Auto Transmission shifts Manually, but not Automatically?

[R3VN R3D]

Hi all.

I have an 89 325i Auto Sedan.
Since I purchased it 6 months ago, the car would bog off the line.
I thought the transmission was slipping.
But then I learned that if I manually shift through the gears like a manual trans, the car performs great.
But if I set the selector in D, the car starts in the last gear.
If I start in 3, the car starts in 3rd gear, etc.
The Transmission does not seem to reset or downshift back to 1st gear on its own.

I bought a used ZF 4HP22 with low miles to replace mine, but then I learned about the shifting manually 'work-around' and have been driving around like that.
Hopefully it is a sensor or something external on the Trans.
If not, I have the replacement.

Any thoughts?

Thanks.

[dashboardmonkey]

check the kick down cable.

It is attached to throttle body.

[bastianshaw]

I remember reading about this happening in a land rover but dont recall the cause, I SEEM to remember that you need to learn to love your new auto/manual or swap in a different trans because you cant fix it. Google around

[JCarp90]

check the kick down cable.

It is attached to throttle body.

This.