... My Tranny done brokeded!

[csp713]

To start with, I have a 1984 325e that will NOT shift into 1st or 2nd. I can only start the car in 3rd gear and 4th and 5th work along with reverse. However, sometimes I smell something burning but only for a split second. My clutch has a lot of free play and I am completely lost on what to start looking for. I can fully depress the clutch with the car on and off and it won't shift into either 1st 2 gears. What to do?

Many Thanks.

[whiltebeitel]

Check the shift linkage. They have bushings that wear out, causing you to have a hard time shifting.

[jlevie]

If you can shift into first and second with the engine off, but not with it running, then I'd say that the clutch isn't fully disengaging. That could be caused by air in the clutch hydraulics, a bad clutch master cylinder, or a worn out clutch.

If the transmission can't be shifted into those gears with the engine off, you need a replacement transmission.