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Now if someone could figure out how to keep the throttle mapping, and turn off the steering...
That's the one part that bugs me personally. I really like the sport mode on my '10 MCSa for the transmission part of it...to the point I bought an AutoSport+ and installed. But over a short period of time, I found I really don't like the "almost manual" feel of the steering, I prefer the steering feel of normal mode. So, I now find myself driving most of the time in normal mode, and when I feel froggy...I just flip the shifter lever to the left but don't touch the paddles....now I have sport mode tranny and normal mode steering.
Anyone want to buy a perfect condition FES AutoSport+ ? I'll leave it in, no biggie, but if someone wants to buy it...then....
__________________ 2010 MCSa CR/CR,Cloth Interior,Xenons, Anthracite Interior,Alarm,Heated Mirrors, Rear Fogs. Tinted,Sport Tips, a lot of JCW stuff,NM heatshield, DOS stuff, wrapped HL and TL rings. Kuhmo 215/50s on 16x7 Konigs.
ready to be bashed but I think 'sport mode' is wasteless bling.
I can't remember the last time I turned to it. To those who say they use it all the time - FINE - why wasn't the car built that way? I can adjust my driving habits to fit the car....having more than one 'sport' car in the garage requires it. I'm not sure I think changing the steering habits of a vehicle is even a good idea!
Paying for electronic bling is not something I want in what I hope is a lower cost, bare bones, driver's car..... ala the original Miata ... or a "classic" Mini
OH boy, it definitely isn't wastless bling...
Frankly, the default throttle response is very geared towards slow, city driving. When I'm at a busy intersection trying to merge, say on a left turn, I turn on sport mode to get the instant throttle response.
And of course, you turn it on to get faster shifts, etc. if what you're trying to do is drive aggressively! (autocross)
__________________ 2009 MCCS JCW Stage 1 (tuning kit). CR/CR w/ Roof Rails, Cold + Premium Packages, Black Sport Stripes, Piano Black interior, Rooster Red color line, Alpine retrofit kit w/ BOSS subwoofer in rear wheel well. Born Nov 13 2008 (week 45).
You're 100% correct. It's one of the dopiest features some marketing idiot ever dreamed up.
First of all, the steering is too numb IN SPORT MODE! This car practically begs for a manual steering rack. It's too small and light for power steering, especially overboosted, numb, electric power steering. All the "sport" mode does is make a crappy-feeling setup slightly less so. In non-sport mode, it steers like your granpa's '77 Buick. In sport mode, more like dad's '91 El Dorado. Either way - it sucks. It only needs one mode, period, hopefully something better than what we have now someday. Steering, ride quality and handling have clearly NOT been hit by the BMW stick (BMW owners know exactly what I mean).
As for the throttle mapping change in sport mode - more BS! It's nothing more than a change in how far and how fast you need to move your right foot to achieve the same results. That's it. You adjust to whichever mode it's in pretty quickly and subconsciously. In non-sport mode, throttle response sucks unless you stand on the gas pretty quickly. In sport mode, it feels "about right", though a nice non-drive by wire setup would be much better.
Agree with all of this Kevin. Even in sport mode, the steering mapping is not consistent with the character of the car. My previous car was a 2003 330ci and it had so many of the same issues it drove me crazy...at least Mini's don't have a super-long clutch throw and the hated clutch delay valve like my 330....
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Mine: '09 Lightning Blue MCCS & '60 AH Bugeye Sprite
Wife's: '07 Pepper White MC
Daughter's: '05 Pure Silver MC
I used to drive with sport mode on all the time. But for the past 2 weeks, I haven't turned it on and the lighter steering is a welcome change. I discovered that I like the lighter steering better in daily driving. Also I feel that I shift smoother in "normal mode".
I do still like to turn it on every once in a while and it feels like a different beast. I think if we use Sport Mode more sparingly we appreciate it better. The car still drives completely fine in "normal mode"
__________________ 2009 MCS, AB/AB, 6 speed, Convenience Package, 17" Web-Spokes, HiFi, MFSW, Xenons, Aero kit, LSD,
Piano Black, Anthracite Headliner, Dark Gray color line, Rear fogs, Sport Suspension, JCW strut brace.
the details of the car/human interface. As such, there is no right or wrong, there is just what each person prefers. To each their own, and that's a good thing.
I very seldom drive without Sport Mode. I usually punch the button as soon as I start the car. I think you notice the difference more if you've driven a lot with Sport Mode on, and then try it without. Response is not nearly as sharp, and the car feels as if it's down on power, even though it really isn't, and just needs more "welly." It all comes down to personal preferences, and mine happens to be "Sport Mode on."
Cheers,
Spridget
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Moocher the MINI | BRG and white R56 | White Sport Stripes | Premium and Cold Weather packages, black/charcoal innards | My other car is an MG | My favorite actress is Minnie Driver | Fear the Buick.
Thank you for your replies. I did not know that mini's had drive by wire. All your thought were a great read! Thanks again.
Just about all cars that have stability control have gone to electronic throttle - that's how the computer can back down on the power. Fortunately MINI's and all newer BMW's have the safety overide to prevent problems like Toyota has had.
__________________ '09 MCS Convertible - Dark Silver with Tuscan Beige Leather/Piano Black/6 Speed Manual/Convenience/Sport/Cold/Premium/Mini HiFi/Black Bonnet Stripes/Armrest/17" Web Spoke Wheels/Michelin Pilot A/S Plus tires/Backup Camera /JCW Carbon Fiber Hood Scoop/Multivex Mirrors/Cocomats.com mats/2010 HK Speakers/Sound Deadening/Anti-torque steer reprogram 4/25/09 (Ordered), 5/08/09 (Built), 5/30/09 (at dealer), 6/3/09 Drove Home!
I have the auto on sport mode also so it is always on. I accidentally turned it off last week and stalled at the stop light. Like everything else it is a personal preference.
I do however, turn it off on long highway trips where I don't need the acceleration./steering improvements.
I drive with Sport off most of the time as I do daily city driving and try to be fuel efficient, since it's "justa". When I want to have some fun, I push the button, and I find that pedal just begs to be pushed.
I also find that the heavier steering helps on the freeway.
2009 MCCS JCW Stage 1 (tuning kit). CR/CR w/ Roof Rails, Cold + Premium Packages, Black Sport Stripes, Piano Black interior, Rooster Red color line, Alpine retrofit kit w/ BOSS subwoofer in rear wheel well. Born Nov 13 2008 (week 45).
'09 MCS Convertible - Dark Silver with Tuscan Beige Leather/Piano Black/6 Speed Manual/Convenience/Sport/Cold/Premium/Mini HiFi/Black Bonnet Stripes/Armrest/17" Web Spoke Wheels/Michelin Pilot A/S Plus tires/Backup Camera /JCW Carbon Fiber Hood Scoop/Multivex Mirrors/Cocomats.com mats/2010 HK Speakers/Sound Deadening/Anti-torque steer reprogram
