[Bernie]

I shall be getting my 2014 B-Max on Monday having part exchanged my 2010 Astra 1.6 petrol (a lovely car but both my wife and I have increasing difficulty getting in and out of it!). The Astra has a very crisp and precise gear change whereas the B-Max seems quite sloppy and vague by comparison. Obviously there will be differences between other manufacturers and models and I am not familiar with the B-Max yet, but wonder whether any other owners have the same experience. Before the Astra I had a Focus which had a pretty good box. I imagine there is some sort of bush or collar that might be worn. Mileage is 20,000+. Any comments? Cheers.

 

[cianpars]

I must say that the gearboxes on all the fords ive owned over 40 years have been better than all the other cars i have driven.

That said, the box on my b max is a little more sloppy than my 2 previous fiestas, but still a good box.

Ive driven rovers, range rovers and vauxhalls audis, over the years and still rate the fords gearboxes as best, even going back to the escorts and a capri i owned back in the 70s.

I can really change gear very quickly with ford boxes and they are even ok with racing cluchless changes.

Ive never worn out a clutch in 40 years and my only gearbox failure was on a 12 month old rover 414.Edited by: cianpars

 

[Bernie]

Thanks for your comments. I guess once I've done a few trips I'll have a better view of things. Must be patient. I used to do the occasional clutchless gear change in my company Cortina and Sierra (ah, nostalgia) - very rewarding when done properly - but in my own cars I've been less daring!
Regards.
BP

 

[cianpars]

Haha, a bit like me bernie

 

[Geriatricus]

As below I have a 1.4 petrol, and the only thing I have noticed (on both my B-Maxes) is that reverse can be a little particular and sticky, so you have to make sure that it really is fully engaged before letting the clutch up. You do not say what model/engine/transmision you are getting, so can only relate the particulars of the transmission that I have had.

Welcome to the board,
Geri

 

[Bernie]

Thanks for that. I'll take care when reversing. Mine is a 1.4 Zetec with one of those wretched emergency cartridges for punctures (the work of the Evil One!) but that is covered under a separate thread. Mine allegedly has a City Pack. Any idea what that is? Regards. B

 

[Hywel S Wales]

Info from Ford website-

City Pack
Zetec & Zetec Colour Edition - Includes Rear Parking Sensors; Electric/Heated Power-Foldable Door Mirrors.

Enjoy your new car !

 

[Bernie]

Thanks. Have to admit I'm like a kid on Christmas Eve. Sad, isn't it?
B

 

[Bernie]

Getting used to it now. Pleased to say that reverse is OK, except that it is at the opposite side of the gate so I must be careful not scoot of forwards by mistake!

 

[cianpars]

Tried to change up into 6th gear when i was getting used to mine. Bit of a crunch resulted.

 

[Willow]

Bernie, the only thing with the gears on my 1.0 Ecoboost is reverse, which occasionally catchs me out. I think it's engaged but it's not, resulting in an 'orrible zizzing sound. The 1.6 Focus I had before was always a very positive selector. Apart from reverse I find gear change very smooth on this model.

 

[redfive]

Hi Willow, that is exactly how i would describe it and as you state, all other changes are perfectly ok.
i therefore think it has to be a flaw with the design of the box.

 

[cianpars]

My last fiesta was the same in this respect as with the b max

 

[Willow]

I'm inclined to agree redfive. I'm beginning to wonder if this reverse shift issue is confined to this model. I have friends who have Focus and Fiesta models with no problems.

 

[pegleg]

We have both Ecoboost B-Max and a 1.6 Focus and have the same reverse problem.
Reverse is non synchromesh which is why you get the 'crash'.
To get round it, I depress the clutch pedal, then select 4th gear, then into neutral, let out then depress the clutch and select reverse. Sort of double de-clutch. Sounds a lot more difficult than it really is and it works every time

 

[cianpars]

Its not a big issue really, you just need to make sure its fully engaged. Double de clutching works fine.

 

[Bernie]

Getting used to it now. Reverse is OK too.