I am playing with the sport mode on my MCSa and when on, the engine revs high. The tach reads around 2500 rpm in idle and around 3200 rpm at speeds of just 20-30 mph. Is this normal or is something wrong with my Cooper S? Are others experiencing this as well?

 

Are you sure it isn't kicking the trans down a gear? When I push the Sport button (while moving), the engine does seem to rev a bit higher, but that's because it's kicked out of 6th and down to 4th or even lower depending on my speed at the time.

 

Are you saying it is at 2500 rpm's when your standing still with no gas at all in idle? If so, I would say definitely something wrong.

But when you're driving, it is going to get to higher rpms, it changes your shift points to be more aggressive. It will also downshift sooner when slowing down. I have the manual, but tested the auto and noticed it was quite a difference in sport mode.

 

the idle is the same in sport or not. It will go up to higher reves before shifting in sport mode. A 2500 rpm idle is too high--take it in.

 

I've asked about this before too. Except that your idle description ain't right.

Otherwise, yes, the RPMs are just awkward when you're going a consistent 20-30mph. Sport basically works best when you're not in any traffic, can accelerate from a stop quickly, etc, etc!!!

 

I agree...when they say "sport mode" they mean it....you're really expected to "get with it"!!!

The problem is that your car should not be idleing at 2500 rpm in sport mode...is the idle normal when sport mode is off? Seems to me something is amiss and a discussion with the dealer is in order.

 

I see these posts as somewhat confusing. The sport button alters the steering response (firmer) and throttle position response (much more "touchy") and, apparently, with automatic transmission, shift points (I am going on what you are describing, as I don't have an auto). In any case, at idle, there should be no change to the RPM. If, when at idle, you engage the sport button and the RPM jumps, something is wrong.

 

Exactly right!!!

 

Ive noticed in my MCSa, in normal mode it shifts gears at about 2500, in sport mode, 4500. In sport, it doesnt shift less than 4000rpms, so at 20-30, that sounds about right.