Delayed gear shifting when cold
 

"Cold" as if "just started". It never gets really cold here. :)

Recently I noticed that the transmission dos not shift up when it is supposed to. For example when I start in the morning it revs up to 4500 and it does not shift up, then I let go of the throttle a bit, and eventually it will start shifting fine. It takes less than a mile for this to happen, and works fine afterwards. I also noticed it happens only if it has been parked for a while, usually in the morning.

My first suspect is low ATF, especially since the transmission oil cooling lines have been sweating some oil, but very little. This is something I am going to sort out very soon and replace the fluid at the same time, but as a precaution I stopped by an indie BMW shop to top up the ATF fluid (as I did not know how long this has been taking place), and they said the level is fine. I always take these things with a grain of salt though as I only believe myself. :) Do you think I should take a second look or the symptoms described don't necessarily point to a low ATF fluid level?

Tomorrow morning I will try to shift up manually, I guess that will give us more insight.

Tnx!

See thread (known issue on 3.0 GM Trans)

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...on-d-mode.html

If the trans was already warmed up, they couldn't check the level and expect it to be accurate since the level is checked at the temp of 40-50C. ATF expands with heat and that is why you need to check it at 40-50C. You are probably low on ATF.

That seem to describe exactly what is going on. Thanks for the good news that I haven't really expected. :)

It did start when temperatures dropped below "normal" here, which is around 45-50 C.

I will sort out the oil lines and change the ATF just in case. Case closed!