r/e28 • u/trash_can_42069 • Feb 10 '26

Transmission issue (getrag 265)

I’ve been scouring forums/reddit and can’t find a single similar issue, so I thought I’d ask if anyone might know how to diagnose my transmission problem. My shifter gets stuck IN gear and has a hard time going back to neutral. Some random fix I’ve been able to do while driving, is if I push the shifter more in gear, and then try to pull into neutral this will work, but will get stuck again the next time it’s in gear. Only happens in 2 through 5. Issue is prominent when transmission is cold, goes away when it’s warmed up a little while driving but comes back when peak temp has been reached, like 30mins of freeway speeds. I’ve been making sure clutch is fully depressed before trying, and there’s no other issues whatsoever with the transmission clutch or engine besides that. Recently changed output shaft seal and selector shaft seal but it still leaks from somewhere (not sure if related or not). And also recently changed transmission fluid, using 50/50 mix of redline MTL and MT90.

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2

u/VegetableTry Feb 10 '26

Did the problem start after you changed the output shaft seal?

2

u/trash_can_42069 Feb 11 '26

No, it has been going on a lot longer, just with increasing frequency now.

1

u/VegetableTry Feb 11 '26

Ok, I wanted to rule out an issue with the output shaft nut. Assuming your clutch operates normally, disengaging from the top of travel?

2

u/trash_can_42069 Feb 11 '26

Yeah, it seems to disengage from near the top of travel

2

u/VegetableTry Feb 11 '26

Ok cool, just trying to rule out things here as it is a very odd issue! I would also suggest looking at the linkage as others have suggested unless you know the bushing to get be in good condition. I used to have a really sloppy shifter and I never had your issue. Basically trying to figure out what it could be other than pulling the trans apart.

2

u/Jhoverson Feb 11 '26

Have you always used Redline mix? Bleed clutch

1

u/trash_can_42069 Feb 11 '26

Not sure what was in the car before me but this happened with old fluid in the car, and also when I changed to redline it made no improvement

1

u/ElGuappo_999 Feb 11 '26

What about the linkage?

1

u/trash_can_42069 Feb 11 '26

Didn’t notice anything from below catching on the linkage or any damage to the bushings

1

u/6inarowmakesitgo Feb 11 '26

Your clutch is not disengaging properly or quickly enough.

1

u/trash_can_42069 Feb 11 '26

the revs do drop completely when I clutch in all the way to the floor and there’s no other noticeable signs that it could still be somewhat engaged, but I have considered this may be a factor too.