A/M Button - BMW Forum

iantosca · 07-13-2004, 06:02 PM

I don't mean to sound like stupid, but we are here to help and learn right?

Anyway, I have an automatic 328i, there is a button by the shifter that says A and M, right by the window buttons. I always assumed it mean automatic manual ... but could anybody actually explains to me what it does?

SiGmA_X · 07-13-2004, 06:34 PM

Makes the car shift at a higher RPM, I think. Thats what the "S"port on a VW auto tranny does. Its not that great - Get a manual tranny instead

BMWBoi · 07-13-2004, 07:19 PM

almost like a overdrive button?

El Presidente · 07-13-2004, 08:02 PM

you had it right. In M mode the car shifts when you shift. Think of it as very early SMG.

dport · 07-13-2004, 10:12 PM

In A mode it is fully automatic gears 1-4. In M mode it is fully manual gears 1-3 and 4th gear is locked out. Just remember you have to shift both directions. If you are driving in 3rd and stop the car, when you start again it will still be in third. The option is great in winter, start in 2nd gear to reduce wheel spin. It is also nice in stop and go traffic, select 2nd gear and eliminate a lot of gear changes, it makes the ride smoother.