Is there a way to configure Sport Mode to default to On? I like having it on always and it would be cool to have the option to turn it off rather than the other way around.

Any ideas?

 

Yeah if you call a MINI specialist they can help you because I know a guy here in the Metro-Detroit area and he has that on his MCS.

http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop...mode_plus.html


Good luck!

 

Here is a thread on how to DIY the auto sport button on mod. There is another thread somewhere that compares the DIY method with a couple of the other solutions that are available (like the FES solution).

 

This is what I did, wife hates driving w/o Sport mode on.

 

what's the sport button?

 

I'm curious; how much does sport mode cost around town, MPG-wise?

 

If you have an automatic it will cost you a little bit due to the transmission holding gears a little bit longer. I don't think it is much though - maybe 1 mpg?

 

A clever marketing ploy installed by BMW?

 

and for those of us with a Manual tranny - does it really do anything?

 

It changes the steering input mapping and the throttle mapping. Both "feel" issues, so really a personal thing as to whether one wants to use it or not.

 

I have a 2012 s manual. I love the sport setting, but I have found that my mileage is better in the non-sport setting. I enjoy the sport setting in spirited driving with some of my mini friends ( heel toe downshifts are easier to match ).

 

If you drive the car the same way, (speed, gear), there should be no difference in mileage.

I've got the FES Auto Sport module. (sport mode always on), and can bearly drive in normal. I'll almost stall it taking off from a stop...lol

 

The whole point is that I don't drive the same way in "sport mode". The regular mode keeps me honest. I agree with your statement, but in sport I find myself driving faster especially on freeways.

 

Say what? All sport mode does is change the throttle response from laggy to almost linear. (along with slightly heavier steering feel, ie, less boost from the power steering) How fast you drive is controlled by your right foot. Unless you have wired the sport button directly to your brain. lol

 

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What is the "FES" solution?

 

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+1

My kit didn't come with a fuse tap, so I had to run out to Autozone and buy one. The metal tap was much larger than the 7.5 amp hole, so it took a bit of cutting and bending, but got it to go in along with the original fuse.

Great mod though!

 

You seem to be an expert on all things Mini. Can you explain how BMW has been able to get better MPG in the normal mode vs. sport mode? Here's your chance big man.

 

Are you talking about MINI as a whole/in general has produced different MPG numbers for sport mode vs non-sport mode? If so, do you have a link or something for that?

As noted in the thread thus far, for automatics sport mode will produce worse gas mileage because it changes the shift points to not be as fuel efficient. For new models (2011+ I think) that have the pop and burble added back in, there is a tiny bit of loss due to the fuel used for that even for manual transmission vehicles (though I'm not sure anyone has been able to show the difference is measurable).

Or are you talking about your case specifically based on your own experience? If so, the difference in gas mileage would be attributed to you as indicated by your statement, "I don't drive the same way".

 

Ask BMW. The BS expertise of the internet forums and blogs are not the real deal. How about all the add-on intakes and exhaust tweeks. A lot of BS going on. Bottom line, you want to go faster, learn how to drive, ditch the runflats, and get a 19mm rear swaybar. As far as the sport/normal question, you would have to be very careful to attain the same mpg driving in sport vs normal. Sure it possible, but not probable.

 

In day to day driving, I, (notice the I part), wouldn't see any mileage difference between the two modes. 2000-3000 rpm is the same no matter how quickly you press the throttle.

My car is a 2010 manual MCS. lifetime average economy is 30.7 mpg. It gets more on a long highway trip, and less when I drive like a hoon... Sorry I know nothing about automatics, but it wouldn't surprise me if sport mode changed shift points, that could very well result in a change of mileage. Basically, I was talking about manual cars. Your mileage is controlled by how you drive...

I really doubt that BMW/MINI would ever publish mileage figures for sport mode, but I'm sure they know...

Drcompt, I'm not a rocket scientist, but I am an old engineer, and have seen a few things...

 

I don't find it hard at all. Just shift at the same point as you go up through the gears.

My own theory is that better gas mileage can be achieved in sport mode because the additional sensitivity of the throttle provides better control for the driver. This reduces the instances of lagging the motor (which seems to be a common complaint of numerous people when using non-sport mode) and then having to compensate by providing more throttle input. Basically, it provides a smoother driving experience which leads to better gas mileage.

 

Sport mode increases your boost psi on a Cooper S from 11.6 to 14.5, which decreases your gas mileage. And the estimated gas mileage for the Cooper s is based on shifting at around 2000 rpm before the turbo kicks in. I have a 2012 Cooper s and I get about 19mpg or so in the city. Less if I'm driving more aggressively.

 

Overboost is available in non-sport mode as well.