MTN

I have owned an 06 S4 and after about 50K miles, I experienced an issue that from time to time putting the car in first required a bit more force than normal. The problem occured in cold weather with my B7 S4. I have since sold that car and purchased a B7 RS4 about five years ago. My 08 RS4 now exhibit the same behavior with 54K on the ODO. However, the weather has gotten a bit warmer in NorCal but the problem still persists. The rest of the gears engage smoothly without issues and my clutch seems to be working fine. Both my S4 and my RS4 are completely stock. Also, I have tried RedLine fluid without success. Any feedback would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

ELEVENS

Guessing clutch drag or 1st gear synchros? I would bleed the clutch hydraulics (brake and clutch share reservoir IIRC) at the clutch slave down under for starters. But being temperature dependent seems to at least suggest a tranny problem so while you're under there, change out the tranny fluid. Sometimes just a fluid change can really help. On my bikes the oil used is incredibly important (I know - wet clutch and shift dogs/slots - different animal).

Good luck and let us know what you learn.

LarryJa

I had a slow 1st gear synchro on the old Solara 5spd that I had. I had the trans fluid changed. That helped somewhat. I still had the double clutch for higher speed downshifts into first though. The synchro was too worn &, @200k miles, not worth the rebuild.
But, it was better, than before, after the fluid change.

MTN

Thanks for the resposnes so far. I have tried changing the tranny fluid. I forgot to mention that the problem only occurs at a stop and its also intermitten. When the car is rolling, I don't experience the issue downshifting to 1st.

ELEVENS

Does it go into gears other than 1st at a stop?

MTN

I experience no issues with going from 2nd to 1st while the car is moving at slow speed.

Found this thread on Audizine that described pretty much the same problem that I experience. I have asked whether a new clutch solved the problem.

Problem when shifting into 1st

Thanks.