Notchy shifter.......

[sawbones]

Hey guys,

I am a new owner of a 98 M3 5 speed. My stock shifter seems to be quite notchy, similar to the S4 shifter that the M3 replaced. I was under the impression that the BMW manual tranny was alot smoother than the S4, but from looking through the archives, it seems that this notchiness is normal. I will be soon upgrading to the Rogue Engineering SSK and would like to know what items I should look at replacing when installing the shifter. Also, any fluid recommendations?

TIA!

[habbie]

Hey guys,

I am a new owner of a 98 M3 5 speed. My stock shifter seems to be quite notchy, similar to the S4 shifter that the M3 replaced. I was under the impression that the BMW manual tranny was alot smoother than the S4, but from looking through the archives, it seems that this notchiness is normal. I will be soon upgrading to the Rogue Engineering SSK and would like to know what items I should look at replacing when installing the shifter. Also, any fluid recommendations?

TIA!how many miles? i use redline mt90 its a little notchy when cold but smooth when hot and a lot thicker then atf for added insurance.

[Mad Dog 20/20]

MT90 is thick stuff and will increase effort/notchiness - especially this time of year. I had it in an effort to quiet the tranny rattle caused by a LTW flywheel.

Go with Mobil One ATF or Redline ATF/MTF. I've used these with excellent results. Mobil One was the best.
I've heard great things about Royal Purple.

Keep in mind that a SSK will INCREASE notchiness. Rogue's kit is nice and complete. Has everything needed. I put one in my car this past summer. Likey. :)

[Rav3Cultre]

Redline fluid here, quite smooth.

[WhiteM32]

Redline for sure, and yes, the Rogue SSK will increase nothiness, but it feels so great when shifting, Craig, is the notchiness only when engaging certain gears? I always felt that second gear had the biggest hangup, BTW, Islacked on the seats friday, they ought to go out tomorrow, and watch your paypal for the return my friend
Rich

[Cacatfish]

Hey guys,

I am a new owner of a 98 M3 5 speed. My stock shifter seems to be quite notchy, similar to the S4 shifter that the M3 replaced. I was under the impression that the BMW manual tranny was alot smoother than the S4, but from looking through the archives, it seems that this notchiness is normal. I will be soon upgrading to the Rogue Engineering SSK and would like to know what items I should look at replacing when installing the shifter. Also, any fluid recommendations?

TIA!

It's a pretty notchy tranny in general and after 100k or so, I would expect a bit more "delay" especially in the second and third shifts.
SSK exacerbates it quite a bit also.

[r6jon]

I replaced my fluid with Amsoil ATF and there was a remarkable difference that at 8k miles later is still remarkable. I think I have one of the smoothest trannys now - partly due to excellent break in by previous owner (old man) and excellent fluids.

[nightkrawler]

before you buy a ssk, try this. use redline d4 atf, get a weighted shift knob, and do the weighted shift rod mod. made a world of difference in my trans, shifts are like butter now. try this before you scrap the stock shifter. http://www.ohiomotorcycle.com/understeer/cheapwsr.shtml

[sawbones]

Redline for sure, and yes, the Rogue SSK will increase nothiness, but it feels so great when shifting, Craig, is the notchiness only when engaging certain gears? I always felt that second gear had the biggest hangup, BTW, Islacked on the seats friday, they ought to go out tomorrow, and watch your paypal for the return my friend
Rich

2nd gear is the worst, but some hangup going into the rest. Reverse can be a bear as well. Looking forward to the seats! Thanks!

[sawbones]

Thanks for the input. I was already planning a SSK prior to even purchasing the car and I understand it will increase the notchiness. I just want to make sure I am checking everything on the shifter/tranny to reduce it. The cars has 70k, so I'm sure it's due for new fluid and plan on taking care of that when doing the shifter. Hopefully, that will smooth things out a bit.

Craig

[habbie]

The cars has 70k, so I'm sure it's due for new fluid and plan on taking care of that when doing the shifter.
you mean you didn't know our cars have "lifetime" tranny fluid? :D