So I was cruising down the highway using the Mini Connected App, in "Driving Excitement". I had the system information displayed showing temp, HP, and torque. I was running a temp of 214 to 221 degrees (F or C not sure) for at least 20-30 minutes. I then put the car into sport mode and my temp started to plummet, dropping quickly to 194 and staying there. I took it out of sport mode and in a few moments it was back to 221.

What is going on?

 

Just a guess here but maybe the fan is running at a higher speed while in sport mode.

 

I have also noted this much swing on my Scangauge coolant temperature display when NOT in sport mode. Normal I think; it is probably related to engine load decrease (reducing heat output), and lag time for the thermostat to restrict coolant flow enough to get the temp back in the 220 target zone.

Most temperature gauges on cars are heavily buffered so that the indicator will never show these swings.

 

The Mini maintains a normal 212 f degree temperature. This allows the engine to run more efficiently (principles of thermodynamics). Under a heavier than normal load on the engine, the computer opens a valve and cools the engine further.

 

Locust, just curious, where did you get this information?