Two problems related to transmission not engage have been reported for the 2003 BMW 325. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Vehicle's transmission is not engaging when starting from a stationary position. The engine would rev up to 3-4000, but the vehicle would creep, lurch forward and speed up normally. This would usually occur when the vehicle sat overnight. The problem also occurred when backing up.
2003 bought brand new. Automatic transmission does not engage in the mornings. After parking car in garage overnight, the car is put went into reverse and backed out without stepping on the gas (driveway is sloped). After shifting into drive, the car lags anywhere from 3 to 10 seconds before there is any power to drive. This is specially dangerous when there is traffic.