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      01-20-2016, 07:47 AM   #1
nathwalsh4
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1 Series Notchy Gearbox

Hi Guys, I have a 2009 1 series hatchback and the gearbox seems quite notchy. Sometimes stiff to get into certain gears, once I have travelled some miles it seems to get easier, but it is making me not enjoy the car as much anymore.

Do you have any ideas? I've heard the gearbox oil could be replaced and helped? Anyone here had a similar problem with a good outcome? It's mostly first and second gear. Third and above are ok, could be the synchros but even they get better once the car is warm. So which is why I am getting a little annoyed with it.

I really appreciate anyone with time to respond.

Cheers
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      02-05-2016, 06:22 AM   #2
Sam G
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I have a 2008 135i. I have the BMWP short shift kit and you are right, it is slightly notchy (I like to call it manly) especially in the first two gears. Sometimes 1st is a real ball ache to get in. It's something people have mentioned in the past and I guess it's the syncro's in the lower gears making it difficult. Once things have warmed up its much better. You could try and change the gearbox oil and see if it helps but I think it's just the nature of the gearbox. Hope that helps!
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      02-05-2016, 06:59 AM   #3
Dackelone
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Change your manual transmission fluid! It will really help. I really like using Redline's ATF-D4 fluid in my manual gear box. (yes, its safe to use ATF-D4 in your manual gear box!) You could also go to any BMW dealer and buy some MTF-LT-5 trans oil. LT-3 was spec'd for your gearbox, but you can also use LT5 in it.

The gear box holds just over 2 liters of oil. It would also be a good idea to change your rear diff oil. You will need some way to suck out the old fluid, since BMW does not seem fit to install a drain plug! But its not hard to find a fluid extractor at the local hardware store. The diff uses 75w90 GL5 gear oil. I used Castrol SAF-XJ 75-140, since its slightly thicker and backwards compatible for all BMW models including ///M cars.

Read wolfe 's awesome DIY thread. I posted my DIY pics on page five, post #91. Also read page eight, post #174

DIY: manual transmission and diff fluid change
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=409293



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      02-05-2016, 07:24 AM   #4
MightyMouseTech
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I have been using the D4 in my winter E90 for a couple months now (did 2 flushes with D4). Not really that happy with it, still quite notchy. Will be trying MTL even though it is a winter car.
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      02-05-2016, 07:37 AM   #5
Dackelone
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech View Post
I have been using the D4 in my winter E90 for a couple months now (did 2 flushes with D4). Not really that happy with it, still quite notchy. Will be trying MTL even though it is a winter car.
I know you "like" MTL.

I still have not tested MTL yet. I'm just too afraid it will be too thick on those cold German mornings.

Another good transaxle oil is BG Products "syncro-shift". I have never used it in a BMW though. But it really is amazing at covering up worn syncros in old transmissions.
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      02-05-2016, 07:39 AM   #6
MightyMouseTech
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dackelone View Post
I know you "like" MTL.

I still have not tested MTL yet. I'm just too afraid it will be too thick on those cold German mornings.

Another good transaxle oil is BG Products "syncro-shift". I have never used it in a BMW though. But it really is amazing at covering up worn syncros in old transmissions.
Well, I will be trying the MTL in Canadian winter, probably much colder than German temps. Although, not this winter, have only seen -20 a couple times so far this year.
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      02-06-2016, 09:24 AM   #7
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Thanks. Will give that a try ☺
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      02-06-2016, 01:20 PM   #8
dailowill
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dackelone View Post
I know you "like" MTL.

I still have not tested MTL yet. I'm just too afraid it will be too thick on those cold German mornings.

Another good transaxle oil is BG Products "syncro-shift". I have never used it in a BMW though. But it really is amazing at covering up worn syncros in old transmissions.
Well, I will be trying the MTL in Canadian winter, probably much colder than German temps. Although, not this winter, have only seen -20 a couple times so far this year.
I can tell you for sure that MTL doesn't like the cold. I really have to baby the shifts on somewhat cold mornings <20 degrees F. During the spring/summer/fall it's fantastic though.
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      03-30-2016, 05:16 PM   #9
tjswarbrick
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Just ordered my D4-ATF!
It doesn't get that cold around here, but if it's under 50 I can feel a difference in the transmission until it warms up. Doesn't bother me, though, so if there's any improvement at all (warm or cold) I'll be really happy.
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