Z3 2.8 1999 Auto: Can’t select 1st gear

[Tintin Nilsson]

Hi all,

I have a strange problem.
I have an automatic z3 2.8.

On gear selector I have P R N D 3 2 1
I can select any of them except 1.

I can push the selector to 1 but it doesn’t “click” and springs back to 2 when letting go.

Is this normal? Or do I have to select 1 in a different way to the other gears?

Notes:
No issues with gearbox. All gears are running smoothly.
Changed all fluids couple of months ago.
No warning lights or error present.

 

[Ianmc]

I have a strange problem.
I have an automatic z3 2.8.

Welcome; I believe counselling and/or surgery is available for your problem.
Likely someone will be along shortly with the same affliction.

 

[Jack Ratt]

I'd recommend removing the gear knob, it just pulls off, and then remove the trim that surrounds the gear stick. Check there is nothing stuck underneath it. if the car drives ok and auto gear selection is ok then the problem is unlikely to be the gearbox.
Once the trim is removed try and select the manual gears again. If you can select them ok without the trim in place then you have found the problem. Be careful when you remove the trim as there are a few electrical wires but there should be plenty of slack to be able to remove it.

 

[Pingu]

Are you sure the auto box is engaging 1st gear?

This sounds like a limp home mode to protect the box.

The next generation of auto boxes is the same as the E46 box (you have an E36 box). I have an E46 and sometimes get the same symptom, except I can't engage 1st or 2nd.

The test is to try and start on a hill. If the box isn't engaging 1st, the start will be very sluggish and you will need more revs than you think is correct.

If you have just had a fluid change, the torque convertor will still have old oil in it. It takes several changes to completely change the oil in an auto box, unless you remove the box and drain the torque convertor. Also, the level in the torque convertor may be low. The best DIY way to sort this is to exercise the box and then top it up - keep doing this until the box level is correct. Drive it for a few hundred miles, then do it all over again in order to dilute the old oil in the torque convertor. Just topping it up and taking it off the ramps as a finished job is not the correct way to refill an auto box.

It took me 25 litres of oil, two cheap filters, one proper filter and a set of sump gaskets to replace my oil. The oil alone was £150. It's not a cheap thing to do properly.

 

[t-tony]

The Oil level will only be correct if topped up with the engine driving the gearbox with the level.plug out .

Tony.

 

[Pingu]

The Oil level will only be correct if topped up with the engine driving the gearbox with the level.plug out .

Tony.

Yep. Not an easy thing to do as a DIY.

Axle stands, car level, rear wheels turning under power, propshaft spinning beside your hand, and oil splashing everywhere, including onto the hot exhaust .

 

[t-tony]

That's where I was fortunate in that I could do it at works. Much more simple on a manual box.

Tony.

 

[Tintin Nilsson]

I'd recommend removing the gear knob, it just pulls off, and then remove the trim that surrounds the gear stick. Check there is nothing stuck underneath it. if the car drives ok and auto gear selection is ok then the problem is unlikely to be the gearbox.
Once the trim is removed try and select the manual gears again. If you can select them ok without the trim in place then you have found the problem. Be careful when you remove the trim as there are a few electrical wires but there should be plenty of slack to be able to remove it.

Hi all.

Thanks for the replies.
To summarize.

Car is not in limp mode. all gears are fine and accelerating good.

Sport mode and kickdown function all working.

I removed the trim and marked in the picture attached where each gear 3rd 2nd and 1st gear is located on the metal bracket.

As can be seen every gear position except 1st has a indentation. 1st gear has a slope pushing it to 2nd when you release pressure from your hand.

1st gear works if you keep your hand on the gear selector and pushes it to 1st.

Z3 is a national version from japan. Perhaps that’s how they setup the first gear?

 

[t-tony]

You could be right, in that you use first for rapid getaway then when you release the selector it automatically shoots to second?

Tony.