Transmission?

Car seems to lose power quickly when not accelerating. Even going down hill the car slows itself down. If I throw it in neutral, it will then pick up speed. Spark plugs and air filter have been changed regularly for what that's worth.

Could this possibly be a transmission problem?
Could the mass air flow sensor possibly need to be replaced?

Any input would be helpful.
Thanks

I have the same problem

Mine actually does that too. I used to drive an ambulance with a Ford powerstroke body, and that truck did the same thing. Apparently those have the same transmissions (labeled differently) as the e38s.

Few days ago, my 2001 740i had the "TRANS. FAILSAFE PROG." display. My bimmer lost acceleration on the 1st gear. It accelerated slowly... I thought of low trans. fluid. In the Bimmerfest, some one explains due to the moisture/water condensation causing the electrical short that triggers the computer senses something was wrong with the trans. In the afternoon, my car drives normally without touching/fixing anything. Any inputs from experienced Bimmer would shed some truth!. Thanks in advance. BMW2QNJ2LE

Originally Posted by bmw2qnj2le

Few days ago, my 2001 740i had the "TRANS. FAILSAFE PROG." display.

Often, this message comes on, when the transmission module does not receive sufficient power/voltage. This could be due to damaged wiring, loose connection and even bad alternator/battery.
Any transmission failure/issue inspection should began with level, color and smell of the transmission fluid.

PS: NOT a transmission specialist.