Well I finally needed a new tranny!

[Black 535i]

220,000+ miles on original tranny and it has started popping out of first gear 1 out of every 10 starts. Very annoying. Have to hold the shifter in while starting from first. After that I am fine. Turns out it is worn first gear synchros. Costs almost as much for a rebuild ($1995.00) as for a new one from BMW in Germany ($2115.00 with CCA discount) so I went with the new one. $300.00 in labor to do the work and I will have no more shifting issues - woohoo!! Wish me luck all. Hopefully I will get another 200,000+ plus miles out of the new one.

[BennyM]

Good luck. Mine was still going strong at 250,000 miles when I sold it (had my fingers crossed going past the 200k mark). I even learned to drive a stick on it. Those 5-speeds are definitely worth the money.

[Ross]

Not worn synchros but likely worn mainshaft bearings. A switch to heavier oil, 90w might improve the situation.

[Black 535i]

I always have used a synthetic oil rather than dino oil. I will see the difference next week when the work is done. Thanks for the advice though.

[Black 535i]

...new tranny was needed as well as throw out bearing, pilot bearing (shot and broken), output cylinder clutch, new pressure plate and rear main seal. Most was due from when dealer in Ontario did emergency clutch job a few years ago and did not do enough. Clutch was filled with oil leak from engine and soaked the plates. Should be getting car back today but just goes to show that a simple tranny swap turned out a few more issues. I could have put it off but would have cost me 3 hours labor again later just to get back to these parts at a later date. All in all I am satisfied as is my indy that all repairs were necessary and that the car will run like new for another 200,000 miles we hope. It always helps to have an indy who looks further than they have to see what else is causing issues and lets me know what I am up against. Will let you know later how it all runs. Glad to get it back though. Like the wife's Volvo V70 but prefer my own 535i!

[Tiger]

Don't forget the scrap value of the old tranny to lower the cost of your new tranny... You should be able to get a couple hundred for scrap tranny.

[Black 535i]

Do you know anyone in the Chicago area who purchases them?

[Tiger]

Call up scrap metal yard... not junk yard. Or call up a few online rebuilder who might be interested in buying cores... or put it on ebay with full disclosure.

Mmm... isn't Kirt in Michigan? They might be interested in buying cores. ZF rebuilder.