BMW: BMW 1988 auto trannsmission, torque converter, dexron

Question
Dan,
 I recently was given a bmw 1988 325i and have a problem with the transmission. The car gets up to about 25 miles per hour and has trouble shifting to the next gear. It will eventually shift but it takes some time. The car runs fine. What do you think could be the problem?

Answer
Those were very good transmissions they used for e30's but every automatic trans meets it's end sometime. Try some preventative service before condemning it. Check the fluid level and condition first. To do this make sure the engine and trans are at operating temp and with teh car idling in park check the level with the dipstick. It could just be low on fluid. Smell it and see if it smells burnt or wipe it on a clean paper towell. Good fluid should be not too burnt smelling, red in color is ideal but if it has some brown it can be okay. You don't want it almost completely or completely brown. If the fluid is ok replace the filter inside the pan and refill the fluid with new dexron merconIII fluid. Then take it to any good service shop and have a fluid flush done. This will get all of the fluid from the trans and torque converter. Most people say not to do that but if the trans is already almost dead we can try anything. If this doesn't work it is time to look for another transmission. The plus side is there are so many of those cars out there you can find them on ebay, junkyards, or even just have aamco rebuild it. They have a good warranty on automatic trans rebuilds. And if all goes well with the trans-replace the engine timing belt (#1 killer of m20 motors is a broken timing belt) Good Luck.