The gearbox itself is reliable, but the shift mechanism wears noticeably between 100,000 and 150,000 km. Shifting becomes stiff, and it is most obvious when cold: the lever does not want to find its place, or the gear only goes in with force.
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At high mileage the synchros on the first two gears wear out, and then the shift grates. The gearbox comes with a dual-mass flywheel, which is not the most durable part either.
between 100,000 and 150,000 km
What to check
- Set off from cold: both first and second must engage without snagging
- Stop and select reverse: it must not grate or need force
- While rolling, change down into second: this is where worn synchros are audible
