That really grinds my gears!!

I have a 2000 e39 520i manual 5 speed, It popped out of gear during gear change and when I tried to get it back in it grinded, it eventually went back in but drives fine it hasnt popped out since but in first and reverse gears there is a low whining noise, Have i destroyed the pressure plate or the teeth/splines on the gears? Any help would be great guys!

When did you last change the lube in the trans? If never, try a fill of RedLine MTL or Royal Purple Manual Trans Lube, or another synthetic lube for manual transmissions. Do not use ATF.

Whilst the car is up in the air, replace the diff lube, too, with 75W90.

The factory fill is labeled "lifetime"; don't you believe it.

A few grinds will not hurt the trans.

Sounds like a synchronizer got upset. Change the oil, and if there's further problems, you should have the synchronizers looked at.

thanks so much dude, happy new year!

Whooaa!!

"Talk to me about the "synchronizers"!
My car has been difficult at times to get into gear, typically after a extended amount of time in high gear.
I have a short throw lever, and was blaming that, telling myself "It's not the trans, it's not the trans!!"
I have the MTL product in the box, and it being changed in a timley fashion.

Any light on that subject would be great.

I, in turn, will dazzle you with my oil expertise.

Thanks,

Tom

I installed the E60 545 shift lever, and it feels like I'm arm-wrestling with the trans every time I shift. I may be changing back, since I don't see a real value in this setup.

You may wish to put the original lever back in.

Yes, would definitely get the tranny oil changed out for some fresh stuff, but most likely you have some issue with your synchro.

Originally Posted by bmw_n00b13

if there's further problems, you should have the synchronizers looked at.

Looked at?

You can't just ''look at'' the synchros w/o taking the tranny out and apart.

To the OP, a few grinds will not hurt if the tranny still pulls smooth thru all the gears.