E30 Zone

hi my 325 convertible switchable auto has developed a fault, it will only change up in to top when it wants to!! it seems to hold in 3rd for ages then now and then it will drop in to 4th!! Not long had fluid and strainer changed, any input would be cool Thanks

it sounds like your in home limp mode... only for safety reasons you should check all electrical lines to do with the gearbox ecu and anything related,for more expert advice ask brianmoooore.

Just had my switchable auto repaired, it was holding 2nd when cold. Sometimes it would rev up and lose drive until I stopped the car and drove off again. New valve chest fitted by local specialist cost £175 and fixed the problem.
Sounds like you could have a sticky solenoid/valve.

Generally when the car enters limp mode the gearbox light will illuminate.

oh ok dan!! There is no light on so may have to visit gear box center !! Although I drove it this morning and its flying through the gears no probs !! I'll give it one more chance as it might of cleared its self!!!

i had the same prob when i got the car after weeks in the garage a little black box whice lived in the boot was caroaded hope this helps !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The only thing I'm an expert on when it comes to auto boxes is ripping the things out and replacing them with manual boxes. How anyone can live with a car with one of those things in it, is beyond me, but that's OT.
For a switchable auto, it's always worth checking the wiring/ electrical connectors/ECU before getting too involved with the box itself.

ok thanks guys !