Can't get E46 ZHP into gear. HELP!

Your argument about the fluid is logical. Believe me, I've been through this with my M3 and it took a lot of convincing from my mechanic to leave the transmission alone (he is that awesome, he'll refuse to take my money if he doesn't believe there is a problem). What I have learned about the fluid, it's not that the fluid is going to affect this problem, what the fresh fluid does it reduces the metal to metal friction that you are "fighting" to get the shifter into place. Do you know what I mean? It's like you are getting help to get the shifter into the gear. The fact that this problem isn't consistent comes from the fact that if the teeth in the transmission happen to be in the right place at the right time the engagement will be better then other times.

I don't want to claim that you don't actually have a problem, because you might. But I am suggesting going the easy/cheap route first before you get further in. There are a number of things that can cause this issue, bad pressure plate, clutch, form, bearings, etc. All those will be costly to diagnose.
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That's def a fair idea... cheaper first. My car has the CPO so I feel like BMW's "well when cars get old, it's just hard to put them into gear" is sorta lame. My car has 88k on it and they just made me replace my clutch and pressure plate (not under warranty) to the tune of like 2200. I was pissed I had to use them but i was in a bind.

Like if the fluid is supposed to be "lifetime" and this is happening. I feel like they should replace it or find the real problem. Cause, basically to me, they are saying your car won't shift right 1/2 the time, even when its been idling, after 5 years... That's kinda ridiculous.

If I do try the fluid first. What would a local garage charge me? I don't have a driveway to work in and its crazy cold out. Also what should I buy?

Just got the car back this evening after the tranny fluid flush/change out. Shifting is 100x smoother. We'll see how long it lasts...

is it easier to get into first gear when u shift in second then first?

Yes

Sent from my Nexus One using Bimmer App

You are describing a failing/failed Clutch Master Cylinder or Clutch Slave Cylinder. Smart people would replace both.

The clutch is activated with hydraulics, and shares the same fluid as the Brake System uses. A test of the hydraulics is that you pump the pedal three or four times, then select the gear. If the selection is smooth, then the cylinders are failing.

Was this ever fixed? I'm fighting the same issues myself but not having any luck.

New master and slave, no leaks, new clutch IS disengaging, new fluid...

Your ZHP fluid is low. You need to fill it up to get the correct amount of ZHPness.

In all seriousness, I have rid alot of my notchy feel in shifting by replacing the fluid with
Redline 70w-140ns and MT-90

But here's hoping your synchos are not bad. Good luck.

Hey-
incase anyone cares.... we changed the fluid (got them to cover it under the CPO) and it didnt help.

So my shop foreman convinced BMW to give me a new tranny. MM MM Love that CPO.

Works w/o issue anymore.

How often do you change brake fluid? If ever. And are you telling them specifically to bleed the clutch?

I've seen some people do brake flush but forgetting about the clutch.

I've read through this whole thread on my stinkin iPhone and I conclude that your synchros are bad .. Time for a new tranny

Originally Posted by rsultan84

Hey-
incase anyone cares.... we changed the fluid (got them to cover it under the CPO) and it didnt help.

So my shop foreman convinced BMW to give me a new tranny. MM MM Love that CPO.

Works w/o issue anymore.

I've had the same problem for a couple of months now, and come to find out after reading this thread (great post btw, loved where the dicussion was going until) swapping out the tranny is a SOLUTION to this problem? lol FML Mines not a CPO

I guess, I can delete CDV and change out the tranny to see how it feels.