Stif gear change on E34

[ken_smith]

Folks,
I have a 1992 E34 (525i Sport)and the gear change is geting harder. Seems to affect reverse, 1st and 2nd gears mostly, it eases slightly once the car has warmed up.
The clutch was changed around 30,000 miles ago so I wouldnt think it was that causing the prolem. Is it likely to be the selector rods or similair? Anyone know?

Many Thanks

[m-five]

What's the mileage on the car?

It could just need a change of gearbox oil.

[ken_smith]

Hi,

Its done 143,000. The gearbox oil had crossed my mind so I am having it changed later this week. I also chekced the clutch fluid level. The level was fine but the fluid looked "milky" for lack of a better word. It does sometimes change gear smoothly, but more often than not it takes some effort to engage, especially first gear.

Rgds

Ken

[m-five]

1st gear is the stiffest/stickiest on my E34 M5, but I guess that could be because it is used only for the first minute or so of driving (mostly 3rd-6th on motorways).

[ken_smith]

Hi,

I am going to get the gearbox oil and clutch fluid changed this week see if that helps. I compare the clutch fluid on the E34 with that of my other car, and the fluid on the E34 certainly looks like different, sort of contaminated. I spoke to the mechanic who looks after my cars and he seemed to think it maybe a dragging cluth, so the syncromesh isnt slowing down enough to allow it to go into gear, it could be the gearbox oil thats causng the symptons tho. 1st is by far the hardest gear to get it to go into and 5th the easiest. I guess all I can do it try one thing at a time.

Ken