Just wondering if anyone owns a newish BMW as my mate has just bought a 330d M Sport but when he took me out there was so much play with the gear stick. When it gear you can seriously move the stick from side to side and I was wondering if thats normal for BMW or is something up??? its an 03 plate with 117k on the clock.

I don't think that's normal.

I've driven a '03 530d as a curtesy car when I had an M3 and I assume thats the same box and it had no sign of play which you refer to.

I think he needs to get it looked at...