Popping Out of 1st

[DarkWing6]

What is wrong with my car?

Starting this weekend my car has popped out of 1st about 3-4 times. This has only happened when in 1st gear and is right when I am starting. I think it has only happened when I was riding the clutch a bit (in the drive through at Taco Bell, starting on a hill, etc). There is no grinding sound like I wasn't fully in gear or anything, just a kind of pop and I am out of 1st. What could be causing this? Am I just being lazy and not getting it fully in gear or what? I think something is starting to go out, but I don't know what.

[James Crivellone]

What is wrong with my car?

Starting this weekend my car has popped out of 1st about 3-4 times. This has only happened when in 1st gear and is right when I am starting. I think it has only happened when I was riding the clutch a bit (in the drive through at Taco Bell, starting on a hill, etc). There is no grinding sound like I wasn't fully in gear or anything, just a kind of pop and I am out of 1st. What could be causing this? Am I just being lazy and not getting it fully in gear or what? I think something is starting to go out, but I don't know what.

Check the fluid? Usually this is a sign of the tranny starting to nuke itself.

[DarkWing6]

We just changed it, but I will check it. Could it be that the fluid taken out was really really old and now it has really good stuff in it and it is not used to it for some reason?

[etxxz]

happened to me a few times after i put new redline mt-90 in it...check your shift linkage, is your shifter really loose??

i just rebuilt mine, it was great for two months and now its as loose as a chineese prost***** again!

[DarkWing6]

My shifter is a bit loose, but nothing out of the ordinary. I don't think it is this, but could the fact that I need to replace my guibo have anything to do with this?

[nando]

you shure it's in all the way? the 318 will do this if I don't have it quite in all the way.. it will still engage, but if I let go of the lever it will pop out.

I didn't think your tranny had that many miles. mine is at about 230k and it's still smooth.

[duodvlhntr]

How ironic. I was just going to search for this same problem. I just bought an 87 325is with the same problem. I've done a bit of research and it could be the synchro. That's usually what's wrong if it's pooping out of gear. That being said, where can I find one of these? Is it a special order part that only the BMW dealer carries?

[jlevie]

Popping out of gear could be bad shifter bushing, or a worn selector in the transmission. Before diving into a tranny rebuild/swap, rebuilding the shifter should be the first course of action.

[etxxz]

Popping out of gear could be bad shifter bushing, or a worn selector in the transmission. Before diving into a tranny rebuild/swap, rebuilding the shifter should be the first course of action.

agreed...simple but dirty enough for anyone. Also try making sure you put the car into first all da way and see if it happens, maybe you're shifting half way 'cause you're used to your 2005 MT

[DarkWing6]

This is the only car I have, so it couldn't be me being used to something else. I am going to be intentional about it being all the way in gear and see if it happens. Thanks for all the input to this point guys. Keep it coming. I'll keep you posted.

[duodvlhntr]

Right, so my problem has worsend to the point of not being able to use first or second. At all. I doubt that this is a common problem. Could it be a selector fork or synchronizer or is it something else?

[Mr Deagle]

sign of the tranny starting to nuke itself.

[etxxz]

its not a fluid problem anymore...i suggest you sell it or get another tranny...but good luck if you're not gonna do it yourself $$$

[matt]

Right, so my problem has worsend to the point of not being able to use first or second. At all. I doubt that this is a common problem. Could it be a selector fork or synchronizer or is it something else?

It is a selector fork for sure. You have bent your 1-2 shift fork. I'd suggest buying a used trans.

[DarkWing6]

So after driving a few more days I am noticing that I have it fully in 1st, it pops out pretty much 1 time every time I drive, it only pops out of 1st and usually when riding the clutch a bit (on a hill, creeping forward, etc). The tranny fluid is fresh Redline MTL and is full. I replaced the bushings around the shifter (within the last year) and shifting doesn't feel any different now than it did before.

Do I pretty much need a new tranny soon or do I have other options?