BMW: My 1988 735i runs strong then it dont???, distributor cap, plug wires

Question
I have a 1988 735i with an automatic transmission. Sometimes I start my car and it runs strong shifts and performs well! Then I'll shut it off and the next time I start it (and this is totally at random)it will run slugishily and wont shift into the higher gears 3rd and 4th. So I have just been pulling over and turning off the ignition and restarting it until it performs better. Which may take 4-5 times to do this. What & Why is this happening?HELP?  

Answer
Matthew,
 I am not familar with the 7-series or the 3.5L (M30) engines.  
 I will try to give advice to help the problem, but I dont know if it will work for you.

 1.  Change the transmission fluid and filter.  There are thousands of moving parts in an automatic transmission, and old broken-down fluid will hender these from working correctly.  If you haven't done so, change these and possibly flush the transmission as well.

 2.  try a tune up if you havent' done so in the last year or 2.  Spark plugs, plug wires, distributor cap & rotor, air filter, fuel filter, and coil.  These can all help your engine run at it's best.

 That's all I can tell you from the info you gave me.
 
 Hope this helps,
 Josh