Series 3

Difficulty engaging gears in BMW - what is the reason and how to fix it?

It's hard to enter gears on a cold engine, specifically it's the 1st gear and reverse gear. As you drive, the problem stops. What is the problem? The problem affected the E87 model, but it happens in other models as well.

Mirosław Bodera – Członek Zarządu BM Cars

— 2 min read
Difficulty engaging gears in BMW - what is the reason and how to fix it?
BMW_120d_(E87)_–_Frontansicht,_15._April_2012,_Mettmann

BMW driver question

It's hard to enter gears on a cold engine, specifically it's the 1st gear and reverse gear. As you drive, the problem stops. What is the problem?

The problem affected the BMW 1 E87, but it happens in other models as well.

2010_BMW_120i_(E87)_5-door_hatchback_01
BMW 1 E87

Response from BM Cars service

The described problem of difficulty in shifting into 1st and reverse gear on a cold engine may be related to poor quality and low level of oil in the gearbox. If the problem affects all gears - it may indicate problems with engine clutching. It is necessary to change the brake fluid and properly bleed the clutch.

For a correct diagnosis, check the level and quality of oil in the gearbox.

You are welcome to use our service.

BMW 1 E87 | By Rudolf Stricker (Own work)[GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
BMW 1 E87 | © M 93 / Wikimedia Commons, via Wikimedia Commons

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BMW 1 E87 | By Alexandre Prévot from Nancy, France (BMW 1M)[CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

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