320I Auto box question

[E30WEZ]

I have just picked up a 320i due to the deal with the 325i not lasting long I did not pay a great deal for it as the box does a funny thing drive's fine then will lose all the gears and make a whinning noise Turn it off for a minute or so and it's fine???? Have been told it could be the oil but what is the right way to check it.
Thanks Wez

[gareth]

noooo!

autoboxes usually have a dipstick to check the levels. it sounds like low fluid to me.

if you arte thinking of a conversion, i have a 2.5 with manual box, prop etc kicking around!