Stiff gearbox when cold - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

fastsaloons · 4th March 2004, 21:56

I've noticed that my gearbox seems stiff/notchy, especially in 1st and 2nd when the weather is cold. Fine when it's warmed up or weather warmer....

Anybody experienced similar ?

Cheers

lwebb12 · 4th March 2004, 21:57

Yes I have felt the same that you have. Seems my Beast doesnt like cold weather because it was raised in South Florida.

SSD · 4th March 2004, 22:04

I have read that this is all quite normal, the same happens in my car,just adds character

.

mottati · 4th March 2004, 23:48

i think this is one of those "they all do that" deals. My 00 does to, as does my 98 528 (my e46 did too). Seems typical of bmw manual transmissions once they get some miles on them.
Mike

MT JTN · 4th March 2004, 23:48

Completely normal! Just have to drive it around a little bit...

Try not to FORCE a shift though. If it won't go into 1 from neutral, like happens to me, on the first try, then try again slowly and gently. Don't push too hard.

And just let 'er warm up. Everything at operating temperature works wonderfully. Just give it 5-10 minutes.

-Mathew

fastsaloons · 5th March 2004, 00:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by mottati

i think this is one of those "they all do that" deals. My 00 does to, as does my 98 528 (my e46 did too). Seems typical of bmw manual transmissions once they get some miles on them.
Mike

Interesting my 523i never did it, neither did my ALPINA B10 3.3.

BmwNut · 5th March 2004, 01:46

I had an E39 528, and even though I used it well, it never did that. Most BMW's I have driven dont act up when cold, even the used ones. However, I am not aquainted well with the gearbox used in the M5/540, so I cant say 100% in your case. But it seems, based upon these resposes, that the tranny likes a little heat in it before it wants to work well. Nothing wrong, just a bit of character.

GreekM5 · 5th March 2004, 02:45

it has been discussed before and unfortunately we all pretty much experience it (except maybe black m5 over in bahrain

). just have to give the beast 5-10 minutes to warm up and you should be good. just be aware of it so you don't mash the hell out of the syncros.

-keith

Ahmed · 5th March 2004, 02:51

i dont understand the complications here!!! Its totally normal, the fluid (oil) needs to reach operating temperature for everything to feel smooth again! SIMPLE!!!!

bturnbull · 5th March 2004, 03:29

It was a cold winter in the northeastern US. I found myself going from first to third a lot on really cold mornings as second seemed to grind a bit for the first 10 mins or so.

BmwNut · 5th March 2004, 03:29

I agree with what you are saying 100% Ahmed, but some trannys dont feel any different hot or cold. I guess that fact stumped the thread starter, as his beast does feel different. My Jetta has a warmup time to the gearbox, and it is something that I just live with. My 528 however, was butter when hot or cold.

blk540 · 5th March 2004, 03:52

I have the same problem in my 540i 6-spd. It is the tranny fluid. I am going to try royal purple tranny fluid. I alot of people who has switch over has said it solved the cold weather problem. I will post results.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fastsaloons

I've noticed that my gearbox seems stiff/notchy, especially in 1st and 2nd when the weather is cold. Fine when it's warmed up or weather warmer....

Anybody experienced similar ?

Cheers

M Macht · 5th March 2004, 05:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by MT JTN

Completely normal! Just have to drive it around a little bit...

Try not to FORCE a shift though. If it won't go into 1 from neutral, like happens to me, on the first try, then try again slowly and gently. Don't push too hard.

And just let 'er warm up. Everything at operating temperature works wonderfully. Just give it 5-10 minutes.

-Mathew

I agree completely.