93 e36 325i no 2nd gear

[Mrgangle]

So I bought a 93 325i for $600 with a supposedly bad clutch. I replaced the hydraulics and the clutch is fine but there’s no 2nd gear. I don’t hear any grinding or anything while driving it but 2nd gear just isn’t there. Like the car is still In neutral while in 2nd. All the other gears work great. What could be the issue? Has anybody had this problem before? I searched google but didn’t find anything solid.

Anything helps, thanks!

[jclausen]

I once brought a tripumh spitfire for $75.00 drove it home never found 4th until i drained the trans fluid at first nothing came out then i shoved a screw driver into the oil drain hole and a bunch of metal came out, there was 4 th gear maybe you should check the oil.qq

[E36328Coupe]

Reality is the box is coming out whether to fix or replace. Have a look it is nothing daft like a fouled lever underneath and then get a spare box and swap at leisure

[gc325is]

The Getrag 250 for ~95? had some bad machined syncros for the 2nd gear. A service recall was offered to some original owners according to my dealer.
I could not keep the car in 2nd gear it kept popping out.

[Mrgangle]

It’s not popping out it just acts like neutral. No engagement of the gear what so ever. No resistance. I can just slide it in with the car running and not pressing the clutch. It’s the strangest thing I’ve ever seen.

I’m going to crawl under and check the shift bushing and take pictures. If nothing looks off I’ll pick up another trans and swap it.

[XnWarden]

If all the other gears work as they should, I'd say its a very high possibility that your second gear has been destroyed

Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk

[Richkid79]

Sounds like you need another trans. If youre gonna drive hard (or for longevity) Upgrade to the zf 5speed from the 97+ 328/528/M3. The older getrag can be found for cheap though...i once went to a junkyard and they wheeled out a decent looking getrag for only $50. They even loaded it into my truck so i wouldn't get dirty!

[Mrgangle]

I have contemplated the ZF upgrade if I have to swap the transmission. I’ve been combing this thread for a definitive parts list.

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...to-Manual-Swap

Can I reuse my slave cylinder or do I need to change it and the master cylinder?

[E36328Coupe]

It’s not popping out it just acts like neutral. No engagement of the gear what so ever. No resistance. I can just slide it in with the car running and not pressing the clutch. It’s the strangest thing I’ve ever seen.

I’m going to crawl under and check the shift bushing and take pictures. If nothing looks off I’ll pick up another trans and swap it.

Could even be a broken or jumped off selector fork. However, as I said it is coming out either way. If Getrag is cheap a quick swap is better than a time consuming fix

[Mrgangle]

Climbed under it today. Don’t feel a crazy amouny of slop or anything so I guess I’m searching for another transmission. Thanks guys

[spyderg0d]

My getrag lost 2nd gear. Then I put fluid in it for what I assumed was the first time it had been ever opened. 2nd gear came back with a start up. I still ditched it for a zf shortly after for the larger clutches available and the torque ratings, and the gear ratios. Lol