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socal · Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 19 Location: San Diego

The car drives fine, clutch works, but the car is in 1st gear even though the shifter is in the 2nd gear location. Unable to move the shifter.

Last week one thing that started happening was that when I would go to put the car into 1st, the transmission would be go into reverse instead. In other words there was not much separation between 1st and reverse I guess you could say. It was hard to tell if you were in 1st or reverse. No problems shifting however. It did feel "notchy" until warmed up, but I thought this was typical of the E36. Any suggestions for DIY before taking to a shop?

PJK

With luck it may be external to the tranny. Look under the car for a shaft at the rear of the tranny. Have an assistant move the shift lever as you look for play in the linkage. I think there are bushings in the shifter which can be replaced. I think the shifter can be removed without removing the tranny. Check Bentley.

Phil

PJK

With luck it may be external to the tranny. Look under the car for a shaft at the rear of the tranny. Have an assistant move the shift lever as you look for play in the linkage. I think there are bushings in the shifter which can be replaced. I think the shifter can be removed without removing the tranny. Check Bentley.

Phil