Thanks for the link! I see a fellow "shipmate," Boostednorm, has already attempted this mod, and attempted it successfully.

I may give it a try. I used the button on the way home. DEFINITELY felt a difference with the steering. Not sure about other components. Will wait a few more days before I decide on doing this mod.

Could you all feel any difference in shifting on the man. trans? What about acceleration?

Thanks to all. This is a wonderful site; I wish I'd come across this earlier!

 

Hey there. Yup, I did that mod. Love it. The acceleration from a stop is more natural to me. Starting from a stop with sport mode off seemed so abrupt... it would not do anything then it would suddently be just a tad more than I wanted.

With sport mode on I'm always in a gear that'll get me out of a bad situation fast. I do turn it off when going for better gas mileage on the highway with cruise control on since it appears 6th gear is never achieved with it on, (auto tranny).

My arms did at first get tired but seems I'm used to it now. I think you get used to whatever. I used to have a sports car with an aftermarket heavy clutch. I swear my left leg got bigger... after a few weeks though I never even noticed it anymore.

+1 for sport mode.

 

Ok. Good to know on the highway setting. So far, I can tell it helps with steering (and muscle develolpment--you're right!). Might make the mod later. Does this mean, you still have the ability to shut it off by pushing the button (like the ASC button)?

 

Yes. The relay (and button) is not a constant on connection. The switch looks for a single pulse to trigger it on or off, so even though the mod turns on Sport Mode when you start the MINI, pressing the button afterwards can still turn it on or off accordingly.

 

What I wonder is if the Sport button is an option (it is in some markets, like the UK), is sport mode always on, or always off without it. I suspect it'd be always on, because with sport mode off, the MINI is really flabby. (And suitable only to the US market I'd guess.)

The R56s I've driven in the UK without the sport button didn't feel flabby.

 

And I guess that'll be me once I get my new vehicle!

Actually, this thread pointed me to the Auto Sport button mod discussion which has the wiring and connector diagrams - very helpful. It should be easy enough to test out. Just ground out this signal input and see if the OBC says "Sport".

But first I have to get my car first!

 

I never thought of that! But considering the button *IS* included in the Canadian Sport Package, presumably it defaults to off without this option. Otherwise, what would be the point of offering it?

 

Ditto!! Totally agree