BMW ZF-5 Speed Transmission - Detent Replacement DIY (1992-2005 Various 3-series, 5-series, Z3's)

►Is your car hard to shift? Maybe hard to get into reverse? It could be your shifter detents in your transmission, 5th and reverse being the biggest culprit of them all.
BMW used the ZF 5 Speed in most higher engine capacity, 6 cylinder vehicles from 1992 up until about 2003. Over time, the shifter detents along with the springs, can get sticky, so they can tend to feel numb. 5th gear and reverse you could experience a lock out or very hard to get into gear. So if your transmission is out of your car for repairs, it makes a perfect time to replace your shifter detents with the complete kit from FCP Euro.
GET THIS KIT: www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-...
Tools Needed: www.amazon.com/dp/B01JV7L4D4
BMW 325xi
2001-2005 BMW 325xi Manual Trans Shift Shaft Pin Kit
BMW 328Ci
2000 BMW 328Ci Manual Trans Shift Shaft Pin Kit
BMW 328i
1996-2000 BMW 328i Manual Trans Shift Shaft Pin Kit
BMW 328is
1996-1999 BMW 328is Manual Trans Shift Shaft Pin Kit
BMW 330Ci
2001-2003 BMW 330Ci Manual Trans Shift Shaft Pin Kit
Up to 3/2003
BMW 330i
2001-2003 BMW 330i Manual Trans Shift Shaft Pin Kit
Up to 3/2003
BMW 525i
2001-2003 BMW 525i Manual Trans Shift Shaft Pin Kit
BMW 528i
1997-2000 BMW 528i Manual Trans Shift Shaft Pin Kit
BMW 530i
2001-2003 BMW 530i Manual Trans Shift Shaft Pin Kit
BMW M3
1995-1997 BMW M3 Manual Trans Shift Shaft Pin Kit
BMW Z3
1997 BMW Z3 2.8L L6 Manual Trans Shift Shaft Pin Kit
1998 BMW Z3 2.8L L6 Manual Trans Shift Shaft Pin Kit
1998 BMW Z3 M Roadster Manual Trans Shift Shaft Pin Kit
1999 BMW Z3 2.8L L6 Manual Trans Shift Shaft Pin Kit
1999 BMW Z3 M Coupe Manual Trans Shift Shaft Pin Kit
1999 BMW Z3 M Roadster Manual Trans Shift Shaft Pin Kit
2000 BMW Z3 2.8L L6 Manual Trans Shift Shaft Pin Kit
2000 BMW Z3 M Coupe Manual Trans Shift Shaft Pin Kit
2000 BMW Z3 M Roadster Manual Trans Shift Shaft Pin Kit
2001 BMW Z3 3.0L L6 Manual Trans Shift Shaft Pin Kit
2001 BMW Z3 M Coupe Manual Trans Shift Shaft Pin Kit
2001 BMW Z3 M Roadster Manual Trans Shift Shaft Pin Kit
2002 BMW Z3 3.0L L6 Manual Trans Shift Shaft Pin Kit
2002 BMW Z3 M Coupe Manual Trans Shift Shaft Pin Kit
2002 BMW Z3 M Roadster Manual Trans Shift Shaft Pin Kit
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[@ipottie47]

This video is criminally underviewed! Great detailed explanation of all the processes and difficulties that can occur on the way!

[@31acruz]

its because the guy has a bad attitude, did you notice how he throws the detent bushing on the bench after he takes it out. Turns people off.

[@f308gtb1977]

Excellent video, great explanations and tips, thank you so much!

[@DonBMW]

These videos are the reason I cant stop, wont stop buying parts from FCP Euro.

[@glenn9k]

This must be one of the best videos on youtube. I don't even intend to replace mine, I just happened to click on the video, and stayed till the end.

[@EmilSanMusic]

Very detailed video 👍 Cool, that you also told the BMW tool numbers

[@Carpythesharky]

Thanks, very informative. Will be doing this sometime... Fifth gear is getting a bit harder to get into.

[@timboyle3114]

So just finished this on my e35 conv undergoing a trans swap - you went kidding about the bushing. WOW what a pain - Could not find the seam on my reverse and then it started pushing inwards as I deformed! PANIC MODE ON! Fixed it by using the bearing puller and it luckily it came out. 5th gear a LOT easier. The caps and clips were a breeze! - 1 -4 very simple! Also changed the foam pad on the end of the shifter bush. Old one was greasy powder - WOW - what a difference with that and the detents. Bench testing, before all was loose and hard to get into gear - After its crisp and easy! Thanks again! Also have an e46 328 that I have been living with 5 gear lean for the last 15 years at least! Will be next.

[@behradsays]

Hey fellas, thanks for the great video! Got my trans refreshed last night and ready to go onto my 1jz swap!

[@_jenks_]

Nice I’m actually here researching how strong this gearbox is as I want to use it with a 1JZGTE how much power have you got and how is it holding out?

[@behradsays]

@@_jenks_ i have a stock powered 1jzgte vvti and these trans’s are said to hold around 600hp and tq so I’m not worried! It has been great so far. Checkout my KZbin channel I have tons of build videos from my swap.

[@ferencgrull8350]

Semmit érő egy videó!A könyököd szépen látszik!

[@edwardmihevic2214]

These videos are great, thank you so much for making these!! The education you are providing is priceless, this one in particular gives me the confidence to tackle this myself!!

[@Carlitosway211]

Pro tip... Use a socket on an extension, lay the trans on its side and push the 5th and reverse in and grab that snap ring with ease while you have the cap pushed down. Easy

[@hillarylevenworth8824]

I have a blind hole bearing puller ( similar to the one he uses on the detents ) that works quite well on the bushings.

[@jaedanb]

Did not work for me. Is there a special tightness thats in between gripping it against the walls and tight enough to not just scrape metal off?

[@aekoa870]

PLEASE READ if you're doing this job: When removing the detent bushings I found a MUCH easier and cleaner way to pull them. Get a cheap tap set and find the right size for the bushing so that you can tap threads into it. Wad a bit of paper towel into the bore to prevent shavings from falling into the transmission. Tap threads, screw in the correct size bolt, use the slide hammer to pull it out. Carefully remove the paper towel and make sure the bore is clear of debris. It's very effective! I did this job about two years ago in my garage due to 5th gear lean, and trying to use a pick or awl to get the bushings out was a nightmare. Using a tap and bolt to remove it was FAR easier and cleaner. No scored bores that way! Also in case anyone is wondering there is another detent under the 3rd blue plug next to the 5th and R that acts as the resistance for the shift gate when going into gear. It's a special one that has a roller on it, and I replaced that too as it will wear over time just like the other detents. Go to the internet wayback machine and look for the thread "BMW 1999 E36 M3 - How To Change Transmission “Detent Pin” Bushings" by getitnow2 and it will have images and part numbers for everything. Great video! Would have made a few things much less of a headache but I found them out the hard way... wound up doing exactly what you did with the self-tapping screw into the plug cover and prying it out. Also, make sure when doing this job that you poke the hole in the cap close to center or you risk scratching the edge of the bore.

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks for the great tips, Aeko! Glad you like the video!

[@SteinOnkel]

I tried the tap method on reverse and the only tap that I found to fit is 3/8-18 NPT. Which is fine, but good luck finding a bolt. Afterwards, it was MUCH harder to chisel the bushing out because you cannot see the seam anymore :(

[@cheistianz.913]

great video, I’d like to see a transmission tear down of the ZF 4 spd manual transmission. Especially on replacements of Synchro - Gears.

[@Dennis-du4jh]

FCP should put together a shift pin kit for the getrag 250, I have a 1999 e46 323i 5 speed manual

[@5t341tH]

Great video. Thanks. Question for you. My 5 speed is leaking from side port next to the 5th and reverse detent pin locations. Since I replaced the detents already, what is the third one right next to it? It looks just like the 5th and reverse

[@tommerritt4330]

Great video! Two simple questions? With respect to the orientation of the slots on the top three sleeves? If they are not installed at 90 degrees offset can that cause the pin to stick in the new lined sleeve? How important is it to lube the pins and springs before installation? Can installing them dry cause problems? Just had this job done and problem of getting into 1st gear is worse. We cannot figure out why.

[@Thomas-pe4er]

Great video, thanks for the detailed explanation. I believe the video states that for both reverse and 5th the detent flat spot points down. I found that reverse is down for the detent as stated, but 5th is up. I might have missed that point in the video, but in any case during installation, I confirmed that the internal components riding on the detents can only work with reverse detent down and 5th up. Again, thanks for the video and I enjoyed watching the FCP cars at VIR a couple years ago too. FCP is great.

[@taydencornish]

i just did my detents as this video says and faced both ramps down on the pins now my transmission feels like crap and wont shift into gears properly, i think this video is wrong about the 5th and reverse detents!!

[@taydencornish]

there is another video on this and a guy faces the 5th pin upward unlike this video! now i have to pull my box back out

[@rxiddd]

@@taydencornish The video actually states 5th pin should face upwards.

[@GevorgAblabutyan]

at 24:10 he says it should point up

[@luisespinal7123]

Great video, where can I get a small slide hammer with the adapter you used to remove 5th gear detent pin? The one you used the 19mm wrench for. I found a small slide hammer but doesn't have that adapter that expands... thanks in advance

[@FlightDeckGA]

Thank you, FCP! Do you know the part numbers for the 5th and reverse springs?

[@busterscrugs]

Could worn detents cause left-right play in gear? I've replaced the carrier bushings, shift lever and cup, and installed a new selector rod joint. Still have a decent amount of play. 5th is sometimes hard to get into, which I've heard is a sign of detents going bad.

[@11Xshadowolf]

Hey Sir, would suggested Thayer punch kit also work on my 6 speed "non smg" e46 m3 ? if not could you please suggest a kit maybe, I bought all ball and dentents and refresh kit's but going to need the punches after seeing this great video. will the process be similar on my GERTAG 6 speed ?

[@allanedwards2490]

Hi you're awesome. Really appreciate your video. Please could you help me with a bmw e34 535i 5 speed manual. I can't get 5th gear at all , engine off or on . What should I look for? Regards

[@javarithms]

Thanks for the video. Just did this on mine. Luckily, gears 1-3 already had the updated detent so I just had to do the reverse and 5th gears. Reverse was the hardest by far!! Need to do the seals. Any chance you can do a video on those?? 👍🏼

[@fcpeuro]

We can definitely add that to the list! Happy to help!

[@Dmxravin]

how did you know that 1-3 had the updatet detent?

[@MLGxBXRxPRO]

I bet this is gonna be a long shot but here i go. Is there and way you can caliper or mic the size of the install pins. I work at a machine shop and i can easily make then if i had the exact dimensions

[@mrjpz]

Since I'm putting in a 13-pound flywheel ill be doing this as well a little confusing on where they are supposed to be facing but I'm sure once I pull it out ill find out what I need to find out from rewatching the video

[@fcpeuro]

It definitely helps to have the video handy to pause as you're performing the job yourself!

[@Genesislights]

On that 5th gear bushing, are u risking dropping some metal shaving inside the housing when you try to remove that by bashing it loose?

[@davidhanson3288]

Great video 02 330 ci 5 speed manual can i order the whole kit and special tools from you.

[@bigdfitness5020]

I need to replace my input shaft bearing, but you guys don't have one listed on your website for my car/trans. I have a 2006 330i (e90) 6 speed (gs6-37bz) with the n52.

[@zgms1384]

Do you have video what difference all bmw manual transmission from 5 speed to 6 speed

[@MrClarck100]

Are all the bellhousings on the S5D the same regardless of the engine it is mated to? I'm swapping a M47 for a M52/54 but i can't find that info anywhere.

[@deadspin33]

Can I drive the car with the shifter leaning towards the fifth gear or will it do damage to my repair it

[@asain-sangyi3968]

Great video! Question: How long should it take a competent shop to do this job? 3hrs?

[@jasonson86]

1hr per detent

[@patrikcizmekovic9032]

I am thinking of buying an e39 5spd, how is this car on the highway considering its not a 6spd? Does it really lack the 6th gear or is the gearing setup good enough for 5 gears?

[@TuanNguyen-tz7gi]

Really good video. Would have preferred more zoom up’s so as to see more detail inside the bores. Great work!

[@fcpeuro]

Ya sorry Tuan it was difficult to get in there and see what was going on. Appreciate the insight and thanks for watching!

[@TuanNguyen-tz7gi]

FCP Euro thanks! Still a great video and has given me some level of confidence to do this in the future.

[@kc550]

Hey! Should you be able to shift into reverse with the transmission removed? I can only go through 1st-5th but cannot get into reverse. Also, from 4th down to 3rd, it sounds like a louder metal on metal bang/thud than the other gears, which I'm not sure is normal or not. Cheers!

[@PowerSports]

Where can we get written instructions for this kit? The link in the product description on your website is broken.

[@reidalexander1589]

Grate video, Real good explanation very detailed. I do a lot of transmission work on the ZF automatics, im just starting on the manuals working on my first one now, but I just cant split the case quite frustrating. do you have any tips? Thanks

[@Quocamoly]

Maybe a dumb question but does zf 5hp? Fit on 328i 1998 sedan or coupe I live in cali and down want to deal with manual I drive a 240sx 5speed but want to also get a 328i auto but 5 speed to cruise

[@Quocamoly]

I also know nothing of bmw,

[@withnikinc2]

How to fix a selector shaft in and out play? My shifter is vibrating under acceleration in 2nd gear because of the selector shaft play.

[@rotorshed4115]

Great Video. I recently just paid to have the reverse and fifth detents done. Wasn't advised about the other ones. The box has an occassional rumble in 3rd and 4th that can be stopped by slightly weighting the shifter towards the neutral position . Its kind of like its over selecting.Do you think this is caused by the 1-2,2-3,3-4 shift pin bushings not being done? Any advice greatly appreciated.

[@fcpeuro]

It is possible the shift pin bushing could be the culprit! Worth a shot!

[@rotorshed4115]

@@fcpeuro Thanks for taking the time to reply :)

[@osvaldoherrera5219]

does the kit com with 5th and reverse springs, or can I use the same springs. Great video will order my kit.

[@gregpaul36]

You reuse the springs as I recall

[@sara78130]

Hi there BMW zf 8 gear shift stack on park not move I replace full transmission same 😢

[@janbuti6089]

does a 2008 Audi S5 with Manual 6 speed have reverse detent that can go bad not allowing reverse to engage?

[@HLinHD]

Does this ever need to be done on the Getrag 6 speeds? 420g?

[@ilbelvaramirez3495]

hi, i have this transmission,there is a gs6-53 whit the small bellhousing ?

[@julinowak7612]

Nice Video but i have a question How mutch torque can the S5D 280Z - THCI trans handle with no Problem?

[@MrClarck100]

From the info i could gather is that the number behind the model is the torque rating in Nm, so the S5D-280Z is rated at 280Nm of input torque.

[@o0lunchboxxx0o91]

How much would this job cost to be done I legit can’t drive on the highway because 5th is so hard to get to it it locks me out of 3rd a lot

[@Mazdaspeed_lifestyle]

If this kit is discontinued can I use the 540i kit you have on your site. My shifter is horrible and I need a detent kit asap. Where can I find a 5th and reverse kit ? Im not trying to pay 300$ for a full kit when it’s only 5th and R that has the problems you have a 540i kit on your site they look absolutely identical so can I use those ?

[@stefandragu7066]

Hi,to 6 gearbox it's the same thing?

[@chinoperez6504]

“And this is how it the detent looks” from 20 feet away

[@Andrewlone174]

Can i use the same pin set for 6 sped gearbox?????????

[@thebeemerfarm]

is it possible to use dry ice @fcp euro

[@OfficialPHASIK]

Does anyone know the size of the tool on the end of the slide hammer??? Struggling to get mine to fit

[@kcspeed9980]

Ever watch a “how to” video and think…. “You know what, that 2 grand trans rebuild is not over priced”

[@taydencornish]

My e34 zf, 5th and R pin both had a big hole... Unsure why...maybe someone's installed the wrong one into 5th

[@xenaaltcoin6817]

I'm so screwed was trying to hammer the lip on the collar, my tool slipped and I whacked the arm below the detent, now there is something loose rattling around in my transmission housing. This tranny looks like a pain to open up, seems to be press fit. Any Advice?

[@nepentherock]

what about e53 x5 5sp?

[@hasanmohammed5302]

Do getrag 420g

[@namkinh6937]

I want to buy this tranmission, but my country does'nt have this tranmission,...

[@poomped53]

Do you guys have a service shop too? I have a Z3M that needs this and I'm not sure whether a regular mechanic will do this and not sure a transmission shop would do it right.

[@fcpeuro]

Hi, Patrick. Unfortunately, we do not have a public service shop.

[@poomped53]

@@fcpeuro Thanks for reply! This job seems in a middle ground b/w typical mechanic and a trans shop. Out of scope for me as a DIY. Suggestions?

[@fcpeuro]

@@poomped53 you have some options, you could have a mechanic drop the trans for you, and give it a try at home, it really is doable with the right tools and some patience. If not comfortable with that a trans shop should be able to do it no problem. Its a common transmission with a common problem, could always check with them their familiarity as well. Hope this helps and you get it sorted!

[@rxiddd]

At 29:53 what are you doing? I feel like im missing something at this point

[@daviddebuhr8995]

This video saved my ass. Got it done but came oh so close to knocking the reverse bushing into the transmission. Took me 2 hours to coax it back up and out. Now I have new detents, new input/output seals, new selector rod seal, selector rod joint, and stainless steel pivot pin. Whoever designed those bushings is a dummkopf...

[@fcpeuro]

Glad we were able to help you out David! It's a dangerous game you have to play getting those detents out lol

[@PowerSports]

They design them that way on purpose, to make the transmission near-impossible to self-service, so you would either pay the dealership or get a new car.

[@armandohilario]

This is just for manual transmission or automatic transmission

[@daviddebuhr8995]

Manual

[@manuelcastaneda7102]

Will this pins fit my 6 speed zf ?

[@Andrewlone174]

i have the same question, do you find kit for 6 sp gearbox?

[@skrevox]

You should do videos on the GM GA6L45R found on some e90s

[@xdragosx]

the channel is fcp EURO :p

[@skrevox]

@@xdragosx Thats a GM transmission that was used on the BMW E90

[@thelukestormwalker]

Is there a reason those caps couldn't be updated to be metal seems like a poor design choice to be plastic?

[@gideonthomas4348]

I recently installed a coolerworx short shifter as well as a single mass flywheel. Since installing the car comes out of gear and into neutral under heavy braking... do you think it could be worn detents causing this? I did also have a 5th gear lean before installing the shifter... should have done the detents first in hindsight lol

[@mudvayne9790]

Link for the puller?

[@f308gtb1977]

I’m not sure it’s the same but we got our set at Harbor Freight yesterday for 27 bucks.

[@gtahoer]

Wear your safety glasses, nice video btw.

[@f308gtb1977]

Seems like he’s an adult to me, capable of making his own decisions, but what do I know.

[@alexbehlmer9166]

Very "simple". Miserable process. Frustrating. Miserable. A LOT of f'bombs. Ha

[@fcpeuro]

Alex that perfectly sums it up 😂

[@Dennis-du4jh]

So I have this same exact tranny on my e46 328i, and I noticed two weird things with it that Im wondering if they can be fixed. When I put in 1st gear and gently push and hold the lever forward while releasing the clutch I can feel the lever push back a little bit as the clutch engages is that normal? I just bought this car. Also when in third gear with clutch fully engaged, if I pull back on the lever the lever jutters a little bit until I release it or go out of gear. Since Im pulling out the transmission, are there ways to fix these two issue while its out? I understand that I might have to open her up and I dont mind that. From what Im aware of the parts on this tranny are fairly readily available. Or should I just suck it up and deal with it being that its 172k miles

[@fcpeuro]

Hi Dennis, unfortunately no way to really tell. It can be anything from worn internals to worn replacement items. The best thing to do is a thorough inspection when you pull the transmission out, while also keeping in mind she is nearing the 200k mark..

[@projman2155]

I didn’t see shit

[@31acruz]

guy has a bad attitude.