Hi, new to the forums, just got a manual r53 from an auction and hoping to keep it for some time!

That said, it needs some work, particularly with (I think) the clutch slave cylinder. I'm having problems getting in gear when the engine is running, while the shifter moves fine when it's off. The initial thought is that there is an issue with the clutch master or slave cylinder. (Originally thought it was a pilot bearing but learned these don't have one?) I took a couple images of what the slave looks like when pressed/not pressed:

Pressed:
https://i.imgur.com/T4FopdJ.jpg

Unpressed:
https://i.imgur.com/HuAjeFD.jpg

I haven't worked on these before so I'm unsure if this seems to be fully extended, or if it seems to be the reason for my lack of shifting.

 

so did that fix your problem?

 

If you need a tool to compress your slave , I made one for me n my buddy when we had to do our slaves..just cover shipping if you need it.. I went through a headache replacing my slave but figured it out and easiest way to get it so if you need some help , feel free to pm me and I can give you my # for if you need any help..
also pull up your shifter boot. Put the shifter into reverse and 6th and if you see that little bushing around the base of the shifter move , that too could be casuing hard notchy shifts..thats my issue rite now..that bushing needs to be firm and the ear tabs can Crack off and it causes it to lift alittle when changing gears and it causes bs symptoms...
maybe my post might have some help

https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/r50-r53-hatch-talk-2002-2006/357396-help-why-won-t-my-slave-bleeeeeeeeeed.html

 

Doing a full clutch/flywheel and the slave cylinder was what ended up getting the car driving again.