1 to 2 shift

[vasaline]

Not sure if it is normal and got the Z4M couple months ago. But when shifting to 2nd from 1st it is really notchy. Often I would hear a unpleasent sound when moving the shifter through the "notch". I know that it is normal for the rattle when disengaging the clutch but not sure if the sound when moving the shifter to 2nd is normal.
Just wanted to make sure it was okay, maybe i'm being paranoid.

[esqu1re]

I can't remember the last time i did a 2-1 shift, but shifting into 1 from neutral is notchy. I don't know about a sound associated with it.

[vasaline]

not 2 to 1 shifts but 1 to 2 shifts is when it happens

[r4gs]

have the same shifter feel in my m. neutral to 1, or 1 to 2, tend to be notchy engagement, where more 'force' seems to be required to get the gears to engage properly. 3 to 2 is especially difficult to get smooth as well.

[vasaline]

yea but do u hear anything when putting it into 2nd? i feel like im breaking something

[esqu1re]

Originally Posted by vasaline

not 2 to 1 shifts but 1 to 2 shifts is when it happens

Oh, I see. I read it wrong. Yes, I hear some noises shifting from 1-2. I hope it's normal too. I've done the CDV delete and upgraded bushings though.

[007MCoupe]

very notchy, y ou'll get used to it. Now, what type of noises are you experiencing? Grinding like a mis-shift?

[kennyfrc]

BG Syncroshift 2 worked wonders for me.

[Finnegan]

This topic has been covered extensively around here. Many opinions on what causes it, what can be done to address it, driving techniques to minimize it, and so on. Basically it's a quirk that comes with the car. One thing to do when shifting in terms of technique is to make sure you pull the lever down and and hard to the left at the same time.

Some folks seem to be seeing improvement with stiffer transmission mounts (stock are just like marshmallows--this is a cheap and easy "fix"), and, if the climate allows, a different transmission fluid (also a cheap and easy fix). If you have shop do it, you're out with parts and labor ~150. The CDV doesn't really affect this, that's more of a "feel" thing not a cure for this issue.

Here's a thread that covers the topic in depth. Toward the end you'll get the latest theories and approaches to this (pages 8-end) http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=285819

Note: If you're grinding things first to second you're going to kill the sychros and then the fun will really begin. So it's best to address it at this point if that's what's happening before major issues arise.

[dekaliber]

1st and 2nd gear both tend to be pretty notchy, as if there are a couple of "stops" before you are fully engaged in gear. This is pretty normal.

Don't rush the 1st -> 2nd shift because there's a dramatic difference between the two gear ratios. It will "feel" ready to pop in if you apply pressure down and to the left as Finnegan mentioned. How loud is this unpleasant sound that you're hearing?

[vasaline]

Well I'm not talking about a grind. It's kind of makes a crunch sound. I'm not talking about the known high rpm quick shift grind. Anyone in California Los Angeles area that wanna test it on my car? Warranty expires in nov. Yikes

The sound isn't very loud but audible when I'm shifting. Took it to the dealer and said it was normal. Don't really trust them as they say everything is normal. Just wanted to get a second opinion. Maybe I'll take it to a Indy shop and have them take a look

[Finnegan]

"Crunch" sound? Not something I've heard at least. Hmm..."normal". The usual party line from the stealership. I'd venture to say it's not normal. Your idea to find someone in So Cal to compare to is a great idea as is having and indie shop look at it.

[vasaline]

Yea the sound is very difficult to describe that why I was asking if anyone notice any "sounds" when shifting to from 1 to 2. As for finding someone in SoCal, it is really difficult since there are not my Z4Ms. So when u guys are shifting say around 3k rpm under normal acceleration, you guys have no "noises" at all?

[ebruder]

Originally Posted by vasaline

Yea the sound is very difficult to describe that why I was asking if anyone notice any "sounds" when shifting to from 1 to 2. As for finding someone in SoCal, it is really difficult since there are not my Z4Ms. So when u guys are shifting say around 3k rpm under normal acceleration, you guys have no "noises" at all?

No noise, but I shift at ~4500 RPM on a 1->2. Why not try a bit more RPM. It can't hurt.

EB

[Eccentric]

Op, I get the crunch noise as well. Should be normal, as it's not that loud. And regarding the 1->2 grind, since I've changed my shifting style, I have not experienced it at all (since July) no matter what Rpm I shift at. I find that pulling the lever back 90% then pulling hard all the way helps, rather than trying to get into second in one jerk.. Just my .02

[shitbrownMcoupe]

A friend of mine that tracks alot, gave me some lessons on how to find the spot where the clutch just disengages, and shifting quicker. Also some hand positioning and shifting techniques. After that, I've never had a problem. I've been in other people's z4 m's and watching thier shifting technique... just wrong everything... so ask a friend who goes to track and has proper technique and it probably goes away...

I don't have any short shifter or cdv etc... just improve your skills in shifting

Just like golf, quit buying a bunch of drivers and putters and get some lessons hahah

it helped me out.

[ebruder]

Originally Posted by vasaline

So when u guys are shifting say around 3k rpm under normal acceleration, you guys have no "noises" at all?

I was just out for a meeting, and I tried 1->2 shifts at 3k and paid close attention for any noise. It was silent. In fact, my 1->2 shift is probably the smoothest in my box. No noise at all.

EB

[RichardTS]

Originally Posted by Finnegan

This topic has been covered extensively around here. Many opinions on what causes it, what can be done to address it, driving techniques to minimize it, and so on. Basically it's a quirk that comes with the car. One thing to do when shifting in terms of technique is to make sure you pull the lever down and and hard to the left at the same time.

Some folks seem to be seeing improvement with stiffer transmission mounts (stock are just like marshmallows--this is a cheap and easy "fix"), and, if the climate allows, a different transmission fluid (also a cheap and easy fix). If you have shop do it, you're out with parts and labor ~150. The CDV doesn't really affect this, that's more of a "feel" thing not a cure for this issue.

Here's a thread that covers the topic in depth. Toward the end you'll get the latest theories and approaches to this (pages 8-end) http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=285819

Note: If you're grinding things first to second you're going to kill the sychros and then the fun will really begin. So it's best to address it at this point if that's what's happening before major issues arise.

+1 Check your shifting habits and make sure you are actively pushing to the left when going to 1 and 2 just like you actively push to the right when going to 5 and 6.

To be honest mine does not even feel notchy. But then it took about 10K miles for the gearbox to completely break in. Needs to be shifted gently until then.

[r4gs]

for everyone's benefit, here's an excellent resource i found somewhere on zpost that provides a deluge of beneficial information pertaining to all things driving. this particular article is on shifting.

http://www.turnfast.com//tech_driving/driving_shifting

[vasaline]

Well I started to shift at a higher rpm and now when pull the knob to 2nd doesn't make the crunch as much.

[XMetal]

Shifting at higher rpm will also eliminate clutch chatter as well