Does anyone actually drive their Mini with the sport switch in the off position? That's the first thing I do after starting my Mini, I turn the sport switch on!

 

Honestly, for regular driving I tend to leave it off. Now "spirited" driving on the other hand...

 

Always on for me.

 

I know a lot of very experienced motorers who leave Sport Mode off...but I always turn it on as well. I don't think of it as sport mode, though, but just a different map...I like the linear throttle response probably because it is so similar to that of my '03 Cooper and my launches are just smoother/more efficient in Sport Mode. I've become used to the tighter steering, too, but that's less of a factor than the throttle. The steering in Sport Mode is slightly tighter than my '03, so it dials the car in for me perfectly.

 

Sport on, ASC off unless there's unfavorable weather conditions. haha

 

I leave it off when driving in rush hour traffic...but as soon as the road opens up I turn it on.

 

I find I don't give it enough gas on launch if the sport button is not on. It is just what I've gotten used to.

 

I agree, the car feels so sluggish with it off. With it on it feels more like the electronic throttle on my old 350z. I wish the default was on, with the switch being used to turn it off... Future software upgrade?

 

I leave mine off most of the time. Stuck in traffic, the twitchier throttle is a bit harder to drive smoothly.

 

Yes, I definitely agree...but then I have friends who feel otherwise. If it was normalled-on then some would want it normalled-off, so short of a mod of some sort I just hit the button and go. If I don't, I sure notice it on my first launch!!!!!

 

Hubby doesn't like it--says it makes the steering too heavy. He doesn't drive my car all that often, though, so I guess he's not used to it. I turn it on as soon as I start the engine--if I forget, I'm reminded on the first shift. I find it shifts into first and second a whole lot nicer, and I'm used to the steering feel by now.

Strange that when I drive his 530i, I hate the steering feel--too heavy! Hubby thinks it's just right.

Go figure.

 

With me it's probably on about 50% of the time. It absolutely transforms the auto transmission. But at the same time it reduces fuel economy and gas prices in my area are ridiculous. Normally in everything but highway driving (other than merging) and traffic, it's on.

 

sport button is always on. the car just doesnt feel like a mini without it.

 

It probably makes a difference if you have an auto or a manual too. I can see how an auto might feel too twitchy in stop and go traffic where you probably don't notice that in a manual. Guess it's one of those great things about a Mini; the ability to "customize" it to your own driving pleasure.

 

As a daily driver and on all the time, the feel is too intense on my S. IMO its very quick without it on but from zero to whatever the initial pedal response is better with the sports button on. Sometimes if I'm sitting at a light I turn it on but turn it off after I pull away.

 

You are right. It makes such a difference with the auto you really need to be more aware of how you are driving. You can get complacent with the auto and the Sport helps to knock you upside the head.

 

D'oh...yeah, I forgot!!! Very true...big difference.

 

i turn it on as soon as Coop is on... otherwise I'll stall him...

 

I have mine on all the time for me. When trying to teach my 23-year-old daughter to drive stick, I leave it off. It's more forgiving for a beginner.

 

I leave it off all the time. Cut it on once since I owned the car. On a manual MC, I don't think it makes that much difference in how the car responds to the throttle. As far as steering goes, I like the feel of the steering with it off, so that is where it stays.

 

I leave it off on normal driving in the city. Turn it on when I go on the highway, I like the tighter steering wheel and the sensitive throttle.

Oh, and when I'm in for some "spirited" driving anywhere. Love the Sport mode option!

 

I like the sport mode on from a dead stop.

 

I always had it on until recently. Mach Dan V said he hated the steering weight. So yesterday I did my standard 50 mile twisty route (half of it averages about 30-40 mph, tight turns, half about 60-75, sweepers) and turned it off. What I found is that steering is a lot less work with it off. Throttle makes little difference because you're on it a lot anyway. Opened my eyes up a lot, that ride. I had thought I had to use it to drive the car well. Not.

 

I like the sport button on all the time!!!!

 

i have a MCSa and only use it when I know I am going to need the speed. I dont like driving around town at 4k rpm, just too noisy and seems like I am wasting gas.