Expert: Josh Fields - 3/27/2006

Question
I recently lost first and second gear. If I wiggle the shifter around, I can get first sometimes, but not ofter, and then it sticks. I have been told that I just need a bushing kit. Any thoughts?


Answer
Jason,
 What vehicle are we talking about here?  BMW's use small transmissions, and since they are so small, they have to use a linkage to reach the transmission.  This linkage contains bushings, 1 in the bottom of the shifter, and one on the back of the transmission.  These will wear out, but I've never seen it so bad as to where you could not get it into gear.  Most of the time, the shifter just gets really sloppy, and it's not "direct" feeling.  I would jack the car up and secure it with jack stands (safety).  Slide under the car and look behind the transmission at the shift linkage.  Have someone in the car wiggle the shifter (make sure the car will not roll)  Look for area's of play in the linkage.
 Yes you can buy a whole kit to rebuild the shifter.  It usually runs $100 or so for the shifter and all the pieces needed to get the shifter feeling like new again.

 Hope this helps,
 Josh