Hi, welcome to Just Answers,
Rip
Alright, it sounds to me like one of the shift solinoids in the transmission is beginign to fail...these are not usually replaced during the overhaul you had 3 years back...although they are tested for good operation at the time. The problem is continuing to drive the car like this eventually causes the transmission to prematurely fail...I would take it by a reputable transmission shop and have them run a scan on the engine and transmission computer. The diagnostic codes stored in there from this failure will entail a wealth of information. If you can post those codes here, I can further help you issolate it, and give you the most probable cause. With this milage there is a chance the speed signal from the ABS system is not reaching the transmission, this can also cause shifting concerns like this, and it is not as large as a repair.
I just saw the second post you left, this may be the result of the problems above as well, but it is more common to a bad transmission fluid pump or low fluid, I would have the fluid level checked before anything.
Lead Technician
BMW Factory Training, ASE Master Techinician, Advanced engine performance.
Normally I would say that at this milage there is a good possiblity the entire transmission should be overhauld...but since you have mentioned that 3 years back the transmission was indeed overhauld, at this point there's a good chance the clutches inside have NOT burned up and so it may just need the electrical solinoids replaced...these usually cose around $500 and the transmission can remain in the car while being repaired. On the other hand, the delayed engaement in the morning bothers me, as that is an indication of a more severe problem, which normally does require the transmission be removed to repair. You can drive the car for 5-10 miles, but I would first have them check the fluid level, if it's low - all your problems MIGHT be solved. If the fluid is not the case, have them get the diagnostic codes from the transmission computer and post them back here, I can tell you from the codes how deep of a problem we're looking at.