New 156 - poor gearchange.

Hi,

I have a new (2004, 175BHP) 156 2.4 JTD SW (6 speed). The gearchange seems
particularly bad - I'm sure the one I test drove was OK.

Basically, it is very "notchy", not fluid at all. It "seems" to be worse
when cold (less than 10 miles), and when the weather is cooler.

Every gear appears to snatch (even with the clutch pedal up against the
bulkead!), first to second is particularly bad, usually accompanied by a
thunk / graunch. If I rev over about 4000rpm before changing, the change is
better, similarly if I give the throttle a blip between gears it's a bit
smoother (I'm not quite up to double declutching, and I shouldn't have to on
a new car).

Sometimes (rarely), it seems to be OK - almost as though something has lined
up, that has previously been out of line, but this usually dissapears, and
the poor gearchange returns after I next start the car.

I was kind of hoping this problem would have resolved after running in the
car, but it doesn't seem to be any better after 1000 miles.

Any ideas what could be causing this? Does the clutch need "adjusting"
(may be it's not fully disengaging, or perhaps they forgot to fit the
synchromesh in the factory...lol.

Anyway, could do with some feedback before I approach my dealer.

Many thanks,

Martin.