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It’s only rock n’ roll

I have a three-year-old BMW 320D with automatic transmission. Recently I have noted that occasionally the car rocks from side to side, as if being subjected to a strong side wind, when being held stationary with the transmission in "drive" and my foot on the brake pedal. The car has done just over 30,000miles, the manufacturer's warranty is just about to expire and I am concerned that the problem is the start of what may prove to be an expensive transmission fault. Needless to say the fault would not reveal itself during the car's recent first MOT and age-related inspection service with the BMW main dealer. Do you have any suggestions as to what this fault may be or may develop into?

Asked on 7 August 2010 by ID, Altrincham,

Answered by Honest John
Possibly the engine increasing revs in order to regenerate its particulate filter, and the amount it increases revs would be enough to engage Drive. The answer is to put it in Neutral. Don't sit with your foot on the brake and the selector in Drive until the lights change.
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