Hello, My BMW e38 740i 1994, 5 speed automatic transmission isn't shifting to 5th gear unless I manually the gear to 4th gear and then to shift it back into drive, when cold the car shifts all the gears till 5th gear perfectly it's after the car warms up and is being driven for a while that the car starts shifting and stops going to the 5th gear and remains in 4th gear with high rpm. I've checked on the net most people have said mismatching tires in size or make may cause this but I've driven this car on the spare tire which is completely in size and make and never had this problem, this problem has occurred while all 4 tires are same in size. Also the transmission fluid and filter has been changed 1 year ago. Please help on this, I will really appreciate your help. Thank you Omran

Johnny Massengill

• 345 Answers
• Posted on Nov 15, 2008

SOURCE: 1994 Geo Metro Automatic Transmission

There is a transmission controller that is located under the dash beside the right hand side of the steering column. It is held on to a bracket by two 10mm bolts. A change in that transmission control computer will make the transmission shift like new

Peter Cormack

• 105 Answers
• Posted on May 31, 2014

SOURCE: Hello, My 1994 BMW 740i is not shifting into 5th

IMO it's more likely that you have the wrong grade of ATF. It's very important to have the correct grade. The following site shows this:
http://www.nairaland.com/1364064/automatic-gearbox-problems
each car manufacturer has recommended grades of Automatic Transmission Fluid, BMW is no exception. the following website for BMWs may bring you more accurate data:
http://www.nairaland.com/1364064/automatic-gearbox-problems
Apparently CTSC is the supplier for BMWs via the web.
Generally auto gearboxes have drain plugs and filler plugs to enable oil change in routine maintenance. But I would definately go back to the garage where you had the last service and ask politely about the grade of ATF used, before considering an 'oil change'.
Good Luck