New here, with some 5 speed questions.

[GumbysE34]

Alright, so lets get to it:

Just purchased a 1995 525i 5 speed with 189k (I know, I know...I'll post pics soon in the Member Registry thread). The last few days of ownership have revealed a few quirks that I will be addressing over the next few months (and sooner, if needed). I'll be addressing the worst issue in this thread.

(I've done some detailed searching before posting to help you guys to be able to help me out better.)

So...I'm noticing a slight grind shifting into 1st gear (either downshift into 1st from 2nd OR at a stop from neutral into 1st). :(

> I have not tried putting the car into 1st at any higher of a speed than 5-10mph as that will almost guarantee a grind. (This is the biggest driveability problem this grind is causing.)

(All of these types of shifts, of course, are with the clutch fully depressed.)

> This is happening about 20% of the time when shifting out of Neutral into 1st gear at a complete stop.

> Every other shift is top notch and smooth as butter.

So, I'm wondering if the fix for this would be to drain the transmission fluid and replace with Redline MTF/MT90. Or are there/would this involve other methods of correction for this grind? (I've heard of synchro issues with 2nd gear but never 1st.) So, how can I fix this?

Thanks in advance guys!

[4500 RPM]

You don't have a great gearbox (Getrag G250) but I would absolutely change it with Redline, that's what I have. I can't remember the weight of the fluid though but you may be right.

I can't imagine you really need a synchro for first when it comes down to it so it's probably something you can live with after changing the fluid, and maybe double-clutch when it goes to first.

[5senses]

Wow.. i hope my gearbox doesn't go that route... how high does your clutch grab btw... also was the fluid changed b4 ownership and did the po state this issue b4 your ownership?

[GumbysE34]

The previous owner didn't mention replacing the fluid in the trans., and I'd assume it hasn't been done since the original owner had the vehicle serviced at the BMW dealership in the mid to late 90's and early 2000's (if this is even something a dealership would service, as most of the transmissions have "lifetime" fluids.)

The clutch grabs well from what I can tell. It grabs slightly after starting to release the clutch pedal from fully engaged. I haven't driven the car aggressively yet, so I don't know if there is any slippage yet.

Sunday Bump for some more input. Hopefully the experts will chime in?