How to Troubleshoot a BMW Transmission

1. Turn on the car engine and leave it running for around 15 minutes.
2. Lift up the hood of the car. Locate a looped handle for the transmission fluid in the back of the car engine and remove it all of the way out.
3. Check that the fluid is red and not burnt or a brownish-red color. In the case of the latter issues, you will need to have the transmission checked and the fluid flushed.
4. Examine the level of the transmission fluid on the bottom portion of the dipstick. If the fluid is not between the highest and lowest marks on the dipstick marker, add more fluid until the proper level is achieved.
5. Place the car in gear and listen for a grinding sound. Check that it is not too hard to place the car in gear. If either of these is the case, you will need to take the car to a mechanic because there may be chipped gears or damaged synchronizers.