[Tom K.]

My 5 speed E46 had that problem - but only when first run at ambient temps below freezing. While shifting into 2nd first would help, the problem was finally cured by switching to Redline MTL fluid at around 70k miles. IIRC, the E90 uses Redline D6.

Tom

[Ed328xiCoupe2011]

In MT you should never go from 6-1, 5-1, 4-1, 3-1, unless you have your clutch and break down until you are "almost" around 5-10km.

[project6]

Do you happen to have a favorite gear, by any chance?

[redlinedbimmer]

Originally Posted by blingman

What I used to do when I had a manual when coming to a stop is clutch down, and as car is under 10mph, I just push the stick shift into first with little pressure but dont force it in and as car comes to a stop and find the right moment when the syncros are lined up, it just slips in. I dont do that all the time, usually when coming to 4 way stop. But like others have said, putting it in second then back to first helps.

Now for reverse, if it goes in partially, I put it in first gear then try reverse again and usually goes in.

Another trick is when the gear is in partially in reverse, is to slowly release the clutch and as the car starts the move it will slide in fully. I've done it with every manual I've had and experience no problem. Once I started doing this, I've been doing it all the time.

worse advise ever, unless your goal is to grind the transmission, don't push the shifter into any gear unless the clutch is all the way down.

[Tom K.]

Originally Posted by project6

Do you happen to have a favorite gear, by any chance?

It's deja vu all over again!

Tom

[335BBS]

Originally Posted by Ed328xiCoupe2011

In MT you should never go from 6-1, 5-1, 4-1, 3-1, unless you have your clutch and break down until you are "almost" around 5-10km.

because..............

[blingman]

Originally Posted by redlinedbimmer

worse advise ever, unless your goal is to grind the transmission, don't push the shifter into any gear unless the clutch is all the way down.

Yes the clutch is down. Procedure: Clutch all way down, put in reverse, if its partially(half in) slowly release clutch, no gas needed and it will slip into gear, no grinding or any ill effect. As you're releasing the clutch, it slowly engages the engine, the tranny will find its spot and slip right in. You dont hear or feel any grind. Did this on my manual cars for over 100k miles. Try it at your own risk, I was just stating whats been working for me and for those that have done it this way, knows exactly what Im talking about.

I dont recommend this to new manual drivers as they are not comfortable with the clutch or are not familiar with the friction point and will feel the need to start adding gas before backing off the clutch.

[Flying_Dutchman13]

Originally Posted by redlinedbimmer

worse advise ever, unless your goal is to grind the transmission, don't push the shifter into any gear unless the clutch is all the way down.

Just to clarify, do you mean until the clutch is engaged? Or do you actually push the pedal to the floor for every shift?

[fl335i]

No problems here. Going from 1st to 2nd can sometime be a bit tough. Not a Honda shifter. Most sticks do what you're talking about... Let up on the clutch lightly. I give my trans a A. FYI, I have a magnetic fill plug in my trans. Always had good luck doing that on manuals.

[Clifton]

Originally Posted by blacknbean

once in a while it happens. i just goto second then first or blip the throttle and then put it in 1st.

+1

My E36 M3 does the 1st gear lock-out and the above has been the only way around it. Sometimes letting the car roll helps, but that does not work in traffic.