Hi all, I have a 08 clubman s and was wondering if it's ok to drive in sport mode on a regular basis? Does it hurt anything to always use? I assume it's tougher on gas? Thanks

 

Unless there are more educated minds who have something to share to the contrary, it is my understanding that the only thing driving in S mode does other than increase fuel consumption is possibly increase the likelihood you'll get a ticket.

*edit*

I meant simply in regards to drawback :P I keep mine in S at all times. The quicker throttle response, tighter steering and suspension, as well as just overall feel improve drastically as others have mentioned. It's like a different car entirely. The only time I turn S off is when I'm on the interstate in CC. At that point, even if the fuel gain is negilible at best, it's still a few cents :P

As for tickets, RADAR Detectors are illegal in Va so I have to watch where and when I let it go :P

 

I have to say it sure is night and day between the two modes, what all does it effect ??

 

After trying the Sport mode I liked it so much I got the FES Sport Controller and now Sport is automatic. I can always hit the button and turn it off which I do in the wet weather.
If your a go for it MC driver then Sport mode+Radar detector+all eyes forward makes driving a blast.
Why buy a MINI if your not going to let loose sometimes_Why would we have fast cars if we didn't want to go fast_Get a FIT, Prius, or Smart ?? car for that...
Just remember that you can't go 100 on most non-interstate roads without
getting hit by Lazer=BAM a ticket in 1/10,000 sec.
Since lazer is short range just avoid nightime speeding and remember a Colgan bra kills the lazer beam so No lazer tickets if you don't have front plate like me.
Normally you can see a cop lazering with his window down or standing on the side of the road. If an officer is standing next to his car and he's not writing a ticket then he's probably lazering you. You can get a lazer jammer but then your talking >$1000 for radar+lazer setup-Sweet !!
I'd grab a friend who's Radar savvy and take a training trip on a cop riddled road to hone your skills and then decide about upgrading to the radar.
Sunny skies & Open roads !!

 

There are plenty of links comparing sport mode to non-sport mode, but I use sport mode all the time in my 2010 Clubby and get virtually the same gas mileage . . .Also, and I am not a mechanic, but IMO, sport mode makes the gas pedal more responsive, the steering feel tighter and the suspension more stiff. I much prefer that to a ride that is too mushy. Go ahead and try it for a week and you may like it. Besides, MINI's are about having fun!

 

The sport button has no interaction with the suspension. The suspension is purely mechanical and has no electronic valving on it whatsoever. What is controlled is only the throttle response, steering feel and on automatic transmissions, the shift control.

 

Mine stays on all the time via an auto on sport button mod.

It may be tougher on gas in an automatic due to changes in shift points. On a manual, the only impact on gas is the change in the way you drive.