Only had the Xfire for 5 days and loving it, but sometimes when I'm at a stop, it can be hard to shift into 1st gear. Double clutching from a stop makes no difference, so I just have to push hard to get it in. It doesn't grind but it will thump a little when aligning the syncros. Seems to only do it from a stop; if I am rolling even 5mph and putting it into first it doesn't seem to have a problem. Do any of you experience this? It is at freezing temps outside, but it will do this even after driving for 30 minutes so the tranny should be warm. A friend just test drove it today and noticed the same thing, twice it happened to him. Other times it goes in smooth as butter. It's something I would expect from my Viper's T56 tranny, but even my old Stealth never had this issue.

I have a 2005 base with 18k miles.

 

Completely the opposite here.

At a dead stop, 1st gear is effortless. Push left, then forward. Right in gear.

If the car is moving at even 2-3mph, first gear is locked out unless I rev-match.

BTW, after 400 miles, my 6MT feels very different than when I first bought the car 392 miles prior. At first, the shifter was very tight going into all gears. Giving the same "bank vault" feeling I got from the steering wheel. Now the gearshift is nearly effortless, with the feeling of sliding on ice.

 

The Crossfire isn't blessed with the smoothest shifing tranny that's for sure, it does take some getting used to. If compared to practically any car from Japan, you will be dissappointed. I agree, even the Viper shifts better most of the time too.
Usually it seems the more it warms up, the better it works, but not always.
I usually never try to down shift into 1st. without going into 2nd. then into first.
At 30k miles, I had the transmission oil changed, and for some reason, it seemed to become even more notchy "after" having it done.
I drove a friends 05 roadster, and his felt very smooth, so I really can't say why some shift better than others.

 

Occasionally I find this happening as well. Now I don't have any problems, but I shift into second and then first. It seems to help a lot.

I know what you're saying though......it feels like you're going to break off the shift lever when it does this!

Just curious......when you try to get into 4th quickly.....do you find that the shift lkever comes into contact with the bottom of the trim ring?

 

i've actually squished my finger a few times so you know mine does

 

After 4400 miles I've adapted to it's quirks I guess....I love it. A majority of the time I just start out in 2nd.....unless I'm gonna get on it.

 

I've never noticed any interference with the trim ring on my car, but it's a problem that I've read about here on the forum.

 

First gear is locked out from me as well if I'm moving, but if I'm at a stand still it slips in very easily.

 

Yes, mine does this in forth and sometimes in second. This is actually a common problem because Car & Driver magazine noted the same issue back in 04'. The trim really should have had a larger hole. Maybe someday I might see how it goes together and possibly trim it out.

My 1st gear lockout seems to really only be if I'm stopped, but I'm sure it goes back to the same thing. I think we need to start experimenting with different tranny fluids. Perhaps a little Penzoil Synchromesh could help. That stuff worked wonders on the Stealth tranny.

 

Same problem for me. In the winter, when the tranny is cold, it's tough to get it into first gear at a stop. But if the car is moving 5mph, it goes in easier.

Don't worry, when summer rolls around you'll forget all about this issue.

 

I had that problem - there was a TSB about it - they have to re-lube something in the tranny . They did mine two years ago and it's been fine ever since.

 

You are absolutely right, I am sure there was a TSB on it. seems like the input shaft wasn't properly lubricated at the factory.

 

From a stop, I always go into second then slip into first. Works every time. I do find that 1-2 shift has to be precise or it doesn't slide in well. I thought that would loosen up over 26k miles but it really hasn't. So I just got used to it and adjusted to it's quirks, too.

I do the same thing with my A6.

 

The input shaft where the clutch throw-out-bearing slides???


I've been quickly learning that same trick. Just figured it out two days ago. It does seem to align the syncro when you do that. I just expected better from MB. I'm worried that we are all going to need tranny syncros replaced at 100k miles.

I also think the shifter is a tad bit sloppy, like the mounting bushings are made of soft rubber. I want to open it up and see if there are mounting bushings that can be replaced with poly or solid ones. I think this would at least help with the trim slap from quick 2nd and 4th gear changes.

 

yes
I do believe this is the TSB on it