Having Problems Shifting Into 1st and 2nd

[csp713]

Hey all, im a nooby here but I got a slight problem. When I start my car (1984 325e) it bucks (engine aint warmed up) but besides that when I fully press down the clutch, I receive a ton of resistance when trying to push into 1st gear and a little less resistance when going into 2nd. what could this be? also, how would I fix this?

Thanks!

[jlevie]

If it is easy to select those gears with the engine off, I'd hazard a guess that the clutch is worn and not fully disengaging.

[csp713]

yeah its real easy to switch into gear with engine off. what do I have to replace to get this fixed?

[Teaguer]

what do I have to replace to get this fixed?

The entire car.
Sorry you may not want to hear this but its the only correct answer.

[jlevie]

yeah its real easy to switch into gear with engine off. what do I have to replace to get this fixed?

The clutch, probably. It is possible that there's a problem with the clutch hydraulics (a leak, bad master cylinder, or air in the system), but if there is significant mileage on the clutch it becomes a likely suspect.

[csp713]

Fixed: jockied around with clutch and boom, it works. also moved carpet out of the way of peddle so it could fully depress.