Chris is the M47 expert, but this sounds like a "textbook symptom" of a dragging clutch to my amateur ears. My understanding of this is that the clutch fails to completely disengage, and thus the transmission is still turning at engine speed. (Chris will correct me if this description is not 100% accurate).

The clutch cable needs to be adjusted or replaced. If the cable is original, then it is likely due for replacement. Expect to spend about $80 at the dealer for a new cable.

Also...If you pull up the shift boot (carefully), you will see four press in snaps (2 front, 2 rear) that hold it in. There is a plate on the bolts ("reverse detent bracket") that can be adjusted with an 8mm socket. When this "bracket" is out of adjustment, it can be difficult to shift into 1st and 2nd. If pulling on the reverse collar makes it easier to shift, this may very well be your friend's problem.

One potential problem is a dragging clutch. That is a very good possibility, and the M47 is horribly susceptible to ANY clutch drag. That would explain the similar amount of effort involved shifting into more than one gear. Even if it seems it's not dragging, it might very well be dragging lightly. The M47 synchros don't grip well enough to compensate for a slightly dragging clutch, as do the older M46 ones. Again, it might SEEM as if it's not dragging, but it might be dragging. Take ALL of the free play out of the pedal. A lot of times the cable will stretch out over time and you need to replace it.

WRT the shifter, there IS an allen screw in the bottom of the shift assembly. You have to go under and soak it with PB Blaster or other good penetrating oil (for a few days, preferably). Have a good quality allen socket available to use for the job; I think it's a 5mm, but have a 4, 5, and 6 around since my memory is not that good for that part.

The thing is, there is a big plate that controls the shift forks inside the transmission. If that's worn, bent, or has another problem, you can't do much but pull the transmission.

There are shifter bushings inside the shift assembly where the little allen screw is. YOu can replace them if they look worn. I can't imagine them causing that problem; usually it just makes for a lot of play in the shifter. It would be more likely that the shift linkage is bent internally, but that doesn't happen easily.

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Chris Herbst
1992 745, 68k

And others:
93 944, 150k
90 245, 110k
88 744, 160k
87 245, 185k