Transmission detent install help

[FahreinM3]

I've been working on doing a complete drivetrain refresh on my '98 M3 and have run into some issues.

I completed install of both reverse and 5th gear detents as well as the three shift detents on top of the transmission. OEM parts were used as well as the proper drifts.

Once i got the transmission reinstalled and shift linkage connected I tried to shift through the gears and could not get into 1st 2nd or reverse. The linkage locks up trying to rotate to the left before making it to the gate for first and second. I determined it's not linkage related as I tried to use just the selector joint and the same symptoms occurred.

What could be the cause of not getting into these gears?


Note: slave cylinder has yet to be bled and complete fluid fill in trans as well.

Thanks for the help.

[scooper]

you should be able to get the trans in gears even with it off the car. I suspect you didn't orient the reverse pin the correct way. Not sure about 1st or 2nd as those have no ramps. Did you lube the pins before installing them? I don't think that would make a lot of difference though. Used the correct drift pins?

[brokeazz]

did you make sure you installed the 5th/reverse pin correctly? the look identical except 1 is a little more tapered than the other

[Mr Estoril]

You may have installed the detent pin 180 degrees out. If you shine a light in there and rotate the selector rod you will see the little cam rotate and know which way to face the ramp of the pin.