2002 Beetle 2.0L transmission issue

When you put it into drive it takes about 10 or 15 seconds for the transmission to engage. Now it only happens when the engine is cold and only when you put it in drive. If the engine is warm then it immediately engages and if you put it in reverse when cold it immediately engages. Any ideas why it does this and is there a simple fix for it without dropping the tranny?

(Its actually a 2001 Beetle but I can't go back and fix the title of the thread since it has already been posted. Don't think it matters though)

Ah, the 01M problems just keep on keeping on, LOL.

There are probably 11ty million threads on this. CoolAirVW has some good threads about the 01M, but the issue becomes a case of how much shine can you apply to a turd?

Check the ATF level/condition.

Delayed engagement is common, could be a sign of a worn valve body or a worn clutch assembly inside the transmission. Some can go a long time like that, some die without warning.

When was the last time the fluid was changed and the filter/screen was checked?