Series 3 Synchro hub springs

I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to gearboxes so forgive me if this is a stupid question. In the next couple of months I plan on taking the gearbox out of my 109 to give it a refurb, the first time I changed the oil in there a synchro hub spring came out, the last time I changed the oil another spring came out in the oil. Now, given that there are only 3 in there to start with, what's likely to happen if the third one was to fall out? Would I lose the use of those gears or just lose the synchro on them and have it work like an old crash box?

More likely to slip out of gear,If you want to learn about gear box's then a series box is good as it can be worked on with with basic tools.

That's good to know, much better than losing the gears all together. I'm expecting the refurb process to be full of head scratching moments and 'learning opportunities'!

You might find that the gear selection gets obstructed, but a bit of patient running through all the positions has always, eventually, dislodged the rogue piece for me.

It is possible to replace the springs through the linkage cover at the top of the box without having to remove it. I've done this in the past, but beware it's very fiddly.

I had heard that in the past, the boxes need to come out really, the synchromesh is getting tired and third gear whines so it's time for them to have some TLC.

Just hope it doesnt end up taking a chunk out of your gears if the last one goes. Box out is ok, rebuild is ok too plenty of guides in mags and online. If you can get a spare box to use whilst you rebuild yours it means you can take your time. Its not a job to be rushed I found. Good luck