Re: 1994 525i Automatic Transmission Feature (archive)

I have a snowflake on the other side of the A (Automatic mode) switch. I assume that it is the same as the manual M function? As much as I know about my car, that is something not well documented and never used by me.

Any comments?

Is it reasonable to shift on the fly with the manual/snowflake mode selected as mentioned, or is that harder on the $7K slushbox?

Mike O
94 540i

Well Josh, I have a '95 525ia, and if it's the same as mine, and I bet it is, it lets you change from an automatic tranny (A) to a manual (M) mode. If you start the engine, and leave it in park, "A" will work as you know, automatic. If you move the switch to "M", you move the shift lever to "1", and you are in 1st gear only. It will not change gears until you move the gearshifter to "2". Then you are in 2nd gear. Then "3" for 3rd gear....etc. You watch the tach or feel the engine for the shift point and shift to a higher or lower gear as with any stickshift except you have no clutch to worry about. I live in Flat Florida so the uses aren't too many, but I would imaging in hilly country, or on icy roads you would get better traction and not need to worry about losing a grip when it slips from gear to gear.That's about all I know about it, but that should some it up.
Brian

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