Hey mike1969, I was wondering if you solved the problem you had with the gears. I have got exactly the same issue with my 2004 290. It seems that if after going in to 2nd I gently return the gear lever to the centre, ie push it down slightly I am able to select 3rd and so on each time I want to go up a gear. Seems like a centering spring is not doing its job properly? Just wondered how you got on.