Won't shift out of "E"

[Chowchilla Skunkwerks]

Went to check out a real nice 525 this past weekend. Everything checked out fine with the exception of the trans. Could not get it into any mode other than economy. When driving in the hills it was pretty anemic. Would this be a total trans problem or mode switch? Certainly doesn't have the go of my 535im but it would be a nice car for my wife. Thanks in advance
Rob

[smcgowan]

The switch dirty most likely. My wifes 525 had the same, until I cleaned the switch and M-mode works now. As for the anemic issue get a EAT chip for it. I can agree with you on the 535im issue my "91 535im EAT" is a different beast, but the "93 525ia EAT" is great for the wife!

[Yiorgos]

Yep, I can vouch for switch. I couldn't switch into * mode (snow -- not that there's a lot in Australia!), i just kept flicking the switch more, it must have dislodged some crud.

[azale]

I dealt with this problem recently . . .

http://www.bimmer.info/forum/showthread.php?t=21627