E28 Auto. Tranny Problem

[BMW535i88@xxxxxxx]

Hi,
My 1988 535i (119K mi.) developed a whiny noise a couple of days ago and last 
night, it wouldn't shift between 2nd and 3rd and then, finally, no power came 
from the engine to the drivetrain.  Weird thing though:  after sitting a few 
minutes, I could get it going again for a couple of miles -- until I got it 
towed.  I had once replaced the transmission selecter (sport v. econ) , but 
this is different... any ideas?

TIA,
Jonathan 

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