Inconsistent shifting feel on shifter

[Seal]

I have a 2011 MS3 with 105k miles on it. I got it maybe 3 months ago and had the oil and transmission fluid changed not too long after I got it. I experience this issue with the shifter where sometimes the shifting - particularly from 1st to second gear - feels like butter and other times there is some resistance going into second.

What could be the culprits here? Do I need to work on the adjustment of the shifter linkage? I'm ignorant of the part names but where the linkage goes into the transmission - pivot shaft assembly? - there is the shift seal. I do not see any leaking there.

This picture is not of my shift seal but as a reference. What is the little button or valve there?

 

[Mauro_Penguin]

That button is the breather vent for the transmission. It looks like you might have a bit of bleeding coming out of the pivot shaft seal. I would clean up that whole area and see if it returns.

As far as your uneven shifting, what kind of fluid went into your trans? I ask because our transmissions are VERY picky.

Also, when was the last the brakes/clutch line were bled?

 

[Easter Bunny]

The transmission can be really bitchy in cooler weather if depending on which gear oil you have in there

 

[Seal]

That button is the breather vent for the transmission. It looks like you might have a bit of bleeding coming out of the pivot shaft seal. I would clean up that whole area and see if it returns.

As far as your uneven shifting, what kind of fluid went into your trans? I ask because our transmissions are VERY picky.

Also, when was the last the brakes/clutch line were bled?

That image isn’t of my pivot shaft assembly: I posted it for a reference image.

The valve on mine seems to be working - pops up and I don’t see any oil around it.

I used Redline MTL as I’ve seen that is pretty popular recommendation.

I got the car about three months ago so I can’t speak to the brake and clutch lines being bleed.

 

[Enki]

Could be engine/trans movement changing the location of the shift point too. It *shouldn't* happen but it can; IIRC popping out of second is a thing sometimes.

 

[Seal]

I wondered that before I changed all my motor mounts: I replaced all the OEM mounts with Damond.

It seems if I’m driving my aggressively and shift into second at a more diagonal angle: riding alright the plastic piece on the shifter assembly, I get the resistance. If I have a little more finesse and move it slightly towards the center I get a smoother shift.

I had the inconsistent feel as described in my OP with both the stock shifter and with my more recently installed Corksport short shifter.

Could it be I need to further adjust select cable on the shifter, could shifting the stick over more to the center be the issue?

 

[Enki]

Could just be an adjustment issue. If your 1-2 won't shift properly when you're on the stop (and you usually hit the stop), I'd correct that. Easy enough to do.