E30 - Hard to shift when cold

[Sean Burns <sburns@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Original Message:
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	When I try to shift reverse with my E30-318 when the car is cold from an
	overnight stay, the gears seem to be grinding as if I'm not using the 
clutch...
	After 3-4 minutes of idling or after the first time "grind" the problem
	disappears. The clutch is new with about 15.000 Km.
	What could be the problem ?
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I have also noticed this problem in my new (to me) '85 325e.  For me I get 
difficult shifting in all gears and some grinding when shifting for the 
first couple of miles after the car  is left overnight.  I was wondering if 
this meant I should replace the manual transmission fluid?  I would like to 
address this before I cause some damage as the car has been running great 
so far.  I've also noticed an audible 'clunk' when I release the clutch, 
especially in the lower gears.  Is this the transmission or some bushing 
that needs replaced?  Thanks for any help you guys can give me.  I'm new to 
mechanics if these are dumb questions, but I'm reading my new Bentley and 
learning quick.

Sean Burns
Dept. Earth and Ocean Sciences
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, BC
 

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