Possible Transmission Problem?

[ljdahl]

I recently purchased a used 1997 Z3. 40k miles on it, seems in pretty good condition, came with a 30 day mechanical warranty.

When I drive between 40 - 50 m/h and rev at between 2500 - 3500 rpm, the 3rd gear will pop out and sit in neutral - this is while you are either maintaining the speed or have just taken your foot off the pedal. You can see it just 'pop'. It happens usually when I've just started to drive in the am, but the dealership says it has to be me as they can't replicate the problem.

I've driven many standards in my years and have never seen this - has anyone any idea as to what this might be?

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[jaime-330]

Well if they can't replicate the problem have them drive with you, if you feel you can have it happen when you are driving.

 

[grc]

i'm sure they'll be able to replicate the problem after day 31. defective detent collars (or something like that) in these trans' are as common as sunshine. mine was done under warranty, it popped out of first like a hand grenade going off. try to find a reputable trans shop that can do the work under your 30 day plan, or just imply to the dealer that you are going to do this and charge them back for the work. maybe then they will be able to replicate the problem and fix it? at least find out from a trans builder what the exact part(s) in there are letting it pop out so you know what you are talking about at your dealer...

 

[Kirby]

The E36 manual transmission can have a problem like this, it is sometimes a worn shifter fork - the "thing" at the other end of the gear shift that moves the gears into position. The shifter fork wears and the gears do not get fully pushed into position, and then they can pop out under load.

 

[BMW NA Customer Relations]

I'm with BMW of North America, LLC. I've passed this message on to a BMW NA Customer Relations Representative who will be in touch with you soon.

 

[tonypeltz]

If you are associated with BMW NA, wish you could read my post ( overheated 1.9) and have someone contact me about some questionable service I received at a dealership in Arkansas. ( BMW of Northwest Arkansas, Rogers, AR.) After some disagreeing, I got my car back unassembled from the waterpump and thermostat housing to the Radiator. Can't understand why, if they didn't agree on the problem, they didn't send it back exactly the way it went in. Thanks.

 

[ljdahl]

Transmission Problem

Follow Up:

The BMW dealership finally looked at the issue after BMW USA called - they found the transmission actually needed to be replaced. Once that was determined, they were good at getting me a new one with a 2 year warranty - thank you BMW USA for getting involved.

The car runs smoothly now

All I have to do now is put on a new muffler to get a better purr going on when I idle at a stop light - nothin better than driving with the top down in sunny florida.

Later guys and thanks for all the input it really helped.

CIAO
Lydija.