Okay, I know I am definitely in the minority here, but my new MC R56 (currently in shipment), will not be equipped with the Sport Button. I just couldn't justify the extra $1500 for the sport package - please don't hate me!

What I am wondering is, since this button is likely just an input into the vehicle computer (that tells it to modify the steering and accelerator response), wouldn't it be possible to just add the button to get this feature?

Will the harness wiring be there in the center console if I didn't purchase this option? If it is - and if I add the button - would the computer recognize the input, or would it need "enabling" by the dealer?

Anyways, just though I'd ask in case anyone has considered this before.

Thx!

 

you dont need to order the sport package to have a sport button, it comes standard with all minis. so enjoy

 

Unfortunately it is not standard in Canada...here it is only included in the sport package. Who knows why...

I've checked my order sheet and the sport button (option 4UF) is definitely not listed.

 

"...modify the steering and accelerator response..."

hmmm, I think it modifies accelerator response. I do not think it modifies steering response.

Anyway, put more (accelerator )pedal into it and it will seem like you have a sport button

 

it tightens the steering as well. i love driving with it on, it just feels better, but my question is, im i wasting more gas this way?

 

It massively tightens the steering response in my Cooper S. The steering is suddenly direct, heavy and more BMW-like. Without the button pressed, the car's steering feels one-finger light and totally indirect.

 

It most certainly does modify the steering. That is the main reason I leave mine on all the time. Without it the steering now seems sloppy to me.

 

On a manual the sport button only tightens the steering and increases throttle response. On autos it does the above and plays with the shift points as well.

You don't really burn more fuel just because the button is on however your driving may become more aggressive equaling less fuel efficiency.

 

I would respectfully disagree with the above. With the auto and sport on, you will burn more fuel. It holds the lower gears, thereby increasing engine speed and therefore more fuel consumption. The only way you can override is going to full manual mode and then you can shift up and it will stay in the higher gear. I wish there were 2 modes of "sport button" (for the automatics): #1 steering and throttle response, #2 plus altered shift points.

 

I agree, that choice would be nice.
I do think the Sport that is engaged by using the floor shifter is a "little bit" less aggressive with the shift points when it stays in auto. The trick to using that mode in full auto is not to use the paddle shifters which puts the trans into manual.

 

Well once again we're talking apples and oranges.....manual R56: no big diff in mpg....automatic R56: yes, a big difference. It's easy to get twisted around as the diff between manual, auto, first gen, second gen can be substantial.

Anyway, as far as a retrofit....this stuff generally seems to be harder than one might think and runs into more cost than the option as spec'ced from the factory. If you don't get sport mode, just enjoy the car as is...lots of owners who have it don't even use it!!

 

Agreed. I have the Sport package on my Canadian MC but I don't often bother with the sport button. The 17" wheels and rear spoiler were what I was after when I decided to go Sport. Sounds like you loaded up on just about every other option, so I think you'll like yours just fine as is.

 

Sport button is also activate the overboost function to give you a little more torque.

 

He was talking apples to apples.

 

Helpful thread. I've passed the break-in period and have been eying that little button, but have not yet used it. As I have a manual trans, I now have something more to enjoy about my MINI.

So, do most of you who use the sport button leave it on all the time, or do you employ it only when taking the twisties?

 

Not true.

Overboost is engaged when the accelerator is completely floored, quickly. Doesn't matter if you are in sport mode or not from what I know.

 

There's a mod available to have the Sport button "Auto-On" when the MINI is started. Let's just say it's a very tempting mod for me, at least from what I experienced with my test drives.

 

You should have been using it before now. Push that thing! My MA told me to leave it on all the time and I do. It's the steering that I love about it. Now if I turn it off the steering feels sloppy in comparison.

 

Really? Do you know who offers it? I must look into that, based on what you all are telling me.

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=103258

Pretty simple once you read through it. I'm going to wait and see, but it's definitely on my mind.

 

I tend to use the sport button around town but not so much on the highway. With it turned on coming from a standstill muuuuuch easier. On the highway the tighter steering tires my arms out quickly though.

Guess I should have specified that the tranny differences might affect mileage as well. My bad I have a manual and tend to think in those terms.

 

whoa! weirder yet, you guys in Canada do get AutoStart/Stop as standard. but i guess someone eventually will offer that as part of a remap or something and have it all the time in "sport mode"

and as to burning more fuel, spanish site km77.com states they ran the cooper s through their usual tests, with no difference in consumption or performance...they say its just the sensation of more power

 

We don't get Auto Start-Stop here in Canada. There are a few differences between our Mini and the US model but that ain't one of them.

 

+1 although not a big difference it is noticeable. My guess is that the boost is elevated? Probably accomplished by opening the actuator or allowing the pressure on the wastegate to keep it closed enough to raise the boost.

Anyone know what the boost level is stock and with sport on? A 20 ft/lb jump on a turbo car suggests a higher boost level. However, my car does not have a boost gauge installed so I cannot verify this 100%.

 

It seems this question is likely to be answered satisfactorily only by someone with access to and understanding of the vehicle's wiring diagrams -- who also happens to be interested in adding Sports Button functionality after purchase.