Hard shift from 2nd to 3rd with 6MT

[matsonsm]

Been driving stick for years now but have only been driving my 2008 335i for about 6k miles. Total the car has 36k.

At first I just figured it was me getting used to the clutch, but by now I should have it.

Any ideas why shifting from 2nd to 3rd is so difficult?

[nmonfared]

How fast do you let your foot off the clutch? The MT has a very annoying CDV (Clutch Delay Valve) which releases the Clutch and a constant rate no matter how fast you dump it. This is to prevent the clutch from wear and tear but for a seasoned shifter, can prove annoying. Try rolling your foot off the clutch a little slower than you usually do and see if that helps.

[boss2k]

I thought shifting from 1 to 2 is the hard part , now i have got used to the CDV and everything is smooth.

I agree to the above post, you need to take off the clutch a bit slower.

[nmonfared]

I thought shifting from 1 to 2 is the hard part , now i have got used to the CDV and everything is smooth.

I agree to the above post, you need to take off the clutch a bit slower.

I'll never get used to it. Every morning, like clockwork, my daily commute starts with me pulling off my court with my car having a mad seizure. Rest of the day is smooth sailing, but man that first shift

[matsonsm]

I would say that I shift pretty fast. It is just hard to believe that I feel like I have to "force" it into gear.

I know the release valve is pretty inexpensive but what is the typical install costs?

[rickshaw]

Sometimes I find shifting into first is hard from neutral on my 2006 325i 6MT Sport such as when stopped at a light. Does anyone else have that?

I end up shifting into second from neutral and then into first.

[matsonsm]

Same problem. But I keep trying to get it into 1st. I'll have to try going into 2nd and then 1st.

[nmonfared]

Sometimes I find shifting into first is hard from neutral on my 2006 325i 6MT Sport such as when stopped at a light. Does anyone else have that?

I end up shifting into second from neutral and then into first.

Can you elaborate? Do you mean the 1st gear just won't take it? Or that you just have to push harder to get it in?

Also, check your manual where it talks about your transmission oil/fluid. If you've never changed it you might not be getting enough lubricant.

[love2xlr8]

Hey Guys,

Remember also that the clutch has to be depressed only about 3/4 to the floor to shift smoothly. I had been experiencing harder shifts after I bought the car because I was unaware of this feature. I would recommend this if you aren't already doing so and slowing your release down a bit as suggested by Max....