1993 BMW 318IS Transmission Limp Mode

[snorkohls]

Hey guys,
Just trying to find out some info on this transmission. It is an auto in a 1993 318IS, and has done this a few times, but lately now it is almost always. I start the car and let it warm up due to it being winter in MN, and back out of the driveway. When I put it in drive, it goes to limp mode almost always. If I shut it off and wait 5-8 seconds, I start it up and shift into drive, then the trans performs normally. I would think if it was a mechanical failure, it wouldn't reset like that. I am guessing that it is electrical or some sort of code thing. I am going to do the battery cable thing and see what happens. I do not get any lights on the dash when it goes into limp mode or when driving it after i restart it.