I have a MCa and leave it off most of the time. I don't like being thrown into the steering wheel because the transmission aggressively down shifts when I take my foot off the accelerator. I also agree with ramtaajogi in that I have no need to drive around with my engine revving that much.

 

Forgot to add I will turn it on when I'm about to go crazy behind someone going 45 in a 55 and know there's a passing zone coming up. The more aggressive down shifting and better response in the throttle comes in rather handy in those situations.

 

I test drove a MCS with the Sport button on. As I'm still in the break-in period for my new '07 MCS (@ 750 mi), I've only turned the Sport mode on a couple of times. The way I look at things is that I'm leaving myself room to be impressed all over again once I've got through the break-in period (and allow myself more frequent use of Sport mode), and then again when I upgrade my tires to something more performance-oriented.

Now that I've read the thread, however, I worry that I may have mistakenly trained myself for the slot-start sluggishness. My other vehicle is a 5-speed soft-top Wrangler, and compared to getting the Jeep off the line, I really have to rev the MCS before lifting the clutch. IIRC, when starting from dead-stop in Sport mode, this is not the case. Well, I suppose I'll be lighting them up a time or two when I finally feel more generous with The Button.

~Neal

 

ditto!

 

I'm still in the break-in period and rarely drive with the Sport button activated. Ideally, I would like to "train" myself without the Sport button so that when I do hit it, I get that Sporty feeling; however, because the Sport Mode has a similar feel to my old R53, eventually I will probably turn it on as soon as I start the car.

I am curious to know, however, whether the JCW engine kit changes the Sport Mode feel. Anyone have any insight?

 

I remember user "emtrey" saying that it significantly does with the auto trans, not sure about manual. According to him having the sport button off now feels almost the same as his MINI did previously with it on.

 

I leave mine off to save gas. If I really need the speed, I just press the gas a little more and it goes.

 

I turn it on when I want to be extra quick. Other than that its kinda rough around town, have to use clutch to smooth in to gear and Im always burning out everywhere so in that case its usually off. LOL

 

I use it pretty much 100% of the time with my stick shift.

 

Truthfully I usually drive with it off on purpose. That way every time I DO hit it, it's like "HOLY CRAP! This car is freakin' fast!" all over again!

 

i am a bit discrete with the button, i tend to agree with rattmobbins. I like the surprise once and a while.

 

I went to test drive again, this time I drove manual shift (MCS). And I just push the sport button while I am driving.....and wow I just kept saying wow...wow... I think ...... big difference really.

 

I have honestly never driven with the switch off. I'll try that the next time I drive.

 

I leave it off most of the time, but only because I forget about it. When I do remember, I think, Hey I should use this more often.

 

I think I had the car 3 weeks, before I even tried it the first time....

 

Well I drove with the switch off all day and have to say I liked it. I like the way the steering feels and the car didn't feel like crazy and on the edge. I guess I'll use it only when I want a more challenging drive from now on.

 

I prefer sport mode on all the time. I added a mod that automatically turns it on every time I start the car.

 

What's the mod? Your girlfriend/boyfriend/dog that presses the button once you start the car?

 

Ditto--kept forgetting it for probably about a month. Now it's 100% on.

Mattbren--share your secret, please!

 

Check the thread here:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=103258

It's basically a relay, capacitor and resistor. About $10 worth of parts.

 

 

I leave it on 100% now. It was too confusing (at least for my feet ) to have to switch between 2 modes back and forth. I really like the Sport mode for the more linear response of the throttle, as well as making it easier to steer (firmer steering feeling). I might turn it off when cruising, although I'd probably be using CC, so it wouldn't make much of a difference anyway.

 

So with this mod you could still turn the sport mode off by depressing the sport mode button, correct? You are effectively changing the user experience so that the new "default" position is "on" instead of "off", correct?

 

I don't use the sport mode very much. Only when intending to go fast, something that I don't do very much on the street. I feel it is just too dangerous to go really fast on the street; you could get a ticket, or even get done in by some numb brain in an SUV talking on their cell phone.

To those who like the sport button because it makes it easier to start from a stop, consider that you may be putting a lot of wear on your clutch. The MCS is easy to start from a stop and has a very good clutch. Learn to use it well and save the sport button for sport.

I think past experience affects how the sport mode feels. My last car was an E30 BMW with very extensively modified suspension, a 4.11 rear end, etc. That car was so lively that an MCS, even in sport mode, feels pretty mellow. Boo on the stupid kid in the stolen car that totaled it in a hit and run accident. If he is out of jail (I hope not) I hope he reads this somewhat restrained invective.

cheers,

Joe

 

Ditto on this. I only turn Sport on when I'm going to hit the twisties. Around town and highway I don't see any need for it. I don't have any trouble starting off with the clutch in non sport mode.