Transmission problems

[NNW]

Hi, I'm a Noob here.
Tried some searches but didn't find anything along these lines. (could be operator error with the search function).

About to buy a 91 325ix and the owner has told me that it is jumping out of 1st gear. Starting to get a little worse.
One place has told him (without seeing the car) that it needs a new transmission. Somewhere else told him that there is a known alloy linking part which wears out. I don't know the name of it sorry. The car only has 116k miles on it and is in good condition otherwise. Are there known issues with the gear box and particularly 1st gear?

Thanks

[spdracrm3]

dont know of any particular known 1st gear problems with this tranny which is the same used across the E30 platform (just different rear case half for IX). but with this few a miles cant imagine its a shifter bushing problem (as that would prolly affect multiple gears not just 1st).so would suspect internal syncro or shift hub problem or bent shift fork possibly caused by abuse. all requiring trans disassembly

is the shifter really sloppy and difficult to find /get into all gears?

[NNW]

Thanks for the reply.

No. The Shifter is tight, smooth and free. Easy to get into all gears, just jumps out of first occasionally. The frequency of which is increasing.

[spdracrm3]

hmmmm doesnt sound good then ,factory manual lists above mentioned items plus a loose outputshaft flange nut for jumping out of gear (which i think would cause other issues too) .if previous owner rested hand on shifter while driving it could have worn the shift fork also ,sounds like gearbox needs to come apart to repair unfortunately...

[rotarievtec]

I have a good tranny for sale if you end up buying the car

[NNW]

Thanks guys.
Think I'm going to take the car to a shop next week and have it checked out.