OK so as the title states, I'm having a problem with my transmission/clutch.
1998 318ti (10/97 prod date)
160K
Symptoms are:
From a dead stop, when I put the car in 1st, it will pop back out about 50% of the time.
No other problems with any other gears, not even Reverse.
I've just gotten done replacing ALL shift bushings and seals in the Pelican Parts shifter bushing rebuild kit.
I've also, in the last 2K miles, drained and filled the gearbox and differential with the appropriate Royal Purple fluid. Synchromax in the gearbox and MaxGear in the differential.
I've also replaced the transmission mounts about 2K miles ago.
After ordering the Shift Bushing Super Kit which replaces the following:
Shift coupler with internal bushing
Pin retaining clip
Ball cup sponge & U-joint/coupler
Shifter Arm Plastic Bushing (attaches to chassis)
Shifter arm bushing (attaches to transmission)
Lower shift boot
Shifter arm pin
Two Shift selector rod circlips
Four Yellow plastic washers/bushings for shift selector rod
Shift handle ball cup bushing
I still have the 1st gear pop. The shifts in all other gears as SO crisp and it really feels like a new tranny but 1st gear is obviously still acting up.
After reading a few service bulletins it seems there are resolutions that cite when you have this problem with 1st & 2nd gear due to the guide sleeve, it calls for a tranny rebuild or replacement. I've also seen another service bulletin that quotes BMW as saying that problems with 1st gear and no other gear are typically clutch problems.
With that in mind, I do have to do a brake/clutch fluid flush very soon. My inspection place here in PA said it looks like it's never been changed and it's like syrup almost. I plan on doing a complete flush with some new fluid and flush the clutch slave cylinder too.
Anyone think this is worth a shot or is my transmission most-likely
shot?