gearbox replacement

[m3f_m3voodoo]

Hello my fellow m3"ers, My 98, 5 speed gear box for my M3 is a bit more notchy than I would like. it is the stock item. Is there something out there, short throw perhaps, that would make my shifting smoother and get me to fifth gear. Thanks :banghead:

[m3f_erikM3]

What do you mean get you to 5th gear? Can you not shift into it?

There are lots of SSK's out there, try UUC, very $$$ but the best.

[m3f_///sleeper_f29d08a5a4]

How long have you had your car...I ask b/c if it is new to you, you should know that our cars trannies feel like a stick jammed into a bowl of pudding. Yeah, check out the UUC SSK, those rock.

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

BMW's tranny's are notchy to begin with. Installing a SSK will make it even more notchier.

[m3f_beebo100_19e373cd8a]

i hate my pos transmission. i have the uuc 1st gen ssk which makes it worse. getting into 1st gear is a challenge. not to mention when it's cold it sticks under 5th. worst design ever!

[m3f_deilenberg_6310b1785a]

OK - two things to do - for everyone with notchy shifting or difficult shifting:



1. Change fluid. I would suggest Royal Purple Synchromax (some people like Red Line)



2. Fix the shift linkage.. this can include a Short Shift if you want shorter shifts - but that isn't going to make it any smoother unless you go with the complete UUC kit and selector rod.



I had a new clutch put in yesterday - and I replaced ALL the shift linkage wear parts - this included the pin that connects the selector fitting to the selector rod, all the rubber bits - including the mounts for the shift carrier (where it mounts to the car and tranny), a new shift cup (where the ball mechanism rotates). All the plastic spacers and washers. Cost of the parts was about $40.



Shifting is now WONDERFUL. There is NO play at all, and it is smooth as butter. It feels just like my M-Coupe did when it was new, which it should

since all the linkage wear points have been replaced.



You can certainly achieve the same thing by going to a complete shift-kit, but don't forget the rubber mounts for the shift-carrier..



Oh - before - If I pulled up on my shift knob - the entire shifter shaft could be moved up and down about 1/8" - now - it can't be moved at all. My M3 also had the not unusual problem with shudder and vibration in the shifter in 2nd gear. GONE.



You could do all of this without removing the transmission - just like installing a short-shift-kit - but it was lots easier with the transmission out of the car.