Shifter questions

[SixBanger]

Today was the second time in the past 3 months where I couldn't select first gear to drive off from a stop sign. Selecting Reverse didn't help, but finally putting it in second fixed the problem. Is this a serious problem or is it normal from time to time?
Also, I was on the turnpike and noticed my shifter moving slightly back and forth when I accelerated. On my 05 330i ZHP I never noticed this problem, is this normal too?
Myles

[RPM90]

Originally Posted by SixBanger

Today was the second time in the past 3 months where I couldn't select first gear to drive off from a stop sign. Selecting Reverse didn't help, but finally putting it in second fixed the problem. Is this a serious problem or is it normal from time to time?
Also, I was on the turnpike and noticed my shifter moving slightly back and forth when I accelerated. On my 05 330i ZHP I never noticed this problem, is this normal too?
Myles

Slight shifter movement is normal, but it shouldn't move a lot.
I'll have to take a closer look next time I drive mine.

As far as the gear select, this happens sometimes, but really, it shouldn't once there is some wear in. Did you try simply double clutching, just release the clutch pedal and engage it again, then select first.

Sound like something may be a bit off in there.
If it continues, take it in, they'll sort it out.

[SixBanger]

I took it in a couple months ago due to not being able to shift in Reverse every once and awhile. I hate being lyed to, especially from my advisors who is just getting me in the end to give him 5 stars : / .. In the end he said there was nothing wrong with reverse and said that the Service Manager, him, and the tech all got in the car and drove it. Sounds like I should go to a different deleaer?
Myles

[JimD]

Myles,

If a motor mount is disconnected it will make the car hard to find gears in - might be something to ask be checked. It would also cause a shifter to move more than it should. I've had problems getting every manual I've owned into first sometimes, however, and I have owned 7 others. So it is not unusual. The right thing to do is double clutch. Sometimes I just hold it in position for 1st and let the clutch out a little. Grinds the gears so it is not recommended but it will generally work.

Jim

[Notion-Za]

From my experience, Its just a trait for bmw gearboxes. Mine does it as well!! nothing to worry about!!

Spoke to a few different bmw drivers about this and they say its just how it is. Like you said, shifting the car into second then first will fix the problem!

[Tom K.]

Originally Posted by Notion-Za

From my experience, Its just a trait for bmw gearboxes. Mine does it as well!! nothing to worry about!!

Spoke to a few different bmw drivers about this and they say its just how it is. Like you said, shifting the car into second then first will fix the problem!

For a contrary view, I haven't observed this problem on any of the 4 BMWs I've owned. The one exception has been some difficulty when initially engaging first in subfreezing weather - easily remedied by either preselecting 2nd or allowing the engine to idle in neutral for a few seconds. BTW, when it comes time to change transmission fluid, switching to Redline MTL results in smoother shifts.

The slight movement or vibration of the shift lever seems to be a new "innovation" with the 1 series.

Tom

[oneintheory]

Mine does it too...I just move to a different gear then move back.

[SixBanger]

Thank you very much everyone forr your input! Next oil change i'll have my advisor have a tech check out the movement of the shifter. I bought a UUC shifter an hour ago online and hope this helps my mis-shifts into 2nd : (
Myles