Alpina z4 notchy 2nd gear ?

[mitchk]

since christmas I seem to have slowly gained a notchy 1st to 2nd gear change - more so in the morning when cold with the first couple of changes sounding as if the clutch isn't fully in

I have had a search round on some of the BMW sites and found that this could be fairly common ?

Is there anything I can do about it ?

mitch

- by the way the car is still on its original rubber at 18500 miles so it is not thrashed everywhere and the changes when cold are at about 3000 rpm

[David111]

Yes it is a crap gear change. I have a Z4MC and find the change from first to second notchy or graunches sometimes. And it's not me!! Love the car but the 'box is a joke! I've read it's some valve that BM put between first and second gear that reduces the speed the clutch releases between first and second. I don't know but it is 'efing difficult to drive around... I'm warrentied (?) so will be taking mine in at some point to get them to explain to me what they think the problem is and see if they can do anything that doesn't affect the warrenty! Changing up between 3,000and 4,000rpm helps but no driving style eliminates it. Every other car I have ever driven at least let's you change gear!!

[V8 GMS]

Take it to your dealer. I was concerned and had a new gearbox covered under warranty (My car is also on it's original tyres etc).

The gear change into 2nd is much better now, but cetainly not clunk free!

[mitchk]

i have heard also about the replacement of the CDV valve but wouldn't think that it would make the grinding issue any better.

I can see it sorting the kangarooing but not the notchyness.

anybody give any feedback about replacing the CDV ? I know a lot of people seem to do it

[JDMc]

Hi guys,

CDV can be removed all together so no need to pay night on $100 for the modified one from the states.

Have a look at this link: http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&am...

[shunt]

Guys, he's talking about an Alpina Roadster S - they don't have a CDV. I used to own one before my Z4MC, I sold it with 40k on the clock. The engine was smooth as and the gearchange was just as slick. I would suggest at 18k you may have a problem, sometimes caused by the clutch hose with people swapping to a braided item. But I thought that usually shows a problem when the car is warmed not from cold. I'd get it booked in for them to look it over.

[dan101smith]

Really basic question, but have you tried fresh gearbox oil?

[mitchk]

dan101smith said:

Really basic question, but have you tried fresh gearbox oil?

I haven't tried anything yet - just looking for idea's

I also thought that they all had CDV's ?

shunt - how do you find you're Z4MC in regard to the Alpina ? I was convinced that come trade in time in september I would be looking for a Z4M but with a balloon of 14500 I might keep it

[shunt]

The Alpina was more economical by about 5 mpg and a much smoother all round experience. Almost as fast too. The steering on the MC is much better than the Alp, I had the sticking steering syndrome in mine. The brakes are also better on the MC.

I prefer the shape of the Coupe too, although the Alp with the roof down was nice, especially in Alpina Blue.

The main thing missing from the Alp was the LSD, to me it would spin one wheel much too easily. Pulling out at wet junctions could become a traction control induced kangaroo afair.

The MC is a much rawer experience that can be a bit of a pain in the arse sometimes, but my trip back from Sheffield yesterday over the Snake made me realise why I swapped to an //M, I don't think the Alp ever brought on sweaty palms like the MC does.