My 318ti "jumps" out of 1st under load
 

Hey guys, I'm new around here. I just bought a ti a few weeks ago. I took it for a test drive and all and it was fine, but on the way back home it started jumping/popping out of first as I release the clutch. It's not every time, but it happens at least once a day. Any suggestions?

I've read in other forums that this is an inherent issue with the tranny in my 98 ti.

I'd like this fixed obviously. Do I need a new tranny?

Thanks for the help!

This thread might help:

http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=27331

I appreciate the help, but that's a pretty different issue. My clutch is more than fine. Lots of life left on it.

What my ti is doing is when I release the clutch, as it engages in first it pops/jumps back out into neutral. Basically it's not going all the way into gear.

I've read up on it a bit and it seems to be a common problem in E36's. I'm wondering if anyone knows another way to fix this without replacing the tranny.

So, you are sure that it is getting fully into 1st gear?

Is it hard to shift into 1st or does it feel like it is getting into gear nicely and completely.

Sounds like it is not getting completed engaged. If it is completely engaged and still popping out, make sure your motor mounts and transmission mounts are not worn out. They can cause the driveline to shift which can cause the selector rod to get pushed out of 1st and 3rd gear. When my motor mount broke it would push out of 3rd gear.

Other than that, if it is a synchro, or one of the gates in the transmission, you'll have to find somebody to fix that, or replace the transmission.

If it isn't getting fully into 1st, read this thread - especially the bulletin posted by CirrusSR22:

http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=14476

This is what a saw on bf.c that pretty much makes me think I'm screwed...

MODEL: E36 with S5D-250G (Getrag manual transmission) and M42, M44, M50 or M52 engines.
Situation: The transmission may jump out of 1st or 2nd gear with engine load.
Cause: The guide sleeve for 1st and 2nd gear may have been incorrectly machined on Getrag S5D-250G
transmissions installed on E36 vehicles with the above listed engines produced up to 4/98.
A new machining process for the 1st and 2nd gear guide sleeve which eliminates the above situation
on all S5D-250G transmissions was introduced in production on vehicles produced from 4/98.
Correction: If a customer complaint is received, first verify that the external gear shift linkage and clutch system
are operating properly. Refer to S.I. 23 01 99 for diagnostic tips.
If the external gear shift linkage and the clutch system are functioning correctly and the problem of
1st or 2nd gear jumping out is still present, the transmission should be replaced.
Procedure: Refer to the appropriate repair manual group 23 for transmission removal and installation
instructions.
Note: As outlined in S.I. 23 01 99 Esso UNIREX S2 grease BMW part number 83 23 9 416 138
should be used on the tapered splines and guide section of the transmission input shaft before
installation.
Parts Information: All Getrag S5D-250G transmissions in PDC inventory incorporate the new 1st and 2nd gear guide
sleeve machining process which eliminates the above situation.
Warranty Information: Covered under the terms of the BMW New Car Limited Warranty.

Is that not our transmission? Because that would make my day.

Yeah, the Getrag 250 is our trans.

So, did you already lube the splines, check for air, check for binding linkage, check for correct boot installation, etc?

Yeah, I checked it all. I just installed a short shifter that I ordered before I even knew about the issue and it seems to have taken care of it. We'll see though...

Thanks for the help guys. I'm doubtful that the issue is over, but I'm hoping...

did the short shifter solve the problem?

Well, yes and no... It decreased the frequency of the issue. Also, I read that putting it into 2nd and then 1st was helpful. I don't do it 100% of the time, but if I'm at a light waiting, I will. That seems to help quite a bit as well. The combination of those two things, and not giving it as much gas as I let it out in first have all but removed the problem.

If it gets worse, I'll fix it, but for now it's not really as issue worth $300 to me to fix.

which ssk did you go with?

I just bought the cosmoracing one. It was like $90 shipped. I would say it was top quality... I had to re-machine the bolt holes on one of the pieces because they drilled them incorrectly. It was definitely made in some guy's basement or something, but it was cheap and it works well once you get it into the car.

If I did it again, I probably would have spend another $100 to get a good one, but it's in and it seems to be helping with the gear issue so I'm not too worried about it at the moment.

I am also having the same problem. It has been happening for quite sometime but I am just now taking ownership of this car from the previous owner. When I start the car the rpms tend to bounce up and down and the check engine light comes on. Starting from a dead stop will almost guarantee that first gear will pop out. I have had this looked at by a local mechanic and he said they would have to take it all apart to know where the problem is. What can I do to trouble shoot or determine where the problem is coming from? I have a feeling it could be the clutch (Per the previous owner after 225,000 miles it has not ever been replaced). If it is the clutch what other maintenance should be done while the clutch is being worked on?