89 525i wants to stall from N to D

[Reuben Lim]

Posted a week back re 89 525i didn't use for three weeks, engine idle drops to near stalling when I shift from N to D in stop and go traffic or when pulling out. Have to play with accelerator pedal to prevent stalling, otherwise it would. Changed oil, oil filter, air filter, sparkplugs, all stock five days ago, but problem remains. No other problems by the way, car runs well, idling is smooth, just that hesitation shifting from N to D. Mechanic says could mean my clutch starting to slip on first, but shouldn't that have little effect on idling?

[Kalevera]

Do the 4hp-22 "Winfred Test":

- Jack up the rear of the car, put blocks under the front wheels.
- Start the car, pop it into neutral at idle and see how badly the rear tire(s) spin. If they go crazy, there's pressure going past the seals. If you can stop the tires (comfortably) with your hand, it's ok.

I just got done buying a ZF reman...so I know how much of a pain these transmissions can be -- good luck!