Q I have a 2003 BMW 320d with a GM auto ‘box. When the car has been standing overnight it seems slip when first put into DRIVE. However if I put it into manual it takes up immediately. Once it has taken up, the ‘box operates faultlessly for the rest of the day, be it either in Drive or Manual. Even in the morning the takeup in reverse is perfect.

I have seen references to this problem on internet forums but no explanation of the cause or remedy. At the moment it is no more than an inconvenience but I would love to know what is causing the problem, what cure there might be, and whether matters are likely to get any worse.

Bill Hammond, email.

A It’s impossible to say from here, but it sounds like a possible valve body issue. You need to take it to a good automatic gearbox specialist and get the fault codes read, but these cars use ‘that’ GM box with the two pressure solenoids, one for main pressure and the other for the torque converter. We would be getting the gearbox serviced – new converter solenoid, filter and top up with new oil. While that may not cure the problem you’re at least giving it a fighting chance.