540/6 popping out of reverse

[vixpix]

Just recently picked up a 95 540/6 with 150K miles.
Two previous owners and in great condition.
Gearbox shifts ok and synchros seem ok for 150K miles.
Clutch feels like it has some life left but I don't have service records.
The PPI stated that clutch fluid needs a flush but did not find any issues with gearbox or clutch.
I'm noticing that the gearbox will pop out of reverse after a cold start as soon as the clutch is released. It does not pop out of any other gears with normal driving.
Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.

[camaroguy]

Make sure you are absolutely all the way in Reverse. I have this problem once in a while and its never quite all the way in gear. Only seem to make this mistake when the engine is cold as well.

[E34nication]

Exact problem I have... I'm putting a new tranny in it. Can't remember the exact explanation I got from my mechanic as to why it happens.

[vixpix]

...new tranny...well I have to ask...how many $$$ ?

[E34nication]

They're usually in the 600-1k range from what I've seen... I'll probably throw a new clutch in it as well so it'll probably be about $2k all in.

[camaroguy]

haha, you cant really get a "new" one anymore I don't think. BMW will sell you a reman unit for around $5K last I checked.

You can get used ones when cars get totalled and such for $600-$1200 depending on condition if its "just" the trans and nothing else.

These were fairly rare in e34's (they can be found once in a while), but you can use the e39 trans w/out any problems, they made quite a few more of those.

Edit: i have no idea on labor since I would do the swap myself.

[E34nication]

When I say "new tranny" I mean new to the car. I bought a used tranny.

[jehu]

When I aksed about popping out of 4th it was suggested the shifter bushings had worn and what I thought I felt was far enough really didn't get the shift completed..

If I end up swapping the engine/tranny combo the other 540 had the UUC SSK installed a couple of years ago so the bushings are still good.. I'd hope the popping problem would vanish..

[Austin Charles]

check the bushings first. That white plastic ring wears out.

[E34nication]

When my tranny "broke" and the issues began it actually got stuck in 2nd gear. Janders can attest to the amount of force it took just to get the car out of gear.

[vixpix]

Thanks for the info. I'll start with fixing the external bits and pieces and hope for the best. If the E39/6 gear box is compatible I guess it shouldn't be too difficult to find one.

[jehu]

fwiw the gear box on one of my 540's has over 390,000 miles on it and shows no such behaviour.

Clutch and flywheel over 250,000 miles too