I have a '05 530 that is just about to hit 50k miles. Sometimes when shifting from 3 to 4th using light pressure on the shifter it will not go into 4th. My wife reports the same issue trying to get into 3rd. It hasn't been an issue in any other gear and its not every shift. Anyone had a similar issue? I've heard of shifter bushing failures on 3 series, curious if the e60 had the same problems.

Thanks,
Gareth

 

I've noticed mine will hang up a little on the 3-4 shift if I do it too softly also. I think that without having enough pressure down toward 4th it wants to move into the neutral position and doesn't go into the gate for 4th cleanly.

I actually thought about it this morning (I think I do it more when I'm tired and not driving as hard). I'm going to the driving school at Grattan with the Motorcity BMWCCA group this weekend and made a note to myself to make sure I'm deliberate on shifts!

 

Report it NOW. Once you get past 50k miles it might become an issue as far as getting it repaired under warranty or not. At least this way you can say that you reported it earlier.

 

have fun at Grattan. I was there in June with nasa in my e30 - great track!

 

Thanks, calling the dealer now to talk it over. I have a couple maintenance items that need taking care of before 50k, so I'll ask them to look at it at the same time.

 

Tough choice this weekend between going to Mid Ohio to see the nasa nationals or to the school. Decided driving is better than watching -- plus need more track experience since I hope to have track car for next year (will not have it set up for "racing" but that could be a longer term goal). I'm thinking along the lines of an e36 (M3 if I can find the right one for the right price). I also think the Z3 based M Coupes are pretty cool and prices are fairly reasonable. An e30 could be a consideration, but I likely will go a little newer and use it for commuting some in the summer.


Good luck with your shifter.

 

If a dedicated track car is in the cards, you might check out nasa's spece30! My e30 is built to spece30 rules and there are a few cars in the midwest. Should be 10 or so competing next year.

The dealer couldn't find anything wrong with the shifter. But while the car was in they did a few maintenance items before it hit 50k: brake fluid, brake pads, windshield wipers... so it wasn't a wasted trip and its in their system as me complaining about it. Hopefully that's worth something if it gets worse in the future.

Gareth