Hi folks, within the past few months I have noticed that the manual transmission in my '08 R56 JWC hesitates when shifting from 1st to 2nd, and somewhat when shifting from 2nd to 3rd (although not as bad). No noticeable sticking in gears 4-6, and it has never happened while downshifting. The problem is worst from a cold start, and seems to go away once the car has been driven a couple miles. I have already tried changing the transmission oil (filled it last week with Redline MTL), and that did make a difference, but it didn't clear it up 100%. The car has 91k miles on it. Any ideas on what is going on? Does the new oil just need more time to work its way into the syncros?

 

When you say hesitates do you mean its hard to shift?

 

Yes, Zippy, by "hesitates" or "sticky" I mean it is hard to shift.

 

I had a similar problem with mine. Once I changed the trans oil it was much better. I put on another 20k on it then changed it again. But it wasn't long after that I sold it. Maybe someone else can chime in on here for you to give you possible ideas whats wrong. But it might be just normal. Or the transmission is just feeling its age. Good luck!

 

Syncros are worn and are having trouble doing their job. Hopefully it'll be a little better after a few thousand miles on the trans fluid.

 

First thing to do is drain & refill the trans. At 91K you are due. Look at the drained fluid for excessive metal bits. I'd guess the fluid change will help things.

 

The OP already did that--new Redline MTL.

I would suggest changing out the clutch fluid and bleeding the system, as symptoms like that can sometimes be due to the clutch not releasing all the way. In my older cars (which had cable-operated clutches) I would have suggested adjusting the clutch linkage, but that shouldn't be necessary in a car with a hydraulic clutch. So try replacing the fluid (to get water and contaminants out) and bleeding the system (to get all the air out).

 

Thanks for the assist on the transmission fluid there. And BTW I didn't notice any visible metal debris when I drained it. Now, I might have noticed some fine particles if I poured it over filter paper, but it's not like I took out the drain plug and was like "Whoa, something broke in there!"

As for the clutch, I just had the brake/clutch fluid replaced about a month ago. I would assume since they share the same reservoir the mechanic would have bled the clutch too? Also, if it was air in the clutch, would it be persistent (happens all the time, hot or cold), or just when it's cold (what I'm experiencing)?

 

Have you looked at the shift linkage? There are a couple radiator hoses that run over the top and are just held by plastic clips. I found one hanging down and the linkage was trying to wear a hole in the hose.

 

I took a quick look last night. Didn't really have time to take anything apart and diagnose if this is in fact the problem or not but I definitely see what you mean about those coolant hoses right next to the shifter linkage. I probably won't get to it for a few days as we're expecting foul weather here and I don't have a garage.

In the mean time, if anyone else has more thoughts, please chip in!