What does the A and M button do on my BMW 328i Sedan?

On the center console next to the shifter ( P R N D 3 2 1) , is a button which is labeled A and M. It stands for automatic and manual. The car is automatic, but i don't understand why you would need a special button? Can't you just use 3, 2 and 1 if you want to do your own manual gear selecting? Why is there a button? Also, there is a black button that you can press in and out right next to that A and M button...it doesn't appear to do anything and the manual doesn't mention anything about it. Again, both buttons are to the left of the shifter. I just don't understand why BMW put a button their and i also don't know the functionality of the other, unlabeled button.What does the A and M button do on my BMW 328i Sedan?When driving in "3" in the A mode the car will start in gear 1 then shift to 2 then to 3 and will not shift to 4.



When driving in "3" in the M mode your car will start in 3rd and will stay in 3rd indefinitely.



Do not drive in M unless you are driving in adverse conditions where low gear tire slippage is an issue.



On some sports models there was also a "S" option that tweaked the computer for more spirited driving.



Also, it's not recommended to shift your auto like a manual unless it's the steptronic. It can do damage to the transmission.What does the A and M button do on my BMW 328i Sedan?They allow your transmission to operate as if it were manually shifted. It also adjusts where your optimum shift points are in relation to your rpms and changes your fuel regulator to work with your current performance versus its pre set performance settings.What does the A and M button do on my BMW 328i Sedan?The button allows for sport shifting in the transmission or smooth shifting with less jerking in highway mode. Automatic and manual button assists are strange. I say that because when you are in manual, if you run the rpm's too high the car will automatically shift to avoid damage to the transmission.