1st to 2nd gear shifting trouble at 4k+ RPM

pogodigitalism · 09-18-2023, 08:02 AM

Hi there, I am a 19 year old car enthusiast (with already many km's in his golf mk2) that got his first BMW E82 120i coupe around 1.5 months ago. Every once in a while I feel like launching my BMW at the traffic light but I constantly come across the issue of the shifting.

When trying to shift into my 2nd gear at around 4k RPM, I am barely able to put the shifter in 2nd gear. I do not hear any sounds but it just feels like something is holding me up from putting it in 2nd. I often then give up and let it drop RPM's before im able to put it into 2nd since I don't want to stress the gearbox too much.

My BMW has around 160.000 km's on its name. I am trying to figure out what the cause of this shifting issue is and whether this is an easy fix or not.

Thank you in advance!

Edit: If you could explain the technical details of this issue I would appreciate it a lot as I have been actively learning more online regarding car mechanics

4JawChuck · 09-18-2023, 09:23 AM

CDV valve is a big one, just take it out.

Second is the shifter bushings for the shifter support fork, rubber oval bushings and rear fork support bushing are way too soft which allows the shifter to flex during fast shifts.

I did both of these mods and am finally happy with how it shifts under power at rpm.

brake-fade · 09-18-2023, 11:29 AM

I've only driven 3 128s and 2 of them needed the transmissions replaced under warranty at low milage because of intermittent grinding during the 1-2 shift. I don't know what caused this, and I know it's different from what you describe, but I think it was bad synchros in the transmission...maybe your issue.

an3ony · 09-18-2023, 12:21 PM

try double-clutching until you can fix your 1-2 shift synchros. pretty common issue

SKI-R · 09-18-2023, 09:54 PM

Given your description…..

Ensure your move from 1st to 2nd is STRAIGHT back……absolutely no tension toward the driver’s side. Harder to do when ‘speed shifting’ than you think.

If that fails to solve it, then it’s on to linkage bushings and fluid.

pogodigitalism · 09-21-2023, 11:57 AM

I will be sure to look into the synchros as I have read in a few posts online that this caused some issues.

Thank you all for the replies, possible answers and explanations

09-18-2023, 08:02 AM	#1
pogodigitalism Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: BMW E82 120i coupe Join Date: Sep 2023 Location: Netherlands iTrader: (0)	1st to 2nd gear shifting trouble at 4k+ RPM Hi there, I am a 19 year old car enthusiast (with already many km's in his golf mk2) that got his first BMW E82 120i coupe around 1.5 months ago. Every once in a while I feel like launching my BMW at the traffic light but I constantly come across the issue of the shifting. When trying to shift into my 2nd gear at around 4k RPM, I am barely able to put the shifter in 2nd gear. I do not hear any sounds but it just feels like something is holding me up from putting it in 2nd. I often then give up and let it drop RPM's before im able to put it into 2nd since I don't want to stress the gearbox too much. My BMW has around 160.000 km's on its name. I am trying to figure out what the cause of this shifting issue is and whether this is an easy fix or not. Thank you in advance! Edit: If you could explain the technical details of this issue I would appreciate it a lot as I have been actively learning more online regarding car mechanics Last edited by pogodigitalism; 09-18-2023 at 08:06 AM.. Reason: Addition
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09-18-2023, 09:23 AM	#2
4JawChuck Private First Class 216 Rep 104 Posts Drives: 2013 128i SE Join Date: Feb 2023 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	CDV valve is a big one, just take it out. Second is the shifter bushings for the shifter support fork, rubber oval bushings and rear fork support bushing are way too soft which allows the shifter to flex during fast shifts. I did both of these mods and am finally happy with how it shifts under power at rpm.
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09-18-2023, 11:29 AM	#3
brake-fade Private 112 Rep 97 Posts Drives: 128i, 6sp MT, Koni, Swift Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Rhode Island iTrader: (0)	I've only driven 3 128s and 2 of them needed the transmissions replaced under warranty at low milage because of intermittent grinding during the 1-2 shift. I don't know what caused this, and I know it's different from what you describe, but I think it was bad synchros in the transmission...maybe your issue.
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09-18-2023, 12:21 PM	#4
an3ony Private First Class 39 Rep 182 Posts Drives: 2011 135i Join Date: May 2012 Location: Saugus, MA iTrader: (1)	try double-clutching until you can fix your 1-2 shift synchros. pretty common issue
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09-18-2023, 09:54 PM	#5
SKI-R Working towards usefulness 159 Rep 238 Posts Drives: 128i, Tundra, B8S4 Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: Canmore iTrader: (1)	Given your description….. Ensure your move from 1st to 2nd is STRAIGHT back……absolutely no tension toward the driver’s side. Harder to do when ‘speed shifting’ than you think. If that fails to solve it, then it’s on to linkage bushings and fluid. __________________ 09 128i Slicktop - TCKlines, KMac Plates, M3 RSFB, M3 RSB, Hotchkis FSB/endlinks, 1M brace, Wavetrac, Coolerworx, JKVK headers, RPM Motorsport Tune, Yokohama A052 255/40/17s
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09-21-2023, 11:57 AM	#6
pogodigitalism Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: BMW E82 120i coupe Join Date: Sep 2023 Location: Netherlands iTrader: (0)	I will be sure to look into the synchros as I have read in a few posts online that this caused some issues. Thank you all for the replies, possible answers and explanations
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