Ask an expert

Hi. I have a 1996 BMW E36 323i auto. It is a Jap import with no service history and has done 160000km. The auto change from 1 to 2 is quite harsh. The rest seem ok. I believe this is quite a common problem with this model. Is this an issue that would be fixed by a routine auto service, fluid change, filter and so on, or does it appear to be more serious?. Thanks

This was a common problem on Jap Import E36 models which had the Jatco 4 speed transmission. NZ New examples had a 5 speed auto which had excellent shifts.
The problem on these cars is usually much worse when cold and does improve as the engine warms up.
A transmission service often makes a big improvement.