[Jim H]

Hi all,
I'm looking for the right e90 for me. I've located an early example with very low miles and manual transmission, and the owner (who has seemed very straightforward thus far) mentioned that shifts from 1st to 2nd can be notchy or difficult when the transmission is cold. He said he's taken it to several techs (dealer and non-dealer) who all tell him this is normal for this car. He also said that once the transmission is warm, everything is smooth.

I read up on e90post and other forums that this is not an uncommon occurrence. So I'm aware of that.

My questions are, how much of this is "normal", and how much represents a problem? Should I run away from this car? Or is this really typical?

I test drove another e90 (with more miles than this one). However, it was already warm when I drove it and I noticed nothing out of the ordinary.

Just to be clear, I will get a professional pre-purchase inspection done. However, I don't want to go through that trouble if I should be running away from this car. Also, it's not local to me, so I don't want to travel to drive it if this is a major issue that means I shouldn't bother.

Thoughts?
Thanks,
Jim

[atinybug]

I actually thought the 1st to 2nd shift notchiness was very common. There's usually a thread about it on this forum every couple of weeks or so. I've just learned to live with it.

[Jim H]

Originally Posted by atinybug

I actually thought the 1st to 2nd shift notchiness was very common. There's usually a thread about it on this forum every couple of weeks or so. I've just learned to live with it.

Yeah, it seems that it is common, but how common? And maybe that's too hard to answer. But for instance, if 10% of e90s with manual have his symptom then maybe I stay away from this car. If 80% have it, then I might as well continue and check it out.

Also, I assume there are varying degrees of severity. How bad is "abnormal"? What's "normal"?

[Welcome to NBA Jam]

Notchy is normal, grinding is not. If you don't hear grinding, drive and be happy

[thomas88162]

I wouldn't run away from it. How complex is a manual transmission? Exactly, most of the time it is more of the driver's perception that is variable rather than the severity of the notchiness.

[Jim H]

So would you say it could be normal to feel resistance so you can't easily get into second (when cold only), but it would not be normal to hear a "chirp" when you do go into second?

[335NJ]

Bought my 08' w/ 37k in 2014, and had a notchy 1st to 2nd. Completely normal from why I hear, and I've driven 2 other e90 6MT and they're he same.

I installed the M3 CDV, and swapped out for Redline D6 fluid, seems a little smoother, but not gone entirely.

[Jim H]

Thanks for all the feedback, everyone. I may try to get a better description from the owner to make sure there's no grinding, but right now I'm not scared off. I just drove my current car on an errand, and noticed that by habit I sort of pause between 1st and 2nd and wait for it to feel right before I put it gear. I'm sure I've been doing this since forever.

Either way, thanks for the info. I appreciate it!

[markus037]

if you think its notchy now, wait til its January!

yes these cars can be a little notchy but usually in the warm weather its not even noticeable. i switched to redline d6 ATF in my manual trans and its very smooth now. give it a shot. i think they recommend the D4 in the rwd models. D6 in the awd models. good luck with your prospective purchase!

[Nitrousbird]

Yes, it is more notchy in the winter. I'll be doing my fluid this summer, which will hopefully help.

[jeffro535]

Every MT Bimmer I've owned does this. The 5 series I had when I lived in Germany was the worst about it. The E92 I now have isn't too bad in this regard at 60k miles. Seems like it's gotten better with wear, but then again, maybe I just got used to it.

[335NJ]

Originally Posted by jeffro535

Every MT Bimmer I've owned does this. The 5 series I had when I lived in Germany was the worst about it. The E92 I now have isn't too bad in this regard at 60k miles. Seems like it's gotten better with wear, but then again, maybe I just got used to it.

I'm about 75% sure this is the same in my case. I just drove a few minutes ago, and was actually focussing on my shift, and it's still notchy. I think we all just get used to it.

[Jim H]

The funny thing is, I've own three manual transmission BMWs. An e30, e36, and e46. I don't remember this at all. Is it possible I just got used to it?

Anyway, I haven't yet driven this car. Once I do, I suppose I'll have a better idea if anything is wrong or it's just "normal".

[Bmr3sn]

All that I have been in are......

[NA55]

Upgrade to m3 transmission bushing.. Shifting will become smoother..