Hello - new to the forum, bought a 2010 S-Max with 140,000 miles and full service history. On the test drive the gearbox felt smooth and clutch felt fine with appropriate biting point. A month later noticed that very occasionally it is very difficult to engage reverse gear, I turn the engine off and the reverse gear engages smoothly then I re-start the car. The clutch feels fine and all other gears are smooth, I have changed the gearbox oil and still have the occasional issue with the reverse gear. No gear slipping, unusual smells or noises. I have checked the linkage under the gaitor and gearbox end and all appears fine - any ideas

That's a lot of mileage to expect perfection to be fair.

As long as it's actually going in I wouldn't worry.

 

Hi Warren. It sounds like a clutch issue, It sounds like its dragging a little. Normally the reverse and first gears make a noise as they are being engaged. The only thing I would recommend is check that the clutch hydraulics, make sure it is blead okay. a little bit of air in the system can cause clutch drag. other than that it could be a visit to a garage OR live with it until things get worse! clutches are not cheap for the s-max diesels especially if it needs a new a dual mass fly wheel!