I'm having a problem with my 240d after a 600 mile trip. It will only shift out of first gear after it is driven for a mile or two. All gears except 3rd shift normally afterwards with 3rd slipping <badly>. Does this sound like a vacuum problem? Maybe the module on the VC or on the trans itself? Any help would be greatly appreciated...Peter

Sounds like you are about 3 quarts low on transmission fluid. To check the fluid level properly the engine should be running with the transmission in neutral. Checking it without the engine running will give you a false reading.

Obviously that is the first thing I checked. Thr fluid level is fine unless there is a way to get a false reading with the motor running and warmed up. I do have an aftermarket radiator in the car. Any chance the sump in the bottom is a different than stock size?

You are wiser than my son. He ran his car 4.5 quarts low on fluid and claimed he checked the fluid level... Cold with the engine off!

I have not driven an automatic in years but I once had a car about 30 years ago that had a similar problem. It had a cloged filter in the transmission. One of the fellow here could advise you about that possibility.

Smiles.