1998 automatic slip or solenoid
 

The symptom: Car shifts 1-2 good, but will not get 3rd (slips, revs up)... but... if you really throttle down in 2nd while in 2nd gear and then shift into drive, the car will skip 3rd and engage 4th gear and maintain it at higher speed...so... I am going to replace the 2-3 solenoid in 2 weeks (waiting on part). I just want to see if anyone else has had this problem. I know its probable my tranny could be toast at 240xxx km. But hey, anyones 2 cents will help. Cheers.

A friend works at BMW and has said over the years the fault codes rarely pick up solenoid failures. I am hoping this repair works, I have known many people trash their automatics when they slip and dont get solenoid fail codes...I guess i will report back in a cpl weeks just for the curious at heart.

Good luck. Automatics are a pita when they arent working right.