Car stuck in 4th, detached linkage

[roadrage]

I've searched but couldnt find any info, dont shoot me if this is asked often please.

The car is an 87 325is.
The shifter moves freely, but the car is stuck in 4th gear. I was told by a local E30 guy that the fix is fairly easy, but i have never been into a trans before. He said that the linkage inside the trans case popped loose, but i have no idea how to tear into it, and even if I did, im not sure I want to. Has anyone done this before? If so, I would appreciate any links or info you can give me. I dont have a bentley manual, and I wanted to see if I could figure this out this weekend.

Thanks in advance.

[Ryan Stewart]

More than likely the linkage that is fux0red is the one between the shifter and the tranny. Mine disintigrated when I removed it for a SSK a while back.

You gotta drop the exhaust, heatshields, and driveshaft to get to everything but I would asusme its just one of the pieces of the linkage failed. If so just get a short shift kit.

[TimmyBigHands]

More than likely the linkage that is fux0red is the one between the shifter and the tranny. Mine disintigrated when I removed it for a SSK a while back.

You gotta drop the exhaust, heatshields, and driveshaft to get to everything but I would asusme its just one of the pieces of the linkage failed. If so just get a short shift kit.

WHAT?! Drop all the exhaust, heatshields & driveshaft?! Nah - I replaced mine without taking ANYTHING off. You can reach right around the driveshaft... the exhaust is not an issue either... MAYBE a heatshield, but like I said, it wasnt a problem fo rme. It's a half hour job at most. I realize you have 2500 posts and are a mod and everything, but DAMN - lets not overestimate the job.

[roadrage]

I almost edited before to say the trans is out.

The rod that actually goes into the trans moves free. There is definitly something inside disconnected. I was hoping it was something simple like the shifter...no such luck, :?

[Ryan Stewart]

ohhhhh, that is another story. I have not opened a Getrag.

Tommybighands, I prefer to have plenty of room. 8)

[kylebes1]

cutting torch would open it while in the car.

[roadrage]

cutting torch would open it while in the car.

Umm, thanks.

[kylebes1]

Good thing it was free.

[roadrage]

No one has ever heard this before?

[e30Matt]

It happened to me.

http://www.r3vlimited.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=11040&highlight=

[roadrage]

It happened to me.
http://www.r3vlimited.com/phpBB2/vie...040&highlight=

Mine is actually an internal transmission issue. all the linkages from the shifter to the trans are fine. the rod the enters the transmission moves around freely.

What i really need is how to open this thing up.

[Henna Red]

My 84 318 did this. mom was driving it acually

But the linkage was all worn out and she shifted into reverse and picked up both reverse and 1st.

I tool the case apart, 6 or so bolt on th rear half. Re aligned all the inner selector shafts and put it back together. Not so bad, but it sounds like your is broken inside

[roadrage]

Does the hub have to come off of the tranny to get it apart? I have all the bolts out...even the ones in the bellhousing..i can not get it apart. It the hub has to come off, what size is that nut? It looks like its about 28 mil...hair bigger than a 1 1/8 but i am having no luck finding a metric in any size between 22 and 30

Maybe i should have stuck with GM

[Axxe]

It's 30mm, and Bavauto has the socket. Buy it, it's easier (and cheaper) than trying to buy one locall and it's an impact socket.