After driving to work (windows down - nice sunny day), I parked my car, turned off the engine, put the transmission into first, and was surprised that I could hear a noise when comming from the gearbox...Like the parts didn't have enough transmission fluid - almost like grinding the gears but not quite as pronounced. Surprised, I cycled through the gears and noticed the same sound when I placed it into each gear. I'd never noticed it before but, then again, I normally have the windows up and/or the engine still on whenever I put it in gear whenever I park the car. I tried it once again with the windows up and the noise was gone. Is this sound normal or is it a sign of a bad transmission at 2,000 miles? Occasionally, I do hear the gears grinding whenever I shift from first-to-second or second-to-third but can not replicate it on demand - Until now, I've chalked it up to being new to driving a stick and that I didn't have the clutch in all the way (though each time I was sure I had done it properly)...Now I'm wondering if it's something that needs to be looked at. I've got a 1,500+ mile road trip comming up and would hate to have it spoiled by a malfunctioning transmission. Any thoughts?

 

You should probably have the dealer check it.

I have not had any grinding issues, but I do feel that the 6 speed does not shift as smoothly as it could. I'm waiting for the Red Line techs to finish analyzing the OEM gearbox fluid, then I plan on switching to whatever Red Line recommends. In my experience, Red Line MTL in any of my previous BMW's made the gearbox as smooth as silk.

 

I was downshifting into second from third coming up on a stop light...and heard a strange sound...almost like I popped the clutch a bit and made the tire screech for a split second. But I don't think I did...

Then I tried to re-enact the same scenario all day and never heard a thing. Go figure...

Minio Andretti

 

I've heard of linkage problems that have been easily repaired. Get to the dealer before you're stranded.

 

I get a grinding noise going from 1st to 2nd - but it only happens right after I start driving - once, maybe twice, then it doesn't happen again through the rest of the drive. It's almost like the gears need to be 'warmed up'.

I'm going to take it in to have it looked at, hopefully this week.

 

no problems here

 

yeah i notice you can hear a moving noise through all the gears....no grinding tho...is it normal to hear movement when you shift (not that load but can hear if trying) or should it be completely silent?

 

I only hear grinding when I'm shifting and haven't pressed the clutch in far enough.

 

There are gears in the transmission that mesh even when not in gear. You will hear some 'whirring sounds' but grinding equals bad.