the clutch.

Does it shift easier when you are light on the throttle vs. hard acceleration?
Not all of us believe it's the clutch. I firmly, even vehemently believe it is NOT the clutch. It makes no sense.

You need your transmission fluid changed; OEM or Redline. Do not know if
MTF-LT2 is still the latest OEM fluid or if they have LT3 now but people claim Redline lasts longer than the OEM. LT2 did not last too long for me but fluid change will most probably get rid of your problem.

I was thinking of a flush first. LT2 is what's in there now...

The clutch does not slip at all. I did the "test" and the clutch grabs firm and stalls the car.

LOL Cant spell some of the time .Tell Steve Anton I said Hi >the rest of you Stop telling the guy its his clutch. You wont know untill you remove the trans and inspect it !!There a alot of things that can cause this problem .

Try flushing it .It may fix the bent shift fork

I was thinking of a flush first. LT2 is what's in there now...
If I was you I would put Redline this time to see if it will last longer. With or without flushing.

Try flushing it .It may fix the bent shift fork
Are you saying flushing the tranny fluid is going to fix the bent shift fork?
If so, good thing I do not take my car to United BMW.:nono

If I was you I would put Redline this time to see if it will last longer. With or without flushing.


Are you saying flushing the tranny fluid is going to fix the bent shift fork?
If so, good thing I do not take my car to United BMW.:nono
:lolNo the flush wont fix that's being FUNNY.

Are you saying flushing the tranny fluid is going to fix the bent shift fork?
If so, good thing I do not take my car to United BMW.:nono





Sarcasm is stating the opposite of an intended meaning especially in order to sneeringly, slyly, jest or mock a person, situation or thing. It is strongly associated with irony (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irony), with some definitions classifying it as a type of verbal irony intended to insult or wound. An example of sarcasm is using "that's fantastic" to mean "that's awful".

Sarcasm is stating the opposite of an intended meaning especially in order to sneeringly, slyly, jest or mock a person, situation or thing. It is strongly associated with irony (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irony), with some definitions classifying it as a type of verbal irony intended to insult or wound. An example of sarcasm is using "that's fantastic" to mean "that's awful".
Or, "thanks for the clarification". Right? :waveHowdy.

Not all of us believe it's the clutch. I firmly, even vehemently believe it is NOT the clutch. It makes no sense.

Agree'd.

Sarcasm is stating the opposite of an intended meaning especially in order to sneeringly, slyly, jest or mock a person, situation or thing. It is strongly associated with irony (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irony), with some definitions classifying it as a type of verbal irony intended to insult or wound. An example of sarcasm is using "that's fantastic" to mean "that's awful".

:lol :lol :lol

Sarcasm is stating the opposite of an intended meaning especially in order to sneeringly, slyly, jest or mock a person, situation or thing. It is strongly associated with irony (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irony), with some definitions classifying it as a type of verbal irony intended to insult or wound. An example of sarcasm is using "that's fantastic" to mean "that's awful".

You never know if someone from the dealer is being sarcastic or serious, I do not take any chances and ask to be sure.

I'd say it sounds more like a binding shifting linkage and/or worn motor/tranny mounts but that would be stating the obvious..

Also a possible bad slave or master cylinder might cause this?

Also a possible bad slave or master cylinder might cause this?

I thought Boozie was talking about trannys? Now we have masters and slaves involved. What kind of sick f@ck are we dealing with? :help










:devillook

my .02 Boozie.... It's not the master, the slave or the clutch. If it were, it'd be happening across all gears, not just a select two.

I'd rule out the shifter linkage as well, since it is happening on both an upstroke, and downstroke, and again, it would influence all gears.

Something is going on inside the gear box. Definitely start with the fluid. I have heard both sides on the Red Line fluid usage. I don't use it any more in the e46+ gear boxes. e46 fanatics has quite a bit of info on the various fluids they've tried, their longevity, etc. You might check there for some further info.


A couple of quick easy tests for you as well:

On cold start, let the car run for about ten seconds or so. Push the clutch pedal to the floor and wait for about 5-6 seconds. Try shifting through the gears.

Do the same test when the car is hot, and tranny is hot. (You might have to stroke her a bit)

Let us know what the results are.

my .02 Boozie.... It's not the master, the slave or the clutch. If it were, it'd be happening across all gears, not just a select two.

I'd rule out the shifter linkage as well, since it is happening on both an upstroke, and downstroke, and again, it would influence all gears.

Something is going on inside the gear box. Definitely start with the fluid. I have heard both sides on the Red Line fluid usage. I don't use it any more in the e46+ gear boxes. e46 fanatics has quite a bit of info on the various fluids they've tried, their longevity, etc. You might check there for some further info.


A couple of quick easy tests for you as well:

On cold start, let the car run for about ten seconds or so. Push the clutch pedal to the floor and wait for about 5-6 seconds. Try shifting through the gears.

Do the same test when the car is hot, and tranny is hot. (You might have to stroke her a bit)

Let us know what the results are.

Good points.. Hope this works out for you Boozie!

It's not the master, the slave or the clutch. If it were, it'd be happening across all gears, not just a select two.

I agree 100%.

I'd rule out the shifter linkage as well, since it is happening on both an upstroke, and downstroke, and again, it would influence all gears.


I'm not so sure. linkages are a funny thing. they can bind and scrape in all kinds of ways especially if the mounts are bad and allowing the whole thing to shift around (no pun intended..).

I guess try the fluid but fluid will only keep the problem from getting worse too quickly... but it will get worse.

Iam one of the shop forman At united bmw in roswell bring it by if your in the area Ask for David would be glad to give some advise
My offer stands.

my .02 Boozie.... It's not the master, the slave or the clutch. If it were, it'd be happening across all gears, not just a select two.

I'd rule out the shifter linkage as well, since it is happening on both an upstroke, and downstroke, and again, it would influence all gears.

Something is going on inside the gear box. Definitely start with the fluid. I have heard both sides on the Red Line fluid usage. I don't use it any more in the e46+ gear boxes. e46 fanatics has quite a bit of info on the various fluids they've tried, their longevity, etc. You might check there for some further info.


A couple of quick easy tests for you as well:

On cold start, let the car run for about ten seconds or so. Push the clutch pedal to the floor and wait for about 5-6 seconds. Try shifting through the gears.

Do the same test when the car is hot, and tranny is hot. (You might have to stroke her a bit)

Let us know what the results are.

Early this morning, started the car, waited 10 seconds and shifted through the gears. First was a little difficult to get it into all others were fine. The second go 'round all gears engaged fine. Just the normal clunky E46 tranny. Got to work (hour and fifteen minutes) parked and ran the test again. Butter.

I tried a few other things while driving this time. I took the car up in revs (without accelerating hard) and tried shifting. It was hard but not nearly as hard. Then put it in second at low RPMs and accelerated hard, then shifted to third. It was like it was frozen.

The feeling when downshifting and upshifting is like the feeling you get when you "try" to put it in first around 40 MPH (NO, I DON'T DO THIS...it is for dramatic visualization). It doesn't go into gear, but it doesn't grind either. Now its just doing it at much lower RPMs.

My offer stands.


Thanks for the offer! I think I'm going to let it blow up and leave it on the side of the road.:shifty

Tell me were so I can bring the marshmellows we can have a carbque

Update for those interested parties: Fluids were changed with Redline. Old fluid looked bad but not burnt. It did have some shavings. The fluid change helped with regular shifting (made it smoother) but worsened other things (getting some grinding in 3rd). It appears to be something internal.

Luckily, I have an aftermarket warranty (by Honda of all people). They sent an adjuster out to look at it and have agreed to replace the tranny.

Now on to the good stuff! Since they're going in, they are going to install a UUC lightweight flywheel and clutch (M5), UUC SSK, shift knob and tranny mounts.

Thanks to everyone at Harrison Motorsports! :redspot

Congrats