The sport button description on the Mini configurator says it does 3 things:

1. More rapid accelleration response
2. Tighter Steering
3. Adjust shift points with an automatic

Now, 2 and 3 I get, and 3 isn't relevant with a manual.

What does #1 mean though? I noticed the button doesn't come on a non-S model, so does it do something to the turbo? Change timing?

 

As I understand it:

1. Remaps throttle, so that 1/4 down on normal vs 1/4 down in sport mode opens the throttle more.
2. allows some wheel spin, so that traction control doesn't kill your performance.
3. Hard rev-limiter so you don't essplode the motor
4. Some changes in the computer that I don't really understand.

 

Just as described. The throttle response is tightened up so that it feels faster. It just changed how the amount of pedal pressed is equal to the amount of throttle applied.

The steering gets heavier/tighter feeling.

Nothing to do with shift point for a manual.

Nothing to do with the limiter, timing, hp, boost, etc changes. It is all just feel...nothing more than that.

A few things change with an auto and how it shifts, but to answer you question, see my top remarks. This has been discussed a few times before and you can search and read those threads. The accusations of what that button does can get pretty wild and crazy.

 

The button does come on non S models, my 2013 Roadster has it.

 

ive noticed my coolant temps drop when im in sport mode....

during normal driving im around 210...when i press the sport button they drop to about 180

 

Hrm… thanks. It isn't on the configurator that I saw for the Countryman, but I could have missed it or it may be on some models, not others.

Everyone else, thanks. Seems real useful on an automatic, much less so on a manual. Interesting on the temp. Not sure what would account for that.

 

As a standard feature, I don't think you can choose it as an option... Should be in the specs list though.

 

The sport button is also market dependent. It used to be an option on a justa, but now in the US I believe it comes with it. In Canada it is not always standard.

 

The more-responsive throttle is useful in autocrossing where thousandths of a second can count and is quite entertaining on the street in a non-S.

 

Engage it and find out.

 

when I have one, I will. Probably at least 6 weeks out. For average driving though in a manual, not hearing a lot that makes it interesting. It makes a world of difference on my wife's Jetta TDI with an auto, but that is to be expected with an automatic.

 

Thanks for being so easy on my comment, EHans. I hope your wait goes quickly.

 

sitting in traffic w/o sport mode on is a nightmare. throttle response is absolutely abysmal. the MINI should have been designed so sport is always on. not having it on is such a joke...

 

In the manual? Granted, I only test drove it for a few miles, but it would squirt around wherever I pointed it. Most responsive car I've ever driven (well, not a Porsche Boxter, but way more fun than a Boxter!).

 

I'm not going to question you on that but I honestly feel its one of the moth lethargic throttle responses for a car touted to have gokart handling

 

Whenever I've driven go-karts, I've had to keep my foot pretty well pegged to the floor...

Sent from my Galaxy S3 using NAMotoring

 

The throttle response feels lethargic in a stick once you get used to having it on all of the time. Trying to drive with it off feels like you will stall it like a 15 year old every time you leave from a stop.

 

And vice versa - if you're used to not driving in sport mode, when you turn it on you end up peeling out from every stop because you're used to having to step on it more. Takes a little adjusting to, not that I'm speaking from personal experience or anything. The increased steering effort and throttle response are both quite noticeable.

 

If you don't have it you can code it in and enable it with moving one wire from DSC. Easy.
There is a complete write up here.

 

Where is the complete write up? Pls?
Have 2 minis 2010's one auto, one manual. Sport mode Auto, awesome! Sport mode manual....NOTHING.