I need A/M Shifter Control Button Help
 

I have a 1996 328ic with an automatic transmission. It has the option to put the transmission into manual control. At least I think that is what the A/M button by the shifter is for. I have no manuals to the car and haven't had time to get them yet. Can someone please tell me the proper way to use this control and possibly what not to do to keep from damaging the transmission?

It is for manual control....but dont confuse it with an F1 racer...
it will hold the gears wher you put it and you can shift starting from 1st on up... its great for when you drive canyons stay in 3rd and keep your foot off the brake....
You should research in to a driving school if you really want to have fun in a auto....
I did that about 5 years ago I feel I can give any 5 speed a run for their money on a road course by just knowing how to control the tranny in your car...

Does an automatic not do that anyway? If you leave the car in say 2nd then won't it stay there until you move it to third or overdrive? What does the M do different in the transmission than just leaving it in a particular gear? I'm not trying to be diffucult but I guess I don't see the difference.
Thanks.

Yea for the most part you are correct, that was just BMWs way of trying to look cool and different, they don't have that button anymore.

Javer, how does this differ from the SMG?

I believe the SMG actually activates a clutch just like an F1, and comunicates all necc info for fuel managment throu various computers, just like F1 or a porsche tiptronic.....The a/m switch just does nothing to the management system, I for one do not realy recommend driving thes older cars like manuals.....