DIY BMW ZF320 (328i/M3) Detent Repair Made Easy (Sloppy Shifter/5th Gear Lean Gone)

It is very common for the BMW ZF320 transmission (E36 328i/M3, E39 528i, E46) for the detents to wear out. So popular that BMW actually made a service bulletin to change them (See Below). If you have the common 5th gear lean, or your shifter will not auto center, you could have bad detents. This kit is still available and we show you how to do this yourself with common tools! After the kit is performed, your transmission will feel crisp and like brand new!
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ZF320 Refresh Video - • How to Refresh Your B...
ZF Detent Repair Kit - www.racegerman.com/product-pa...
ZF Detent Drift Tools - www.racegerman.com/product-pa...
BMW Service Bulletins
BMW 23 03 02 - Manual Transmissions Hard to Shift
drive.google.com/file/d/1Xg3X...
BMW 23 04 04 - Gear Lever Sticks in 5th Gear/Reverse Gear
drive.google.com/file/d/1Wd0H...
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[@Tyreakmcgregor]

This was a good video, I like how everything was detailed 👍🏾

[@RaceGerman]

Thank you!

[@073731002]

I was nervous at first but this video made it super simple thank you very much

[@RaceGerman]

Glad we could help!

[@araboharabedian]

good video! makes me almost want to have a transmission with this issue just to try this fix =)

[@RaceGerman]

Thank you!

[@szephr2713]

Detailed and informative video, very helpful! I do have a question - does 4th gear need to have it's detent pin replaced as well? There's five pins in the kit but six total gears in the car, counting reverse.

[@RaceGerman]

No. The service bulletin never calls out 4th gear. Was never an issue.

[@szephr2713]

@@RaceGerman Right on

[@samcarmel6975]

Have you ever, or heard if it’s possible to rebuild the syncros?

[@barefootgreg2019]

I have one detent pin that refuses to come out, the one on top towards the front. There seems to be a ring formed in the case at the top and the detent will not go past. The other two came out with the magnet no problem. Any suggestions?

[@hectorcifuentes7522]

Hola, voy a cambiar las mismas piezas, podrías enviarme las medidas de las herramientas?

[@Andrewlone174]

Does anyone know where I can find same video but about 6 speed gearbox??????????????????!

[@bimmermavenwrench1660]

for this and seal change video: better lighting get your hands out of the way or change camera angle get closer to the work for your enjoyment.... secure the trans to the bench....angle iron and a couple holes; bolt into side of bench and bellhousing; or, when it falls on the floor and cracks the case.... 5th and Rev pins also come out easily with a 1/4 inch NPT tap grind the tip of an old screw driver to match the radius of the holes for 5th and R; bevel the edge; you can easily pry and bend the old sleeves towards the center. then grab with needle nose.

[@RaceGerman]

Thanks, this was an earlier video that I never posted. The newer ones are better

[@7beast298]

Awesome video! If u don't mind me asking: what transmission fluid should I use for my transmission? It's a 1998 z3 328i and it has the same MTF-LT1 sticker as your transmission in the video. What oil do u feel is best? Thanks

[@RaceGerman]

We use redline. We sell a service kit racegerman.com/products/redline-transmission-service-kit?_pos=5&_sid=db2cba9b6&_ss=r

[@kc550]

Great video!! Just wondering if this is normal or not, but I have the ZF trans on a bench here and I cannot shift into reverse, just all other gears. Also seems to produce a loudish metal on metal bang when you go into 3rd. It is clangy/bangy when shifting like this but more noticeable between 3rd and 4th. Cheers!!

[@RaceGerman]

Wouldn't say it's normal. But make sure you have the correct fluid level in there. If low on fluid it will be hard to shift

[@kc550]

@RaceGerman yeah I'm not sure on the level, I just picked it up yesterday. So in theory, you should be able to bring the shifter all the way over to the left and slip it up into reverse? A reminder that the trans is out of the vehicle. Thanks so much for your help!

[@RaceGerman]

Ya. Should be able to get in all gears

[@kc550]

@@RaceGerman thanks! Appreciate it!

[@kc550]

@@RaceGerman got it into reverse! I was just being a baby back bitch 😅 detents are tight I guess. Thanks again for the quick support! Love your vids!

[@Mertzy63]

Dumb question, but would this be the exact same process, kit, etc. for a ZF310?

[@RaceGerman]

Yes. It's the same

[@spaceexplorer6636]

Interested in buying the kit. How would I do that. Thanks.

[@RaceGerman]

You can purchase on our website. Racegerman.com

[@grvyrdgang5672]

Can you make a video on how to set timing on m5x motors

[@araboharabedian]

theres too many videos on that already man

[@RaceGerman]

If I have an engine torn apart, yeah I will. The Bentley manual does a great step by step walk through. Highly suggest you buy one working on any of these cars.

[@jasonboatner825]

When will these be back in stock

[@RaceGerman]

Will be back in stock this week.

[@namkinh6937]

I want to buy a MT S5d 250G or 320z for M54 engine... Can you get i a reputable address on ebay?...My country does'nt have this tranmission..

[@RaceGerman]

Sorry we don’t sell transmissions.