BMW with automatic transmission starts only after high rpm – how to fix it?

BMW driver question

I have a problem with the automatic transmission. When “D” mode is thrown in, the vehicle does not start at all. In warmer weather it starts and stops. When the car comes from 7/8 minutes on the fired engine, it starts normally.

When I switch to manual mode, put in one and two, then return to “D” mode, the car drives normally. When I add gas, it only starts when it reaches 2,000,000 rpm. According to me, the BMW has no symptoms of a broken transmission – it does not jerk, does not extend gears, does not smell burnt. The oil in the gearbox has been changed, but the problem with starting on a cold transmission remains. How to solve it?

The problem affected the BMW 3 E46, but it also happens in other models with automatic transmission.

BMW 3 E46 M Sport | (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr

Response from BM Cars service

The described behavior of the automatic transmission is typical for a damaged transmission or too low oil level. When the engine is started and the D or R mode is engaged, the transmission should transmit drive to the wheels in such a way that the vehicle moves freely forward or backward without adding gas when the brake is released.

If it is necessary to raise the engine speed, it means that the oil pressures obtained by the pump in the box are too low and do not engage the gear, or the torque clutch is not able to “clutch” the box. If the oil has been changed, the type of oil has been correctly selected and the correct amount of oil has been poured in, but the box is not functioning properly, we suggest taking the box apart and reconditioning it.

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ZF automatic transmission used in BMW | By Ritchyblack – Stefan Krause [FAL] via Wikimedia Commons

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