Reverse gear getting difficult.

[ExMX5owner]

I got an opportunity to take my Z for a drive this morning, reverse was difficult, and the clutch felt a bit soft. but then I have not driven it for months so I might be compromised on that observation. She popped out of reverse twice, although it felt engaged..

 

[Trevor /chedder]

Not sure if I'm any help here,but have you changes the gearbox oil and made sure it's ATF. Makes a big difference in how it feels

 

[ExMX5owner]

Not sure if I'm any help here,but have you changes the gearbox oil and made sure it's ATF. Makes a big difference in how it feels

I haven't, No and it hasn't been done in the last 100k from what I read in the service book if that can be believed, BMW service too. Ive clocked up 500k since I bought it, mainly Sunday drives for a coffee with the missus.. I guess I should look at the clutch too, ah well . Wrenching again, Oh the joy of it all...

 

[BillyB]

Agree with @Trevor /chedder . Change your g/box oil first and try that also consider when the clutch fluid was last changed .Good luck

 

[Nodzed]

Not all BMW Z3 manual gearboxes use Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF). Some, particularly early models, use ATF, others require specific Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF-LT-1 or MTF-LT-2). The correct fluid is determined by a sticker yellow, orange, or green on the side of the box. you need to check the label on the gearbox.

Yellow	Manual Transmission Fluid	Gear oil (approx. 90‑weight MTF)
Orange	Automatic Transmission Fluid	ATF (e.g., Dexron III)
Green	Not Z3‑specific; seen on older BMW gearboxes only	Special oil (Mobil SHC 630) — not applicable to Z3

 

[Rudyrov]

I would take a chance at bleeding the clutch slave and renewing its fluid, it might make a huge difference with clutch disengagement and allot easier "wrenching"

 

[Pingu]

Not all BMW Z3 manual gearboxes use Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF). Some, particularly early models, use ATF, others require specific Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF-LT-1 or MTF-LT-2). The correct fluid is determined by a sticker yellow, orange, or green on the side of the box. you need to check the label on the gearbox.

Yellow	Manual Transmission Fluid	Gear oil (approx. 90‑weight MTF)
Orange	Automatic Transmission Fluid	ATF (e.g., Dexron III)
Green	Not Z3‑specific; seen on older BMW gearboxes only	Special oil (Mobil SHC 630) — not applicable to Z3

Our gearboxes have phosphor bronze bushes, and this is affected by new gearbox oils. OP, have a read...

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[Pond]

Ive clocked up 500k since I bought it, mainly Sunday drives for a coffee with the missus.

I know Aus is a big Country, but 500,000km to get coffee is a bit extreme. In the UK there is a Starbucks every 500m nowadays.

 

[ExMX5owner]

I know Aus is a big Country, but 500,000km to get coffee is a bit extreme. In the UK there is a Starbucks every 500m nowadays.

Doh, I meant 500 km. Nice coffee though..

 

[the Nefyn cat]

Getting in to reverse can be tricky once the clutch gets near to its end. Shouldn't make it jump out, though.