Stick not shifting smoothly even with clutch fully pressed

Rustic_potato · 10-01-2015, 03:34 PM

I have tried searching problem, but I couldn't find any that is related to the stick alone..

The issue is with the stick in my 2007 335i MT.
Disclaimer: I am pretty new to mechanics of a car, got me first car only a a few months back. Though I have been driving for a long time. I find a VW Jetta MT to have a smoother stick which I cant believe. Issue is that I have not driven any other manual 335is, so I cannot compare for myself..

When shifting gears, the stick seems to be rough even. Even with the clutch pressed fully while running/idle.
When changing gears, the stick doesn't not seem to move smoothly into place. It feels like it it hits a barrier and then falls into place. Same with all the gears. I find the transmission by itself to be smooth, but the stick is rough.

Possible suspicions and ToDos so far:

transmission oil change
CDV Delete

Three_thirty_I · 10-01-2015, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vignesh_335i

I have tried searching problem, but I couldn't find any that is related to the stick alone..

The issue is with the stick in my 2007 335i MT.
Disclaimer: I am pretty new to mechanics of a car, got me first car only a a few months back. Though I have been driving for a long time. I find a VW Jetta MT to have a smoother stick which I cant believe. Issue is that I have not driven any other manual 335is, so I cannot compare for myself..

When shifting gears, the stick seems to be rough even. Even with the clutch pressed fully while running/idle.
When changing gears, the stick doesn't not seem to move smoothly into place. It feels like it it hits a barrier and then falls into place. Same with all the gears. I find the transmission by itself to be smooth, but the stick is rough.

Possible suspicions and ToDos so far:

transmission oil change
CDV Delete

My E90's gearbox is fairly smooth once warm, but it can crunch when going from 1st to 2nd a bit quickly, and there are times when it feels as if there is a slight reluctance to engage a gear when changing, but not enough for me to complain actually. What I do find that catches me out on the odd occasion is if the clutch being depressed happens a bit too soon after releasing the throttle, it tends to cause a bit of a backlash or something similar through the drivetrain. My theory is also that it is the blasted CDV that is causing most of this. It's as if it is just delaying the clutch action enough to cause the backlash, and possibly the crunching when changing gears quickly. I keep talking about deleting the CDV but never get around to it... Gearbox oil is worth changing, and will probably do that in a while, as well as the diff.

Phil325i · 10-02-2015, 02:50 AM

Fitting uprated gearbox mounts (Rogue Engineering) really improved change quality for me. And yes, if you've done more than 40K, I'd change the transmission fluid too...

Rustic_potato · 10-02-2015, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Three_thirty_I

My E90's gearbox is fairly smooth once warm, but it can crunch when going from 1st to 2nd a bit quickly, and there are times when it feels as if there is a slight reluctance to engage a gear when changing, but not enough for me to complain actually. What I do find that catches me out on the odd occasion is if the clutch being depressed happens a bit too soon after releasing the throttle, it tends to cause a bit of a backlash or something similar through the drivetrain. My theory is also that it is the blasted CDV that is causing most of this. It's as if it is just delaying the clutch action enough to cause the backlash, and possibly the crunching when changing gears quickly. I keep talking about deleting the CDV but never get around to it... Gearbox oil is worth changing, and will probably do that in a while, as well as the diff.

I somehow feel that we are on the same boat..

Rustic_potato · 10-02-2015, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil325i

Fitting uprated gearbox mounts (Rogue Engineering) really improved change quality for me. And yes, if you've done more than 40K, I'd change the transmission fluid too...

I did a mechanic inspection at 107k when buying the vehicle and transmission fluid was good

deeLow · 10-04-2015, 08:02 AM

Changing the shift knob did it for me. Stock knob was terrible and not heavy. ZHP knob is weighted and greatly improved shifter feel.

Rustic_potato · 10-04-2015, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deeLow

Changing the shift knob did it for me. Stock knob was terrible and not heavy. ZHP knob is weighted and greatly improved shifter feel.

Could you get me the link to the knob please, thanks

deeLow · 10-04-2015, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vignesh_335i

Quote:

Originally Posted by deeLow

Changing the shift knob did it for me. Stock knob was terrible and not heavy. ZHP knob is weighted and greatly improved shifter feel.

Could you get me the link to the knob please, thanks

Google ZHP weighted shift knob.

Fundguy1 · 10-04-2015, 04:38 PM

Www.getbmwparts.Com has them. Mine shifts like butter with original fluid and clutch and 220,000 miles.

Rustic_potato · 10-07-2015, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fundguy1

Www.getbmwparts.Com has them. Mine shifts like butter with original fluid and clutch and 220,000 miles.

Going to order it soon

Rustic_potato · 10-08-2015, 04:08 PM

It just got shipped and it will be arriving real soon

Three_thirty_I · 10-08-2015, 05:55 PM

Great stuff! Hope it helps!!

Phil325i · 10-09-2015, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vignesh_335i

I did a mechanic inspection at 107k when buying the vehicle and transmission fluid was good

Erm...all that means is that the gearbox had fluid in it. It tells you nothing about the condition of the fluid. And I say again, at your mileage it should be changed...

Rustic_potato · 10-09-2015, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil325i

Erm...all that means is that the gearbox had fluid in it. It tells you nothing about the condition of the fluid. And I say again, at your mileage it should be changed...

I planning to change it this sunday

Its gonna be the first DIY i'm gonna do on my car :P

Efthreeoh · 10-10-2015, 07:40 AM

I've changed my gearbox oil every 100K, never noticed a change in shift quality. I've only used MTL-3 in it. I'm on the original clutch at 290K. I can say that the E90's clutch action is in rough shape as compared to my 36,000-mile '08 Z4 Coupe (uses the same clutch as the E90).

It may be your point of reference. If this is your 1st BMW with a manual trans, it may be behaving normally and you are not used to it. My 1972 Pinto (with a 4-speed Getrag) shifted smoother than any of the 4 BMWs I've owned...

Rustic_potato · 10-10-2015, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

I've changed my gearbox oil every 100K, never noticed a change in shift quality. I've only used MTL-3 in it. I'm on the original clutch at 290K. I can say that the E90's clutch action is in rough shape as compared to my 36,000-mile '08 Z4 Coupe (uses the same clutch as the E90).

It may be your point of reference. If this is your 1st BMW with a manual trans, it may be behaving normally and you are not used to it. My 1972 Pinto (with a 4-speed Getrag) shifted smoother than any of the 4 BMWs I've owned...

Mmh, Thanks, I'll be changing my transmission fluid next week and I'll let you know how it goes after that

Efthreeoh · 10-11-2015, 05:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vignesh_335i

Mmh, Thanks, I'll be changing my transmission fluid next week and I'll let you know how it goes after that

I'll bet you'll find no difference. Aged fluid is not going to change the shift quality of the gearsets inside the transmission. Now if you change fluid specs, that may change the shift feel. 20 -25 years ago or so, in my E30, cold weather shift quality was affected by the viscosity of the transmission oil BMW spec'd. Back then the common solution was to switch to Redline MTL, which did improve shift quality when the transmission was cold (not warm - it shifted the same). But changing from old fluid to new fluid of the same spec in your transmission I doubt will resolve your problem.

Now since the car is used, there could be a possibility that the previous owner(s) ham-fisted the thing and the shift mechanism is worn, or there is a bad trans or engine mount somewhere. It could be a mechanical issue and not a fluid problem.

Good luck with it.

Fundguy1 · 10-11-2015, 11:31 AM

Mine has 221,000. Original fluid. Original clutch. Zsp knob. Shifts like butter.
New motivation dual clutch 1000 hp and fluid going in soon with turbo install.

Rustic_potato · 10-11-2015, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fundguy1

Mine has 221,000. Original fluid. Original clutch. Zsp knob. Shifts like butter.
New motivation dual clutch 1000 hp and fluid going in soon with turbo install.

MMh, Thanks a lot fo rthe info, I think it just like you said "I can say that the E90's clutch action is in rough shape".. And it does shift like butter when its cold. Ill still give the oil a try next week, my zhp knob just arrived and ill be changing that too

Fundguy1 · 10-11-2015, 06:37 PM

Knob change is yank off, press on, done. If you got it, 2 second install.

Three_thirty_I · 10-11-2015, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fundguy1

Knob change is yank off, press on, done. If you got it, 2 second install.

Yep, if in doubt, check youtube. Just don't pull the gear knob off and have it slam you in the face!

maddmatth · 10-12-2015, 04:02 AM

I think the issue is you're comparing it with a VW, probably a newer model?

BMW manuals are just a bit harder, rougher than them. You're new to the car and probably just need to get used to it.

I had an E46 manual and around the same time drove my work's brand new VW Caddie 2013.
The VW had this super smooth and easy shifter, very different to the E46, actually felt like a kids toy it was so easy and soft to move.

The BMW one requires you to move it firmly, but once you get used to it, it's fine. Maybe not as good as the VWs though.

I should mention my E46 had horrible shifting at first. Transmission mounts were worn and drive shaft was a bit stuffed, after fixing that it became much more precise and consistent to shift, no more jamming/crunching. But it still requires that you're firm with it otherwise it wont engage properly.

10-01-2015, 03:34 PM	#1
Rustic_potato Private First Class 14 Rep 128 Posts Drives: 2007 bmw 335i Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Santa Clara iTrader: (0)	Stick not shifting smoothly even with clutch fully pressed I have tried searching problem, but I couldn't find any that is related to the stick alone.. The issue is with the stick in my 2007 335i MT. Disclaimer: I am pretty new to mechanics of a car, got me first car only a a few months back. Though I have been driving for a long time. I find a VW Jetta MT to have a smoother stick which I cant believe. Issue is that I have not driven any other manual 335is, so I cannot compare for myself.. When shifting gears, the stick seems to be rough even. Even with the clutch pressed fully while running/idle. When changing gears, the stick doesn't not seem to move smoothly into place. It feels like it it hits a barrier and then falls into place. Same with all the gears. I find the transmission by itself to be smooth, but the stick is rough. Possible suspicions and ToDos so far: transmission oil change CDV Delete Last edited by Rustic_potato; 10-01-2015 at 06:45 PM..
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10-02-2015, 02:50 AM	#3
Phil325i Brigadier General 628 Rep 3,198 Posts Drives: E92 325i MSport Coupe Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: UK South East iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 BMW 325i Coupe [6.00]	Fitting uprated gearbox mounts (Rogue Engineering) really improved change quality for me. And yes, if you've done more than 40K, I'd change the transmission fluid too... __________________ E92 pre-LCI 325i - Ohlins R&T; H&R spacers; M3 strut brace; Swift thrust sheets; 3 x chassis braces; diff brace; N53 V-brace; 034 subframe inserts; BMS clutch stop; BMS CDV; RE g/box mounts; Delrin shift bushes; Saikoumichi OCC; Cyba scoops; BMW Perf Exhaust; HEL s/steel brake hoses; M3 rear spoiler; Recaro Sportster CSs; M3 white dash LEDs; LED Angels; LED side repeaters; BMW Perf black grille; CSL reps; SSDD carbon diffuser; Monster Wrap black roof/clear front
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10-04-2015, 08:02 AM	#6
deeLow DOPE 148 Rep 758 Posts Drives: F80 Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Earth iTrader: (2)	Changing the shift knob did it for me. Stock knob was terrible and not heavy. ZHP knob is weighted and greatly improved shifter feel.
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10-04-2015, 04:38 PM	#9
Fundguy1 Major General 2036 Rep 8,339 Posts Drives: 335 e93 Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Orlando, fl iTrader: (0)	Www.getbmwparts.Com has them. Mine shifts like butter with original fluid and clutch and 220,000 miles.
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10-08-2015, 04:08 PM	#11
Rustic_potato Private First Class 14 Rep 128 Posts Drives: 2007 bmw 335i Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Santa Clara iTrader: (0)	It just got shipped and it will be arriving real soon __________________ ________E90 335i 6MT mHD, VRSF DP, VRSF 7" FMIC, SSK, TWM knob, BAddictions DLB, CSF Rad, Rattling Turbos
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10-08-2015, 05:55 PM	#12
Three_thirty_I Lieutenant Colonel 350 Rep 1,915 Posts Drives: 2010 BMW E90 330i M Sport Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Cape Town, South Africa iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 BMW E90 330i M ... [9.63]	Great stuff! Hope it helps!! __________________ 2010 BMW E90 330i M Sport (M) Ex: BMW E90 330i (M) '05 (His) \| (Hers) BMW E46 320i f/l (M) '03
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10-10-2015, 07:40 AM	#15
Efthreeoh General 18718 Rep 19,444 Posts Drives: The E90 + Z4 Coupe & Z3 R'ster Join Date: May 2012 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	I've changed my gearbox oil every 100K, never noticed a change in shift quality. I've only used MTL-3 in it. I'm on the original clutch at 290K. I can say that the E90's clutch action is in rough shape as compared to my 36,000-mile '08 Z4 Coupe (uses the same clutch as the E90). It may be your point of reference. If this is your 1st BMW with a manual trans, it may be behaving normally and you are not used to it. My 1972 Pinto (with a 4-speed Getrag) shifted smoother than any of the 4 BMWs I've owned... __________________ A manual transmission can be set to "comfort", "sport", and "track" modes simply by the technique and speed at which you shift it; it doesn't need "modes", modes are for manumatics that try to behave like a real 3-pedal manual transmission. If you can money-shift it, it's a manual transmission. "Yeah, but NO ONE puts an automatic trans shift knob on a manual transmission."
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10-11-2015, 11:31 AM	#18
Fundguy1 Major General 2036 Rep 8,339 Posts Drives: 335 e93 Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Orlando, fl iTrader: (0)	Mine has 221,000. Original fluid. Original clutch. Zsp knob. Shifts like butter. New motivation dual clutch 1000 hp and fluid going in soon with turbo install.
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10-11-2015, 06:37 PM	#20
Fundguy1 Major General 2036 Rep 8,339 Posts Drives: 335 e93 Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Orlando, fl iTrader: (0)	Knob change is yank off, press on, done. If you got it, 2 second install.
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10-12-2015, 04:02 AM	#22
maddmatth Captain 558 Rep 935 Posts Drives: E92 M3 \| Prev:E92 335i, F82 M4 Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Sydney iTrader: (0)	I think the issue is you're comparing it with a VW, probably a newer model? BMW manuals are just a bit harder, rougher than them. You're new to the car and probably just need to get used to it. I had an E46 manual and around the same time drove my work's brand new VW Caddie 2013. The VW had this super smooth and easy shifter, very different to the E46, actually felt like a kids toy it was so easy and soft to move. The BMW one requires you to move it firmly, but once you get used to it, it's fine. Maybe not as good as the VWs though. I should mention my E46 had horrible shifting at first. Transmission mounts were worn and drive shaft was a bit stuffed, after fixing that it became much more precise and consistent to shift, no more jamming/crunching. But it still requires that you're firm with it otherwise it wont engage properly.
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