New to me 325i

[Tymestream]

I recently purchased a 325i and have a few problems that I would like to figure out.

1. It came with no manual so I am a little confused about a few console controls, the biggest one being the M and A switch, I am thinking Manual and Automatic but I have never had a BMW before so I do not know exactly what this means. Can someone clarify what it does and how it works (functionally only not mechanically).

2. When I am driving the car sometimes will not shift out of gear and it seems as if I was in a car with Manual trans. and was stuck in 2nd gear (for example) Usually stopping and then moving ahead again corrects this issue. This has the same effect when I come to a halt it almost stutters as if I was driving a Manual Trans. car and forgot to press the clutch or shift to Neutral when stopping. Has anyone known this happen and perhaps have a cause.

The car came with no owners manual and while I am searching for one I would be greatful for any input you may have.

Thanks in advance.

Tyme

[skawful]

M and A are for Manual and Automatic...
Mush M it will lite up and you can select from gears 1-2-3 (not 4). Also sport mode is when the M is NOT lit and the gear lever is in 3.

[Delmarco]

Originally posted by Tymestream@Sep 10 2004, 04:55 PM
I recently purchased a 325i and have a few problems that I would like to figure out.

1. It came with no manual so I am a little confused about a few console controls, the biggest one being the M and A switch, I am thinking Manual and Automatic but I have never had a BMW before so I do not know exactly what this means. Can someone clarify what it does and how it works (functionally only not mechanically).

2. When I am driving the car sometimes will not shift out of gear and it seems as if I was in a car with Manual trans. and was stuck in 2nd gear (for example) Usually stopping and then moving ahead again corrects this issue. This has the same effect when I come to a halt it almost stutters as if I was driving a Manual Trans. car and forgot to press the clutch or shift to Neutral when stopping. Has anyone known this happen and perhaps have a cause.

The car came with no owners manual and while I am searching for one I would be greatful for any input you may have.

Thanks in advance.

Tyme

FOr the owner's manual check Ebay for the best deals or if you live by a good, well stocked BMW dealership you can just walk in and get one.

That A and M button is exactly as skawful describes. I've only used M once last summer when I was driving through Torrington, Connecticut. They were these steep hills and my buddy who is good with cars told me to press M and shift it into (i think) 3rd or 1st gear and the car shot up the hills. My engine is a 4 cyclinder and usually SUCKS when it come to hauling uphill but that 3rd gear shift in M mode made a huge difference. Anyway my point is once I got to a flat surface and the car was still in M mode something similar happened to me like you described until I shifted back to A mode.

But be warned the BMW manual for my 1995 318i don't really describe the full function and effects of the A & M modes good enough for someone who isn't experienced with cars. I still don't know how to really use it.

Stay on this forum-you'll learn alot more for free than what the Mechs you pay at the dealerships tell you .