BMW E36 manual gearbox faults and removal
Why does my E36 gearbox shift stiffly, especially between first and second when cold?
In BMW manual gearboxes the 1-2 shift is typically a little stiff, especially when cold. The problem is often fixed by changing the gearbox oil, and a major repair is usually not needed.
Second gear grinds or will not come out. Is the gearbox at fault?
A single gear does not misbehave just because of its ratio, so the cause is probably the second gear synchroniser (synchro). First check from underneath the car whether the rubber coupling of the gear shift linkage's driveshaft touches the shift rod in second gear.
How do I remove the E36 gearbox?
1. Remove the exhaust pipe and the centre pipe bolts. 2. Disconnect the driveshaft at the front end, the clutch slave cylinder and the reverse light wire. 3. Remove the centre pipe rubber mounts, so the engine tilts backwards and the top bolts can be reached. 4. Undo the gearbox torx bolts: four large, three small and two starter bolts. You need an extension bar of about one metre and a swivel joint. When installing, centre the clutch disc and tighten the bolts lightly at first so that the gearbox does not jam.