BMW Repair: BMW PO735, engine thermostat, 1999 bmw 323i

Question
I have a 1999 BMW 323I With an automatic transmission. When Driving the car the (!) sign will appear next to the drive button. And the car appears to be stuck in 4th gear.  However, if I turn the engine off and wait a few seconds the car will drive normally. When I checked the codes what came up was PO735.  ALso when I checked the fluid (or what I think was the fluid it said ATF oil only)  it appeared to be the right color and did not smell burnt.
Do you know what could be causing the issue? And what I can do to fix it?


also I am also getting a PO Code 1622 "MAP Cooling Control Circuit Electrical"

Also what cou

Answer
Chris, I would take the car into the dealer. The Trans being stuck in 4th gear is a failsafe mode that the module uses when it sees a fault to protect the trans. The resevoir that says 'ATF only' in the engine bay is the powersteering resevoir. There are many things that can cause Transmission failsafe mode that is why I suggest dealer diagnosis. Map cooling control circuit fault is a fault that spells the end for your engine thermostat that is electrically controlled. I would replace it and clear the fault to avoid future overheating and resulting engine damage.
-Evan