Hey, new to the forum and to Mini, but loving it so far! I was cruising around today, and I noticed I switched it in and out of sport mode pretty often just to have some fun vs drive through a town at 30mph. Was wondering if there is anything wrong with switching in and out of sport mode often - should I leave it in one or the other most of the time?

Also, any other new owner tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

Welcome to NAM, there should be some other members to chime in here.

We Gen1 owners do not have all the fancy doodads that you have, just had to go out a buy a new string for my in-car phone system. It connects to the Dixie Cup that has a MINI emblem.

 

Haha thanks! I may have to see if I can get a cup phone as an option on mine.

 

Not a professional, but--

I'd think there is no issue with switching in/out of Sport mode as often as you want. You may wear the switch out, but the electronic changes being made are minimal compared to the plethora of data the ECU normally monitors at any given moment. Perhaps you should ask "Is there a reason to switch OUT of sport mode?"

We bought a couple Seadoo Sparks a few years back. Big fun. They have a sport mode, too. I switch back and forth whenever I want and haven't had any issues. Biggest issue with these for me is the (minor) hassle to switch modes. Mini's toggle is far quicker. I realize this is not an apples-to-apples comparison, but it is a similar switch at the ECU level.

 

Awesome, makes plenty of sense.

I assumed that sport mode isn't as fuel efficient, which is why I changed back and forth... not that it could ever make up for flooring it off the line in sport mode.... but it makes me feel better at least haha. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

I have noticed a very minimal difference in fuel efficiency when driving in sport mode compared to when I am not. The only fuel efficient problem that I tend to have while driving in sport mode is my foot. I love the acceleration while driving in sport and I love the pops from the exhaust as well. It's hard not to play around with that skinny little pedal on the right more while sport mode is engaged.

 

so sport mode does a few things.

1.) Allows boost to actually be used easilly
2.) sharpens throttle response... not sure why it was ever dumbed down
3.) makes the steering heavier
4.) keeps the coolant at 185 degf instead of 225
5.) adds pops to the exhaust

i only run in sport mode, everything listed above makes it more of a sportier car, the fact i have to switch that button on every time i get in the car seems pointless. plus running cooler will make everything last longer

theorectically your MPG shouldnt change much even with the added boost, only because your accelerating harder, but get to speed faster