BMW: transmission jerks in a 88 325iC from 3rd to 2nd, automatic transmissions, tranny fluid

Question
I bought this car with 148K miles a few weeks ago.  It runs well except that there is a very abrupt and noticeable jerk when slowing down.  I am pretty sure it happens when the RPM is just below a 1000 and the transmission is shifting from 3rd to 2nd.  This jerk does not happen in other upshifts or downshifts.  I was told that changing the tranny fluid and filter should take care of it.  Is that likely to solve the problem or is there a better remedy?
Thanks in advance.
Ananda


Answer
ananda,
 Changing the fluid often "helps" the transmission, but I doubt it will completely solve the problem.  Automatic transmissions wear out, and no matter how good of a driver you are, you cannot keep the transmission from going bad.  IT WILL HAPPEN!  So with that many miles, you are really looking at a tranny replacement, or rebuild.  That's why it's nice to have a manual transmission.  Unless you are drag racing, the transmission will never break, and all you have are the clutch parts that wear out (just like in an automatic).  But unlike an automatic, the clutches are not INSIDE the transmission, they are separate and only cost about $200 to replace.  Unlike an Automatic which costs up to $1000 or more to fix.
 I would at least change the filter and fluid.  You might get several thousand more miles out of the transmission...

 Good luck,
 Josh