Re: Stiff gear engagement -- help; comments (long (archive)

My "new to me" '88 535i 5spd 116k was rescued from a miserable looking used car lot. We replaced clutch slave and brake master. The clutch now seems normal, maybe just a hair low. Engagement of first from a standing start is sometimes rather stiff. It helps, sometimes, to go to third or fourth, then to first. But sometimes third is a little stiff too from a standing start. Engagement while rolling is easier. Sometimes engagement is normal. There are no unusual sounds or vibrations. Shifting beyond first is normal. One pundit suggested pilot bearing failure. I would appreciate any help from the experienced 5'ers on this wonderful site.
BTW, as this is my first 535, after almost 40 years of driving everything, perhaps you would appreciate my comments:
1. Tremendous engine. Pulls from 1000 in 5th (gently). Feels like an electric turbine winding up. An elemental force. A living thing. Slightly rough idle is the only downside.
2. Kinda high steering effort and less precision than my e30. Some play in the wheel -- we're looking into steering box adjustment.
3. Great brakes. Little dive. Great modulation.
4. Just about the right stiffness in the suspension. Good roll control. Not terribly harsh.
5. Good elec seats; great lateral support. Driver elec headrest broken. I read about the fix.
6. The clutch is sorta heavy and has a slight vibration deep in it. Maybe ready for replacement.
7. Gearbox is great, except for stiffness I reported above.
8. Perceived aerodynamics are better than I anticipated. The sunroof makes little turbulence open. There is not much wind noise (e30 makes a racket for some reason). Does anyone know the Cd?
9. TRX tires are fair dry, weak wet, not real smooth. I take it a wheel swap is in order. There is so much written about this subject I am lost. What is the easiest wheel fix?
10. If anyone wants a *great* *honest* BMW mech try Max at Olympia Motors in Jacksonville FL.
In all, the best all around car I've driven, with an edge to it that the new ones seem to lack.
Norwood S. Wilner
Jacksonville FL
88 535i 5sp 116k
85 318i 5sp 160k

REDLINE MTL for the tranny will help the 1st gear synchros.

Wheels are like opinions, everyone has ther favorite. Remember that BMW wheels are hubcentric and will shimmy like hell if not adapter to the proper hub center diameter (72.5 MM)Therefore some wheel will require hubcentric adapter rings.

Easiest fit off a similar year five, or seven series for BMW OE wheels.

HTH

Bob Duckworth

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Re: Stiff gear engagement -- help; comments (long Mark 08:59 4/29/2001 (0)

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