318ti / automatic question.

[first_bmw]

I have the 318ti/automatic

By the shifter, by the power window buttons there is a button
that says A/M

its like

O-A
O-M

and its a rocker switch.

i looked all through my manual and see nothing about this switch.
What exactly is it and what does it do, ?!?

Thanks.

[J!m]

Since I'm guessing, I'd say it is if you want to shift it like a manual (M) or like an automatic (A). BUT, I really don't know for sure...

[Mendi3]

If you set the switch to M(manual), it will shift to the next gear at a higher RPMs than if you have it in A(automatic). It's a nice feature specially if you are traveling to the mountains. I hope this helps.

[Phil Marx]

Actually those explanations aren't exactly correct.

The automatic transmission defaults to the A (economy) mode at each start. In A with the transmission selector in "D" all four gears are available and the car upshifts at a rate for best fuel economy. If you select "M" then put the gear selector in any gear, the car will start and stay in that gear other than when in "D" mode. For instance, in "M" with the selector in "3" your car will start from a dead stop in third gear and stay there. This is useful for pulling away on slick surfaces, just like putting a manual transmission in 2nd for starting on snow. Likewise you can select "2" for some engine braking on long hill descents.

But the real trick is leaving the rocker switch in "A" and slipping the gear selector to "3". This is the sport mode which will keep your car in a lower gear longer before upshifting for best performance. It is also useful in situations where the normal economy mode causes obnoxious shifting back and forth between 4th and 3rd gears at moderate speeds or on up-and-down terrain. But it's also the most fun setting for the 318ti's automatic. Give it a try for faster getaways!

So, in the "A" mode, any gear you select will allow the transmission to shift only up to that gear, with "D" as the full automatic mode with all four gears in use. "A" mode in "3" is Sport mode which allows higher revs and shifts only up to 3rd gear. In the "M" mode any gear you select will cause the transmission to select that gear (if appropriate by engine speed, etc) and stay in that gear, mostly to limit wheel spin. Don't bother to use "M" to shift in a semi-manual mode. Sport mode ("A"-"3") works better.

-Phil

[slacker]

Phil has it right on the money....but there is this little fact you might give a try...When wanting to downshift, a little extra gas pedal just before slipping the lever from D to 3 will give you a quicker and smoother transition...same for 3 to 2 but don't try bother with going to 1 this way as there is rarely a need. A little practice and it gets smoother.

Also...bear in mind when up shifting using this method, keep your eye on the tach! It's easy to forget you chose 2 and not 3 and you run out of rev limit pretty fast with the low rear end ratio. Of course the rev limiter will kick in and make you feel foolish.

Gary