Re: Transmission hard to shift --> OIL??

[Roger Baker <rbaker@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Could be worn synchros, but if your car has a hydraulic clutch, I'd try bleeding that
first to make sure you're getting full clutch engagement. Oil will have a big effect
too. I use Redline D4 ATF in my '98 M3 trans & it feels pretty good. I don't know the
lifespan of your gen tranny, but typically the manuals aren't too difficult to rebuild
if you are a decent mechanic. If you're uncertain, have it done.
- --
Roger Baker


"Michel Drainville" <MDrainville@domain.elided> wrote:

> My tranny has always been hard to shift since I have the car (4 years).
> When I bought the car, I flushed the tranny and filled it with Castrol ATF
> DextronII as per BMW instructions.  Last year I tried another car identical
> to mine, and the shifter was moving like in soft butter.   At that time I
> tought that may be my clutch was faulty since on occasions it was slipping
> a bit.  So , this winter I changed my clutch with a BMW unit. At the same
> time, I changed/cleaned/lube all pivot points of the shifter.  Now I have
> the car on the road again, the shifter feels the same.
>
> I was wondering if some specialized oil, friction modifier stuff, could
> help my tranny.  Do I need something to reduce friction of the synchro or
> raise the friction rate of the synchro so they spin less??
> Hopefully I'm not due for a rebuild.  If it's the case, is it better to
> rebuild (synchro only?) or buy a used one from a more recent car?
> (models???)
> What is the lifespan of these tranny? Getrag40? Can it be replaced with a
> Getrag60?
>
> Thanks
> Michel Drainville
> 91 318ic

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