Will not go into gear

[kaneb]

I have an 84 325e manual that will not go into gear. I drove it home from work the night before and it shifted fine. The clutch was not slipping. The pedal still feels the same. There are no visual leaks from the master cylinder or the slave. I bled the system and there are no signs of air. I checked the push rod travel on the slave cylinder and it is within spec. I pulled the slave cylinder it was dry on the outside and at the seal. Anything else I can do before I pull the gearbox? Should I replace the slave just to be on the safe side before I pull the gear box? The car will shift through the gears when the car is not on.

[Vethen]

Possibly the linkage between the [out of] master cylinder and the clutch itself separated?

I'd have a mechanic look at the tranny.

[jlevie]

Since you don't see any leaks at the slave or lines and bleeding didn't help, there are two possibilities. Either the master cylinder is bad or the clutch is worn to the point that it will no longer disengage. If original (or of significant age) I'd change the master cylinder first. If that fails to fix the problem, change the clutch.

[whodwho]

Will the car crank over with the clutch in and trans in gear? Might free it up...

[kaneb]

I tried that twice. The car just lunges forward. Nothing released. I guess the gearbox is coming out. Anyone done this in their carport? Any hints?

[BigD]

I'd guess your pressure plate is broken.