Transmission only slips when cold

[JimG]

My 2003 X5 3.0 with 167K transmission slips only when cold! After a 5min or so warm up the car drives like a new one! Fluid was replaced at 100k and 60k. Hate to get into replacing the trans, but car is otherwise in great shape. Considering and electric heater like those used in cold climes would welcome any suggestions.

[80stech]

I think you are on borrowed time with your transmission. If it is just starting to slip a rebuild might be the way to go.

[tttomttt]

check the fluid level. could be low

[lincolnshibuya]

Originally Posted by tttomttt

check the fluid level. could be low

+1, when warm trans fluid expands making it at the correct level.




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[dkl]

Sounds to me like the filter o-ring had failed or not sealing correctly. Filter is most likely sitting at the bottom of the pan when cold, then get sucked up into place after it builds pressure (warm). This happened to me when I was using a none BMW filter after my initial filter/fluid change. It only happened when the weather was cold or was parked outside overnight. Thought I needed a new transmission, but when my mechanic dropped the pan, we found the cause - just replaced it with an OE BMW filter and the transmission has been shifting flawlessly for the past 70K!