Hi Mini people,

The owner's manual documentation doesn't make it especially clear, when we're talking about Minis with automatic transmissions, what's the essential difference between using the Sport button, and sliding the shifter from D into DS (manual shift up/down mode)?

I could feel the steering become much tighter on the MCS with the Sport button, a feeling I didn't see when I slid the shifter over to DS... that just seemed to hold the shifts longer and keep the engine RPMs a bit higher for more power available. Also, I noted the exhaust burbles and pops with the Sport button, but not with the shifter in DS alone.

Anyone care to clarify this one? Thanks.

 

For the most part, what i know is that it is supposed to make the shifts quicker with the auto and i heard that it might stiffen your suspension a bit and open up the exhaust a little. other than that i see it as a cool button that encourages you to drive fast

 

The sport button also makes the throttle more agressive (push less, go faster).

It does not stiffen the suspension on a MINI.

 

Hexley,

When you push the Sport Btn. it does the following.

Shifts at maximum RPM in gears and shifts harder/faster.

It also changes the Electronics to react much faster to the throttle input.

It also as I recall stiffens up the steering feel.

I have the 6-speed auto tranny and have used the Sport Btn. frequently.

If you like the more Sports Car type of Machine (Always) engage the {Sport Button}.

Moving the shifter to the Manual position.

That simply allows you to shift the MINI manually and honestly I see no real purpose for that in normal driving.

 

Most of all it adds a nice backfire on the downshift.

 

A couple of thoughts...

The sport button doesn't make the throttle faster. it removes the crappy, laggy throttle response that MINI designed as "normal". (in other words, it makes it normal...)

Pop and burble was not, is not programed into my N14 2010 S... (kind of glad too, since I think it sounds like bad tuning of a 1950's racer...)

I installed the FES Auto-Sport module and the sport button is always pushed in my car...

The sport button doesn't do anything to a 6 speed manual transmission.

 

Thanks so much everyone for clearing it all up... love this forum, and the SPORT button

 

Say what? You didn't mean that right? It tightens up the steering, delivers quicker throttle response and gives you pop and burble.

 

What does using the sport button do to fuel economy?

 

Sorry, can't you read? It doesn't do anything to a 6 speed manual transmission...

 

I guess I missed something then. I have a 6 speed manual, and it changes all the things I mentioned.
Maybe you are just referring to your FES module and not MINI's in general? That would make sense.

 

I think he means it doesn't do anything to the transmission itself, just the other parts, whereas it actually does affect the automatic transmission. But he wasn't clear about it as I had to read his comment a few times for it to click, and nothing was done to clear it up except to ask if you were unable to read and then repeat himself.

As for the fuel economy question, undoubtedly hurts it. Spent fuel for the backfires, higher revs in the automatic, and better throttle response triggers the male hormone testostervroom, which makes for more spirited driving.

 

:smile: not having testostervoom, maybe mine wouldn't be as dramatic difference. I'm a pretty conservative driver but sure like what it feels like to have a little more punch.

Thanks for the response!

 

+1

 

.....testostervroom.

now that's funny!

 

Thanks EHans!!

 

Or, you could just read he owners manual. Lol

 

Are you talking to me richardsperry?

 

I'm with you. Scratching my head wondering wtf his/her problem is.

 

No clue?

 

My brother has a tendency to talk to me like this and the previous message...hence, I talk with him only when absolutely necessary.

I guess a lot gets lost in translation when written on a screen.

 

Lol.

 

 

Lol

 

2011 Clubman S auto, I find the sport button is much better around town as mentioned before it reduces the dreadful turbo lag but eats gas. The DS is useless as all you have to do is use the paddle shifter to go to manual operation on downshifts unless you want to lock it into manual then use the DS setting. I find the paddle shifter useless for up shifting however quite usefull for downshifting so locking it into manual with the DS setting is not something I normally do.