switchable auto

[twintrack]

seen this on a few adverts for 325s , is it just an automatic ? what's switchable ?

[RustyRuss]

Switcheable in that you can have E - economy, S - sport, or M - manual, i had a 525i auto that was switchable.

[MONSPORT42]

Switchable boxes are great if you like autos anyway. I have one on my 2.7 and it really suits the high torque undersquare engine. Don't like them so much on the oversquare standard 325 - takes a while for the power to hit the road. As Russ said you can manually choose one of three modes by turning a switch next to the gear shift. Standard mode is 'economy' and is good for leisurely driving and has a lock-up cruise mode that kicks in at about 54mph which actually like a fifth gear. 'Sport' mode allows the engine to rev higher before gear changes and only allows for gears 1,2, & 3 to be used. '3-2-1-' is really for icy or slippery conditions and the box stays in the selected gear without changing at all.
All these modes are governed by a separate ECU located in the boot. They tend wear out quicker than non-switchable boxes. I did 265,000 miles on my non switchaable and it was still going strong but have had to have a rebuild on the switchable after 190,000.
I'm a commited auto driver but would prefer a manual on track.

[Simon13]

I think there is an error in peoples explaination. Shall i elaborate?

E= economy mode S= sidways mode and 1-2-3= manual

[MONSPORT42]

Much better description than all my crap!

[Demlotcrew]

Copy cat SI!

Andrew