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Car Forum / BMW Cars / February 2005"M" button on auto tran
I 've only had this 1998 318 ti for a few days. It has a 4-speed automatic but next to the shifter is an "A-M" selector switch. The owner's manual says pushing "M" keeps the transmission in the selected gear regardless of speed. OK. But can you row through the gears like with a manual trans without damage? If it is really a manual transmission without a clutch, I would like to know! Thanks, Fritz Wagner It will let you shift but only within certain parameters. That is, it won't let you downshift if doing so will result in an over-rev. Also, it will upshift for you if you don't to prevent over-rev. Steve Thanks, Steve! Short and clear. Much appreciated. Fritz Wagner >It will let you shift but only within certain parameters. That is, it won't >let you downshift if doing so will result in an over-rev. Also, it will >upshift for you if you don't to prevent over-rev. > >Steve Columbus, Ohio Auto and Manual shifting. With the button in the A mode, the trans will shift when it thinks the time is right. With the button in the M mode, the trans will hold a gear until you decide it is time to let go. You asked about damage. In theory there should be no damage by using the M mode, but if one has to ask about the switch, then one might not be well versed in when it might be a good time to shift, or not shift as the case may be, and in that event there could be significant damage. This sort of damage is more a function of operator error than using the button. > I 've only had this 1998 318 ti for a few days. It has a 4-speed > automatic but next to the shifter is an "A-M" selector switch. The [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > > Fritz Wagner > With the button in the A mode, the trans will shift when it thinks the > time is right. With the button in the M mode, the trans will hold a gear > until you decide it is time to let go. > You asked about damage. In theory there should be no damage by using the > M mode, but if one has to ask about the switch, then one might not be > well versed in when it might be a good time to shift, or not shift as > the case may be, and in that event there could be significant damage. > This sort of damage is more a function of operator error than using the > button. We don't get this transmission in the UK, but it sounds like it takes control if you try and exceed engine/road speed that the maker has determined - like a Steptronic. Many older transmissions had no override *at all* - so similar to a manual box. On those transmissions, the thing to avoid was starting in a high gear using full power - it could be quite easy to overheat the transmission.  Signature*Why do overlook and oversee mean opposite things? Dave Plowman dave@davenoise.co.uk London SW To e-mail, change noise into sound. |
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