Transmission Question for 328's!?

[onkD]

Alright, well I test drove my first bmw today, although I've been looking at various ones for the last 3 months. I'm actually 16 and don't get my license for a month, but I am looking for my first beloved car... and why not get a sexy beamer?

Anyway, I noticed something when I got in the 1998 bmw 328is... The transmisson had a button saying A/M right next to it. My dad said it meant automatic and manual, but that got me thinking... how in the heck would the manual shifter work?!

My question: How does manual work on this car? What do I do to use it? Am I completely wrong and it's something else? Please help me lol...

[art@rmeuropean]

When you select the M program it will stay in whatever gear you put it into. It is mostly useful in the winter. You can put it in 3dr for smoother takeoff in the snow.

[Julian]

Get a manual, you don't have to worry about stupid buttons.

[Rakshas]

Just get a real manual, you'll be bored with an auto before you know it.