MCS 2002
83XXX miles
6MT

Driving today, went to shift from 1st to 2nd, and nothing! The car was stuck in 1st gear, and clutch operation was normal, but could not engage any other gear. Car was driveable in 1st gear, with no gearbox noises and the clutch was perfect. but the shifter was moving freely north to south, but not west to east. Finally, after wiggling it around pretty hard, I was able to get it in neutral, so i could get it towed on a flat bed to my mechanic.

Looks like a linkage issue, as there is forward and back slop in the shifter. Any ideas on the problem? Similar issues, anyone?

Thanks

Viraf

 

bump..anyone?

 

I'd check part #10, it's a spring clip that could have come loose and allowed the cable to come out of the mount at the tranny, right under the air box.

also see http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...86&hg=25&fg=05

 

You hit it right! I just got the car back from teh shop, and that is exactly what it was. It seems that the 02's had this issue and there was a recall for a new retaining clip. Unfortunately, no one seems to have teh recall documentation (#59524) so I can make sure I am getting teh upgraded part. My mechanic snapped it back in, and the shifter feels like the day it was driven home. It has been somewhat sloppy, and I just put that down to age and miles...possibly, it was coming loose over the past few weeks, and finally snapped out. Thanks for your help!