My colleague's BMW e36 (automatic) is having a little problem and we need to hear from men in the house.

The gear selection of the car has P;R;N;4;3;2. The car does not move untill you push the gear to '4' which is suppose to be on 'D'. Now the guy is complaining that if he pushes the gear on '4' again, it does'n move untill it comes to '3' but the gear does not have any other problem apart from this.

Please what could be the problem with this auto gear and what would he do?

Thank you everybody,

i suggest you get a gesr specialist to check the brushes in the gear box but first change the transmission oil

@OP
What year E36 is your friend's vehicle?

The E36 Autos generally have a record of transmission problems - as suggested above by Omalicha16, I will suggest you have a specialist to check the brushes in the gear box, that is assuming you have been paying regular attention to your ATF level and quality.

Also, the following forum has been of great help for my E39 and E53 and there you can search for issues with your BMW model and year and actually share with actual owners and how they were able sort it out, also there are BMW technicians there that own those models too on the forum and can also suggest solutions. When you are clear on a solution, then you can work with (supervise) a local mechanic on the repairs.:

1. http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=99154

2. http://www.unitedbimmer.com/forums/e36/12227-e36-automatic-transmission-fluid-level-check.html

3. http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=724430