7 Years of Joy - except for shifting

I bought my 328 in 2012 and was lucky enough to get great support here on a couple of issues. I tried to use the search function but am doing something fundamentally wrong. I continue to enjoy the car but am still dissatisfied with the trans shifting. I know this was a perennial issue for many, but am wondering if there has been any new consensus beyond the Redline MT90 NS. Feel free to roast me for yet another trans oil thread...

 

Correction 75/90NS I believe was the best some years ago.

 

Redline MTL works just as well

 

I wrote here many times: the problem is the play between the shifter turret and the gearbox connecting rod. Put a perfect fit no play bushing with a high precision machining and the gearbox will wonderfully work even when cold whatever oil and temperature there is.

If your connecting rod has some play, you can try all the existing oils without solving anything.

Ciao

 

I tend to agree. Just came back an hour ago from a 100 miles trip with my '89 GTS, and I was precisely thinking during my trip how much I love that gearbox: once warm (about 15 miles) it is delightful. If I had to sell the car one day, I would miss that gear change. Never had any problem; a very precise machinery. I don't even know which oil is inside...
Rgds

 

Probably simple Agip Rotra MP 80W-90. Came from the factory, still easily available (in Europe) and cheap. Never had a problem. The only problem I ever had, was the shift rod silent block which was shot after 20 years. Put in a new OEM one and also replaced the one inside the car and shifting was back to precision.

Best Regards
Martin

 

Rifledriver (I believe) stated he only uses Redline MTL. I followed that advise, and my shifting immediately improved. 2nd gear is smooth even after a cold start.

 

Just checked: "Shell Transaxle 75W90".
Rgds

 

I put in Royal Purple last change based simply on the fact that it cost more so it's gotta be better.

 

MTL does the trick in the f355s

 

A local shop just changed my trans oil from Redline 75/90ns to I believe Agip. I'm now having some crunch downshifting from 5th to 4th and I've missed engaging 1st a couple of times. Because of the 1st issue I'm not blaming the trans oil yet.
the shift shaft bushings are about 15 years old & 50Kish miles later. I'll have to check them out. Perhaps they are past their prime.

 

that's the same I use, the best product in the Shell lineup. But it doesn't solve the problem: you have to eliminate the shifting connecting rod play (if you have some)

ciao

 

One other simple test to do is to start the car in first gear on a level surface, clutch pedal depressed, without the brakes nor emergency brake applied -- if the coachwork lurches/moves forward = a sign the clutch is not disengaging well/fully. Of course, you need to leave some safety room in front of the coachwork in case it does move forward or even start-up. Probably not the issue, but something very easy/quick to test.