325 transmission help needed

[a58ster]

I would appreciate any info/suggestions on a shifting problem solution in my '86 325 with 5-speed manual transmission. In shifting from second to third gear, it is really hard to hit third, feels like it does not fully engage and will pop out to neutral if not held in place. Is this fixable, short of replacing the entire transmission? Best place for good usable parts??? Thanks in advance for any help.

Jim
Greenville, SC

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

Sounds like you may have damaged the transmission to the point where it needs to be overhauled. Have you checdked the shifter linkage for any wear or looseness?

[KC Ron Carter]

The syncro does two things:

It syncronizes the gears to allow up shifts.
It retains the gear shift with detents.

If the transmission pops out of gear the syncro is hosed.

To fix requires a complete teardown.

Here is a link to the parts breakdown.

Not a DIY deal.

See parts listed as 4, 5, and 6.

http://www.bmw-z1.com/z1/etk/en/24966_23_0139.html

Later,

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

Agreed,

This is something that is for someone with a lot of experience in transmissions. You will most likely needs special tools, jigs, and a press to rebuild a BMW transmission correctly.

[Rich911E]

I was looking to buy a 325i with a problem very similar to yours. I took the car to a BMW mechanic for a check and the diagnosis was just as Jared and Ron stated -- needs a rebuild. However, rather than rebuild, they suggested just getting another used transmission. They said that this transmission is extremely durable and the number of people who actually do a good job with it is not that great, so it is more likely that you will get more for your money by just buying another good used trans. Rich

[golden]

my 5 spd replaced at around 120000. I thought it would have lasted longer. (stock setup, no chip ,...no nada)