Auto trans options

Messages
5
Likes
0
Location
Atl
#1
Call me an idiot but i still am not sure about the automatic trans. I have a 325is and it has D 3 2 1 .....but it also has the A / M button. How do these things work?
 
Messages
152
Likes
0
Location
canada
#2
I have a 92 with the same options...I usually leave in in "auto mode" when on the highway in "drive". I believe it allows an overdrive type of gearing for cruising,etc. You can leave it in "auto mode", and leave it in 3 position, around town, and it will ignore the "Overdrive gear". This is probably a more effective use of the powerband for around town. If you choose to utilize the "M, or manual option, it allows you to shift gears manually, and ignores the programmed shift points, but does require you to select the gears, downshift, etc, yourself...hope this helps
 
Messages
152
Likes
0
Location
canada
#4
when you are at a stop., hit the man button, select 1, and the trans will stay in first gear until you move to 2, 3, etc..to downshift, just pull it back from 3, to 2, to 1..Similar to a standard, dont be pullin it all around or you may over rev....the best thing to do, is enjoy it, and look for a standard on your next one.....
 

Bubba

New Member
Messages
15
Likes
0
Location
Mattapoisett, MA
#7
I also think standard drive mode doesn't always start in first. It gets much better gas milage, but sport mode is much quicker off the line and will run to almost redline for each shift.

I have tried manually shifting, but as the gear selection is linear it is difficult to keep from shifting from first to third while hard on the gas. I actually get better launches in sport mode.

Also the manual mentions that setting the car in manual and a higher gear can keep you from over-torquing during acceleration in snow. It works, but if the snow is that bad and you don't have snow tires what's the point?

I owned the car for a year before I understood the manual and learned to put the car in sport mode, '3.' What a difference.
 


Top