01 z3 manual transmission not smooth

[Jvworks]

Hello everyone,

Here’s my problem:

I’ve had my 2001 2.5i z3 with the 5 speed transmission for about a year now. I am not happy with how the transmission/clutch is responding. When I start the car and drive for a few minutes it feels notchy and “cold” which for me I think is normal. Once it warms up I cannot shift any higher than 2000rpm. Not that I can’t but if I do the gear changes will feel very jerky when I release the clutch. Like your head rocks back and forth and it’s just not comfortable.

I also find that if I shift higher than those 2000 rpm the shifting to 5th is not possible. I have to “force” it into gear. When I force it, it happens again by the way. It’s not a one time thing.

So for the 5th gear I was thinking about a shift pin issue, even though I’ve read that a shift pin issue is more of a difficulty coming out of 5th gear to 4th gear. For me it’s the opposite.

For the transmission issue, I’ve changed my clutch line to a braided one, transmission fluid has been changed to what bmw recommends. I have read almost every possible thread possible about an issue resembling mine and I came to the conclusion that my next step would be to change transmission fluid.

So then I came to the dilemma of either amsoil or redline atf. Still very unsure as I live in Pennsylvania with low temps, I would go with redline atf because it’s thinner. I’ve also read that amsoil would made my shift pin issue even worst.

Here are my questions:

-Redline atf or amsoil considering my issues?
-Will changing transmission fluid affect at all my jerking/rocking?
-Does the issue sound more clutch or transmission oriented?
-Will redline atf help with my shift pin issue?

Sorry about the long text. I just wanted to explain my issue thoroughly.

 

[t-tony]

What miles has the car done? Is it still on the original clutch?

Tony.

 

[Jvworks]

What miles has the car done? Is it still on the original clutch?

Tony.

86000 miles
For the clutch I believe it’s original

 

[t-tony]

Depending on how it's been used in its life that could well be your problem.

Tony.

 

[Jvworks]

Depending on how it's been used in its life that could well be your problem.

Tony.

I understand, do you think it is more transmission or clutch related?

 

[t-tony]

What I might do first is change the gearbox oil and see how/if it make a difference.

Tony.

 

[SV8Predator]

First thing to do is check the clutch operation. It sounds very much like clutch drag. You've already changed the gearbox oil, not sure what would be achieved doing it again. (transmission fluid has been changed to what bmw recommends. )

( I’ve changed my clutch line to a braided one) — Are you 100% positive the hydraulics were bled properly? Bleed it again. If you can, have someone press the clutch pedal while you are under the car and see if you're getting full travel at the belhousing end.

 

[Jvworks]

What I might do first is change the gearbox oil and see how/if it make a difference.

Tony.

Ok,
You recommend going with just the regular bmw specification oil or the redline or the amsoil?

 

[Jvworks]

First thing to do is check the clutch operation. It sounds very much like clutch drag. You've already changed the gearbox oil, not sure what would be achieved doing it again. (transmission fluid has been changed to what bmw recommends. )

( I’ve changed my clutch line to a braided one) — Are you 100% positive the hydraulics were bled properly? Bleed it again. If you can, have someone press the clutch pedal while you are under the car and see if you're getting full travel at the belhousing end.

First thing to do is check the clutch operation. It sounds very much like clutch drag. You've already changed the gearbox oil, not sure what would be achieved doing it again. (transmission fluid has been changed to what bmw recommends. )

( I’ve changed my clutch line to a braided one) — Are you 100% positive the hydraulics were bled properly? Bleed it again. If you can, have someone press the clutch pedal while you are under the car and see if you're getting full travel at the belhousing end.

Is there some sort of trick or test to know if it is clutch drag? What brought me to the conclusion of the transmission oil is that I also have this problem with 5th gear. I just linked the 2 and figured that my oil wasn’t maybe the right kind

for the braided clutch line I got it professionally installed by a reputable shop. Unlikely to have air in the system.

 

[t-tony]

I use whatever grade is specified, and what ever brand. I never get into that debate about which oil is better/best. I work on my theory that any new oil is an improvement on the oil crap you drain out.

Tony.

 

[t-tony]

How high do you have to lift the clutch pedal to engage drive? If it's only just off the floor then you could have air in the clutch hydraulic system, if it's a lot higher then that says the clutch is well worn, and I said at 86,000 unless you're the first owner you have no idea how it was treated. You have removed the item most likely to cause clutch drag in the flexible hose, a stainless steel hose eliminates that possibility.

Tony.

 

[Jvworks]

How high do you have to lift the clutch pedal to engage drive? If it's only just off the floor then you could have air in the clutch hydraulic system, if it's a lot higher then that says the clutch is well worn, and I said at 86,000 unless you're the first owner you have no idea how it was treated. You have removed the item most likely to cause clutch drag in the flexible hose, a stainless steel hose eliminates that possibility.

Tony.

To be honest I would say it’s right in the middle. I’ve driven multiple manual cars and the clutch pedal itself feels normal. I saw no difference after changing the braided clutch line. I also know that there is no CDV installed. Could that be a cause?

 

[t-tony]

No. If it's not fitted it can't be a problem. My money is on the clutch itself, possibly the Dual Mass Flywheel is breaking. Only 1 way to find out.

Tony.

 

[Jvworks]

No. If it's not fitted it can't be a problem. My money is on the clutch itself, possibly the Dual Mass Flywheel is breaking. Only 1 way to find out.

Tony.

Alright. I guess it’s time for me to start saving up

 

[SV8Predator]

Alright. I guess it’s time for me to start saving up

Why don't you check this before your give up on all the advice offered and start saving up:
Bleed it again. If you can, have someone press the clutch pedal while you are under the car and see if you're getting full travel at the belhousing end.

 

[Jvworks]

Why don't you check this before your give up on all the advice offered and start saving up:
Bleed it again. If you can, have someone press the clutch pedal while you are under the car and see if you're getting full travel at the belhousing end.

Okay I will try that

 

[t-tony]

Okay I will try that

But, " for the braided clutch line I got it professionally installed by a reputable shop. Unlikely to have air in the system." if you paid someone to do this for you I would go back and politely ask them to check. While it's up on a lift you would be able to see if the clutch has full travel, or not.

Tony.

ps. Or, you could end up with the mess in this picture.