I do have a stage 1 clutch, recently installed. So, that too could explain why my tranny feel is better.

 

I have had persistent problems with second gear, it is hard to engage on a fast start from first, and occasionally it will pop out of second gear altogether. The dealer has looked at it twice but has not really been able to replicate it. There was apparently a well documented problem with some 02 996 transmissions that was discussed a lot a few months back. I may have to contact my regional rep because the dealer maintains that my VIN number was not in the span of cars that experienced this issue.

 

I have an 03 X50 and had the popping out of second problem at around 1200 miles!! They gave me a new tranny....

 

I got that solution as an option as well. Only after he checks my tranny for abuse!! I mean can you imagine, I have owned so many manual cars, I lost count. I have been driving stick since I was 18, I am now 30. I have driven motorcycles since I was 16. I felt the urge to grab the tech by the throat and shove his face into the shifter for a closer view!! Does this look like abuse after 3000 miles, Jagoff. Real nice, you buy a $100k+ car and I live in Chicago(weather) and he wants me to give him my car for 3 days to check for abuse, then check with his rep, if they decide that there isn't abuse, which I guarantee there isn't, I bring my car back in and leave it for a week!! I have had this problem since day 1, just figured that it would work itself out during break-in as my M5 did.

-Lou

 

my tranny on rare occasions grinds so badly from 1st to 2nd, I can't shift it. Most of the time it shifts like butter. I have EVO short shift kit. I figure there must be a bad tooth or two on the syncro ring or something. It has not got any worse after 2 years of driving.