[WreckerX5d]

So recently on cold starts, it feels like my torque converter doesn't fully lock up until the transmission is warmer. Just wondering if anyone else is experiencing this. I've never had an automatic transmission act this way.

This is around 35f degree weather as well.

[335dM]

+1

[Built4Sin]

Nope, I driven mine as low as 15f so far. Nothing out of the ordinary.

[135i_vs_]

What's your mileage? The fluid is due at 100k (BMW fluids only).
The transmission is supposed to perform delayed shifting is cold weather to warm up the car faster, but I am guessing you already knew that.

[cssnms]

Are you sure it's just not your tires slipping? My cold tires break loose VERY easy under moderate accleration. It almost feels like my trans is slipping.

[Vreimann]

Originally Posted by MonkUSMC

So recently on cold starts, it feels like my torque converter doesn't fully lock up until the transmission is warmer. Just wondering if anyone else is experiencing this. I've never had an automatic transmission act this way.

This is around 35f degree weather as well.

-15F, other than lack of traction on ice, it works well, but you also have to drive a bit more careful otherwise the electronic traction control light will be lit up like a Christmas tree and your brakes will be burning all the time.

Smells really bad too.

[Timujin]

Originally Posted by MonkUSMC

So recently on cold starts, it feels like my torque converter doesn't fully lock up until the transmission is warmer. Just wondering if anyone else is experiencing this. I've never had an automatic transmission act this way.

This is around 35f degree weather as well.

I have the samething. There are a few more engine revs from a stop in order to get the car moving. It feels like a 2nd gear start with clutch slip. By the time I take off for the 3rd time all is well.

[FormerRotor]

The other day it was pretty chilly in the early morning/overnight. I hadn't yet taken my summer tires off for the winter and I was getting something that felt similar to what you're describing. When I turned off DSC, though, it went away (and my Popsicle tires spun like crazy instead). Keep an eye on it, but--as cssnms mentioned--you may just be having a traction issue where you get wheel spin, then the DSC kicks in too hard, then you are back to norm.

[335dM]

When it's cold, the TQ converter will kick in a bit later until the oil warms up.Its normal since since the tranny oil takes longer to reach WOT !

[WreckerX5d]

Originally Posted by 335dM

When it's cold, the TQ converter will kick in a bit later until the oil warms up.Its normal since since the tranny oil takes longer to reach WOT !

Thanks everyone for the replies. I was figuring this was the case but wanted to make sure it wasn't just me, lol. The last auto I had was a tiny 5spd in a 1.8t VW.

This happens all the way to 75mph or so. Wheel slippage wouldn't be the case here. Only in the rain I can spin tires until 80

And my mileage is just under 35k

[Got_Diesel]

i've noticed this too. when the engine just starts, sometimes my tranny in first and second doesn't lock up. also noticed it in the X5,35d as well. once it warms up its a different story.

[Ste133]

I also get this for the first few miles when the car is cold. I blame the temperature and also the torque converter.

In 1st and 2nd gear sometimes I can go up 1k revs and the car won't move in relation to the revs. It's a very odd feeling and I dislike it. I end up compensating and taking things even slower.

However, as soon as I reach third gear the torque converter settles and no slippage..

[minus13]

Normal...