Automatic transmission feels like it is "slipping"

[wagnerone]

I've had my 2003 BMW 325xi for about 2 weeks now and, after about a week or so I noticed, on a cold start in the morning, the tranmission seems to "slip" every so slightly the first time I put it in drive.

I actually have to reverse out of my parking spot and then put it in drive to do a 2-3 point turn around. It doesn't seem to do anything unordinary backing out, but the first time I put it in drive and push the gas, the RPMs go up as expected, but the car doesn't move for like 1-2 seconds (max). This sometimes happens the 2nd shift into drive in the 2-3 point turn to get out of my parking spot, but typically completely stops after that for the remainder of the time I drive it.

It is actually in the repair shop at the BMW dealer I bought it from right now. It stayed there overnight in order for them to cold start and try to feel what I felt. Of course, it either didn't do it for them or they just didn't feel it. They wanted to keep it another day, but, after talking with them, I'm not sure there is actually anything "wrong". It was clear on the computer check and all fluids were at optimal levels.

I'm used to driving domestic, American vehicles and I understand they are quite different (and in ways I have yet to discover too). I just know that no auto trans I've had in any other vehicle I've driven ever did that without something bad being wrong.

I understand there is a lot more going on in this transmission compared to say, my 1997 Explorer, what with the Steptronic stuff, torque converter, etc., but it seems lame that I feel that slip now and then regardless. This is supposed to be a step beyond the domestic, normal cars I've driven!

Anyway, does this sound like something to be concerned about?

Mike

[Hamfisted]

How many miles are on it? Have you checked the fluid level? What you describe is not normal performance and should be looked at.






Mike

[97alpineM3]

Check the fluid level...

I'll move this to the correct e46 forum...

Good Luck,

Les

[94BMW325i]

are you still rolling back when you put it in drive? my car does that, but if I do a turn like that and stop completely and do it, nothing happens.

[Teh Prof]

Hmm, I'm thinking torque converter.

[mmclaren]

Had the Same problem, low Fluid

[Devinish]

At first I thought it was the Tq. Converter, but if it only does it in first gear, and not while backing out, then I dont think it is... When you back out, push the pedal a little bit more than you normally would, and see if it has that problem, then I would say it is a torque converter problem, if not, then it has to be a transmission problem. You might want to add a little bit of fluid though, even though they say it is "optimal."

[preyash]

Originally Posted by wagnerone

I've had my 2003 BMW 325xi for about 2 weeks now and, after about a week or so I noticed, on a cold start in the morning, the tranmission seems to "slip" every so slightly the first time I put it in drive.

I actually have to reverse out of my parking spot and then put it in drive to do a 2-3 point turn around. It doesn't seem to do anything unordinary backing out, but the first time I put it in drive and push the gas, the RPMs go up as expected, but the car doesn't move for like 1-2 seconds (max). This sometimes happens the 2nd shift into drive in the 2-3 point turn to get out of my parking spot, but typically completely stops after that for the remainder of the time I drive it.

It is actually in the repair shop at the BMW dealer I bought it from right now. It stayed there overnight in order for them to cold start and try to feel what I felt. Of course, it either didn't do it for them or they just didn't feel it. They wanted to keep it another day, but, after talking with them, I'm not sure there is actually anything "wrong". It was clear on the computer check and all fluids were at optimal levels.

I'm used to driving domestic, American vehicles and I understand they are quite different (and in ways I have yet to discover too). I just know that no auto trans I've had in any other vehicle I've driven ever did that without something bad being wrong.

I understand there is a lot more going on in this transmission compared to say, my 1997 Explorer, what with the Steptronic stuff, torque converter, etc., but it seems lame that I feel that slip now and then regardless. This is supposed to be a step beyond the domestic, normal cars I've driven!

Anyway, does this sound like something to be concerned about?

Mike

Maybe someone put KY jelly in the transmission, that is why its slipping. LOL..
You should have it checked at a experienced mechanic that works on GERMAN vehicles

Good luck
Preyash

[wagnerone]

Thanks for the pertinent replies and for moving the message to the correct posting area (I realized soon after I posted it was in the wrong place, but didn't see a way to move it myself).

As the original post stated, the BMW dealer (which does work on German vehicles ) performed the initial, Certified Pre-Owned inspections and the followup work/investigation of this particular issue.

I'll try giving it more gas on the initial tran engagement (backing out of my parking spot) and see if it does it then. And, I'll also ensure to come to a complete stop after reversing out of the spot and see if it happens. Good suggestions.

I'll double-check the fluid level as well just to be sure.

Thanks again, everybody, for the comments and suggestions.

Mike