Transmission problem
1988 Other BMW Models 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 164000 miles
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My transmission just started having problems shifting. Sometimes when I start out it works great, but other times I have to run it up to high rpms, 4000+, to get it to shift from 1st to 2nd gear. I check the tranny fluid it is fine. Could this be a differential problem? Boy, trying to restore this old 88 735il is a pain sometimes.

This seems like an internal transmission issue, perhaps a broken spring on a piston in the shift body of the transmission would be my guess. I would start with inspecting the shift body of the transmission. Repost if more help is needed.