"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

On Sun, 20 Feb 2005 20:57:41 GMT, wrote:

>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.



> wrote in message
...
> 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
>

In article >,
Jeff Strickland > wrote:
> 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.

--
*Why do overlook and oversee mean opposite things?

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.