Automatic transmission (AT) (BMW 3 Series E46)

Adaptive Guidance System (AGS)

Your vehicle's automatic transmission is equipped with an adaptive control system (AGS) that reacts subtly to your driving style and road conditions. At the same time, a specific gear shift program is automatically selected.

The system calculates the most appropriate gear shift order, taking into account many factors. Your individual driving style and road conditions are taken into account.

The AGS determines the driving style by evaluating the position and speed of the accelerator pedal, deceleration during braking and the lateral acceleration acting on the car when cornering. From four different options - from extremely comfortable to one aimed at maximising the vehicle's capabilities - the AGS system selects the most suitable one for the given situation.

The system registers turns, climbs and slopes. When cornering at high speed, for example, it does not shift to higher gears. On climbs, shifting to higher gears is only performed at high engine speeds in order to better utilize its power capabilities. On descents, the system shifts to lower gears if it registers an increase in vehicle speed and the brake pedal is pressed.

Possible positions of the AT selector lever:

P R N D 3 2 1

Starting the engine

The engine can only be started if the AT selector lever is in position P or N.

Changing the position of the AT selector lever

On the front side of the AT selector lever handle there is (shown by arrow), a lock button that prevents the selector lever from being accidentally moved to positions R and P. To release the lock, press the button.

Before engaging forward gear (moving the lever from position P or N) press the brake pedal, otherwise the lever will remain stationary.

The brake pedal should be kept depressed until the moment the vehicle starts moving, since if one of the gears is engaged, the car will move slowly even at idle.

If you want to get out of the car without turning off the engine, move the AT selector lever to position P or N and apply the parking brake. Otherwise, the car may start moving on its own. Never leave the car with the engine running unattended, as it is a potential source of increased danger. If you mistakenly move the lever to position N while driving at high revs, immediately release the gas. Wait until the engine reaches idle speed, and then move the lever to the desired position. Otherwise, excessively high revs may damage the engine.

P - parking position

Switch on only after the car has come to a complete stop. The drive wheels are locked.

R - reverse gear

Turn on only after the vehicle has stopped.

N - neutral position

Switch on only during long breaks in movement.

D - the main driving mode with automatic gear shifting

This position corresponds to the normal driving mode. All forward gears are switched automatically. The operation of the AGS system is completely unlimited.

3 - sports program

In this position of the AT control lever, the AGS system uses exclusively the sports program. AT shifts up to 4th gear.

2 and 1 - driving on mountain roads and in engine braking mode

Switch on to limit the number of working gears, for example on steep climbs or descents in the mountains. Shifts are performed automatically, but only up to the selected limiting gear.

Position 2 is particularly suitable for towing a trailer thanks to the appropriate selection of gear ratios.

Maximum acceleration mode with downshift ("Kick-Down")

This mode provides the ability to achieve maximum acceleration and maximum speed in position D of the AT selector lever. Press the accelerator pedal beyond the full throttle position. The point of increased resistance must be passed.

Possible indication

P R N D S3 S2 S1

Electronic gear shift control system

If the indicator light comes on, this indicates a malfunction in the gear shift system.

At the same time, it is possible to move the AT selector lever to any position, but when forward gear is engaged, the car will only move in 3rd or 4th gear.

Avoiding excessive loads, you should drive to the nearest BMW service station.

Work in the engine compartment must never be carried out with the control lever in the drive position.

The rules for starting the engine from an external battery, as well as towing and towing are given in Section Jacking and towing.

Automatic transmission with Steptronic system*

Additionally, it allows the use of manual gear shifting.

To change gears manually, move the AT control lever from position D to the left to the M/S line. This activates the sporty gearshift programs. By touching the lever in the "+" or "-" direction, you command the Steptronic system to change gear. If you want to return to automatic gearshift mode, move the lever to the right to position D.

The Steptronic automatic transmission is equipped with the adaptive control system (AGS) described above.

Possible positions of the AT selector lever:

P R N D M/S

Starting the engine

The engine can only be started if the AT selector lever is in position P or N.

Changing the position of the AT selector lever

On the front side of the AT selector lever handle there is (shown by arrow) a lock button that prevents the selector lever from being accidentally moved into position R and R. To unlock, press the button.

Before engaging forward gear (moving the lever from the position R or N) press the brake pedal, otherwise the lever will remain stationary.

The brake pedal should be kept depressed until the moment the vehicle starts moving, since if one of the gears is engaged, the car will move slowly even at idle.

If you want to get out of the car without turning off the engine, move the AT selector lever to the position R or N and apply the parking brake. Otherwise, the vehicle may start moving on its own. Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running, as it is a potential source of increased danger. If you mistakenly move the lever to position N while driving at high revs, immediately release the gas. Wait until the engine reaches idle speed and then move the lever to the desired position. Otherwise, excessive revs may damage the engine.

P - parking position

Switch on only after the vehicle has stopped. The drive wheels are locked.

R - reverse gear

Turn on only after the vehicle has stopped.

N - neutral position

Switch on only during long breaks in movement.

D - the main driving mode with automatic gear shifting

Corresponds to normal driving mode. All forward gears are switched automatically. The AGS system is in working condition.

Maximum acceleration mode with downshift ("Kick-Down")

This mode provides the ability to achieve maximum acceleration and maximum speed in position D of the AT selector lever. Press the accelerator pedal beyond the full throttle position. The point of increased resistance must be passed.

M/S - Manual mode and sports program

When switching from D mode to A mode M/S the sports program is activated, as evidenced by the appearance of letters SD on the indicator of the selected gear shift program. The AGS system uses only those gear shift programs that are oriented towards the most sporty driving style. AT will only shift up to 4th gear.

The first touch of the lever switches the AT from the sports program to manual mode.

if you move the lever forward in the "+" direction, the gearbox will shift to a higher gear, and if you move the lever in the "-" direction, it will shift to a lower gear.

The selected gear indicator shows M1.. M5.

Upshifts or downshifts are performed by the AGS system only at the appropriate engine speed, i.e., for example, downshifts are not performed when the engine speed is too high. An indication of the selected gear appears on the dashboard for a while. When multiple switches are performed in sequence, the last selected invalid gear is displayed for a short time. The current transmission is then displayed.

When driving in manual mode, to accelerate from 4th or 5th gear at low speeds - for example when overtaking - downshifting must be done manually or using the kick-down function.

Switching from M/S on P, R, N possible only through position D.

Possible indication

P R N D SD M1 M2 M3 M4 M5

Electronic gear shift control system

If the indicator light comes on, this indicates a malfunction in the gear shift system.

At the same time, it is possible to move the AT selector lever to any position, but when forward gear is engaged, the car will only move in 4th or 5th gear.

Avoiding excessive loads, you should drive to the nearest BMW service station.

Work in the engine compartment must never be carried out with the automatic transmission control lever in the drive position.

The rules for starting the engine from an external battery, as well as towing and towing are given in Section Jacking and towing.