cdb3113
05-02-2006, 12:38 AM
Hello all, I am looking for some help. 5k miles ago I purchased my first BMW, 1998 e39 540i6. It is just over 76k now.
This problem has snuck up on me, but over the last couple thousand miles it has felt like there was a lof of friction in 1st and second gear. Then sometimes with the clutch pressed in fully, if I went to second it would catch like the clutch wasnt in at all. Quite surprising. It has happened a couple times in 3rd now as well as 4th. 5 and 6 feel buttery smooth, but the rest of the gears have almost a grating feel to them. To top it off, just today it did the second gear thing twice in a row, and then as I sat in neutal I tried feeling for the gates. The shifter felt loose and out of place. It was very strange. After putting it into first and going, it returned to normal. Any ideas? This issue seems to be worsening. Would changing the transmission fluid do anything to help?
I am still learning this car, so I am generally easy on the clutch. I let a friend try it for about 2 miles and I swear he was trying to rip it apart, but I took my keys back. Unfortunately I do not have the service records. How long do these clutches normally last? Thanks for the help in advance!
btw, I am looking for a new shift knob. Ive heard stories of people trying to get theirs off and hitting themselves in the head... well mine popped off when shifting to second the first night I had it. It ended up in the backseat! Its the 6spd of course, with leather and some wood-looking finish. Thanks again!
-cd
This problem has snuck up on me, but over the last couple thousand miles it has felt like there was a lof of friction in 1st and second gear. Then sometimes with the clutch pressed in fully, if I went to second it would catch like the clutch wasnt in at all. Quite surprising. It has happened a couple times in 3rd now as well as 4th. 5 and 6 feel buttery smooth, but the rest of the gears have almost a grating feel to them. To top it off, just today it did the second gear thing twice in a row, and then as I sat in neutal I tried feeling for the gates. The shifter felt loose and out of place. It was very strange. After putting it into first and going, it returned to normal. Any ideas? This issue seems to be worsening. Would changing the transmission fluid do anything to help?
I am still learning this car, so I am generally easy on the clutch. I let a friend try it for about 2 miles and I swear he was trying to rip it apart, but I took my keys back. Unfortunately I do not have the service records. How long do these clutches normally last? Thanks for the help in advance!
btw, I am looking for a new shift knob. Ive heard stories of people trying to get theirs off and hitting themselves in the head... well mine popped off when shifting to second the first night I had it. It ended up in the backseat! Its the 6spd of course, with leather and some wood-looking finish. Thanks again!
-cd