E34 Transmission Problems

[Fëanor]

I own a 1991 535i stick shift, just passed 150k. I'm not even close to being a mechanic, and have only the most basic understanding of cars in general; so I may ask some stupid questions. Bear with me.

I'm having serious issues with my transmission. I can't shift into gear at all. Clutch down or not, the gearshift stops about halfway to the gear position, for all positions(R--5). With the car not running, the gearshift slides smoothly into place, of course leading me to believe that the clutch is not being disengaged when I push the pedal down. Although it won't even grind when I try to shift, the gearshift just stops cold, hitting a wall. I haven't the slightest idea as to what may be causing this.

The car has driven more or less fine up until tonight, when attempting to leave work. It even drove fine this morning.

Any information on a possible specific problem, ballpark price of repairs, etc. would be immensely appreciated. Thank you in advance.

[Ågent99]

Hmmm, any puddles under your car? Maybe brake fluid? Does the clutch feel soft at all? If you are out of brake/clutch fluid, the pedal will literally feel like it isn't hooked to anything at all. I have a feeling this ain't it.

Manual tranny's are usually pretty trouble-free with only the clutch being the obvious wear-item part that needs replacing. I dunno if 150k is a lot for a clutch but it sounds high to me. Usually, they wear out gradually though and I still think this ain't it.

If you can put the car in gear with no engine running, can you start the car with the clutch pedal in and the car already in gear and will the car then move fine?

[Fëanor]

If you can put the car in gear with no engine running, can you start the car with the clutch pedal in and the car already in gear and will the car then move fine?

Nope, I tried that right away. I put it in gear with the car off, hold down the clutch, start it up, and am immediately greeted with a violent lurch and killed engine. Just as if I hadn't had the clutch in at all. Nothing leaking, either.

I was reminded by my dad yesterday of a kind of flapping, slapping noise my car has made while running, since I bought it ~1 1/2 years ago. The noise has gotten somewhat more noticeable over time. I had worried for awhile about the tailing off slapping heard when turning the car off, but I read that it was normal for the manual tranny on that model car. :dunno:
So, now I'm thinking that it has been gradually wearing, but I just haven't been stick-driving savvy enough to feel it.

I had it towed in to my local BMW guy this morning; he said it was nothing external, and plans to drop the tranny tomorrow to figure out the issue. Got an estimate of ~$1,000 if it is the clutch.

Thank you for your reply. :)

[Ågent99]

Good luck...please let us know what your mechanic finds.

[99flhr]

I own a 1991 535i stick shift, just passed 150k. I'm not even close to being a mechanic, and have only the most basic understanding of cars in general; so I may ask some stupid questions. Bear with me.

I'm having serious issues with my transmission. I can't shift into gear at all. Clutch down or not, the gearshift stops about halfway to the gear position, for all positions(R--5). With the car not running, the gearshift slides smoothly into place, of course leading me to believe that the clutch is not being disengaged when I push the pedal down. Although it won't even grind when I try to shift, the gearshift just stops cold, hitting a wall. I haven't the slightest idea as to what may be causing this.

The car has driven more or less fine up until tonight, when attempting to leave work. It even drove fine this morning.

Any information on a possible specific problem, ballpark price of repairs, etc. would be immensely appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Had a MB years ago, same symptoms. Turned out to be pilot bearing/bushing in end of crank was destroyed, this was caused by excessive end play of crankshaft. (worn out thrust bearing on last crank journal. :cry: Complete teardown to repair :cry:

[LOVNTHEMONEY]

i have the same prob. i just had my clutch replaced about a month ago because it went bad and now i have the same prob. as you. my mech. is flat bedding it to shop tommorow and check it out and replace clutch if neccassary he he came to the house and checked it said it sounded like the "throw out bearing" which is part of clutch replacement.

[LOVNTHEMONEY]

[QUOTE=LOVNTHEMONEY;2062744]i have the same prob. i just had my clutch replaced about a month ago because it went bad and now i have the same prob. as you. my mech. is flat bedding it to shop tommorow and check it out and replace clutch if neccassary he he came to the house and checked it said it sounded like the "throw out bearing" was bad which is part of clutch replacement.