MX-5 OC Forum

Hi Guys,

Still getting used to my MX-5 MK3 and wondered if anyone finds it more tough to get into 5th gear than the others? There is no clunk or anything you just need to apply more effort than 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th gear.

Thanks in advance

Ben

 I would suggest your not driving it properly.........maybe you should keep it in no gear higher than 3rd to enjoy it more.....and stay off motorways that way you will never need it....or move to Devon/cornwall or Scotland where the roads don't allow 5th gear....I hope this has been some help?

Mine sometimes feels a little "notchy" going into 5th. but I put that down to lack of miles (23500 over 6 1/2 years) and hope it will free up a little when a few more gear changes have been done.....mine still smells new the last owner used it so little

watchnut:

.........maybe you should keep it in no gear higher than 3rd to enjoy it more.....

I've only had mine for a few days, 3rd seems to be the gear of choice on the roads around me :)

Mine has the same thing with 2nd gear until the gear box has warmed up, I would expect this to improve as I get some miles on the clock.

Second gear on mine is little tight when cold too. I used to struggle a bit with fifth, but I think I was pushing the stick too far over to the right to get it; it's almost as if fifth gear is really close alongside third and only takes a little push over to the right from fourth. Maybe that's me, but I don't have any problems doing that.

To answer the original question, yes I find 5th a bit - not difficult but requiring a bit more effort than the other gears on my Mk3.5. It's seems a little more spring loaded than the other gears, I assume it's designed that way to  stop people (who "don't drive them properly" - jeez I can't believe some sanctimonious a/hole actually said that) inadvertantly finding 5th when going for 3rd.

 Thank you, this an answer I was looking for.

No probs Ben - how are you enjoying the Mk3?  I'm loving my Mk3.5 - only had it a few weeks, although I am booking it in for a 4 wheel alignment check this week. I noticed when I had the wheels off checking the brake pads for wear that the two front tyes are wearing on the inside and the steering wheel isn't quite straight when the wheels are.  There are so many suspension adjustments that can be done on these cars that it makes sense ot make sure everything is perfectly lined up to get the most out them.  This one just seems a bit more skittish over bumpy bends than my old Mk 1 was so I'm sure I'll feel a difference after the alignment has been done.