tranny trouble - BMW Forum

Gary K · 10-08-2009, 06:28 PM

Hello,
I have a 1992 325i, M50, E36, auto trans, built 2/92 with 132,000 miles. I just purchased it a month ago and it did not have an owners manual. Today I was driving back from a remote location (3 hours). The drive there was fine. However, when I started back this morning, I had a warning light on (shape of gear with an exclamation point inside). The auto matic was very sluggish and didn't seem to shift ( I think it may have been stuck in 3rd), it did go up to highway speeds (70mph) and I noticed it was running at 3,000 rpm. I don't believe it shifter up to the final gear.
I made it home, turned the car off and then restarted. The light was out and the car then shifted just fine (normal).
Did I do any damage? How do I check the tranny fluid? Should I do a tranny service? I have other questions, but this one is paramount right now!
Thanks,
Gary

BimmerE39 · 10-08-2009, 06:46 PM

To me this sounds like a problem with the transmission control unit. I believe that based on the fact that it sounds like it was operating in safe mode and upon turning the car off whatever code or issue there was simply reset.

There's really no way to check the tranny fluid except for having the transmission flushed. There is an article here at Pelican Auto parts that explains how to change the transmission fluid with your transmission.

Also, this is a link to your transmission at RealOEM. Click here

I would just flush the transmission first and if the problem continues I would have it inspected but like I said before, it sounds more like an electrical issue with the transmission control unit than anything else.