I know from the "feel" that the sport button makes the accelerator more responsive and stiffens the steering, but what "technically" does it do? Does it affect the boost for example?

 

If I recall correctly, it increases the throttle response by about 40% and it makes the steering a bit "heavier" to counter torque steer and to prevent over-reaction or something. It sure as heck is fun though, isn't it?

 

Surfblue says:
Imagine that your gas pedal is connected by a wire to the injectors. When you put the sport button on, it feels like that wire is considerably shorter; i.e., your throttle response is quicker, as the "wire" has been shortened.
On the steering, it feels tighter, as it's a bit heavier and some of the freeplay seems to be gone.
That's all there is. Don't overthink it. It's no big deal, technically.
It's a fun feature to play with. I ran with it OFF through break-in just to be sure I didn't overrev the engine, other than trying it out a couple times. I put it on/off at various times, but feel I can drive the car pretty much the same in either on or off setting.

 

I believe it makes the throttle response 1:1. as in 20% throttle input = 20% throttle open.

with the sport button off, the throttle response is not 1:1. I'm not sure what it is but I would guess anywhere from 20-30% less.

the other thing I am unsure of is, if the buffered throttle response with the sport button off is only at part throttle. with bmws, if you open the throttle wide open quickly it removes the buffer completely.

 

So if that's all it does, it might feel good but it doesn't "actually" increase performance, i.e. quarter mile time, etc.

 

it might increase MPG performance

 

If you really must know, it activates the Flux Capacitor.

 

It also changes the shift points in an automatic trans.

And maybe changes the braking some? It 'feels' that way to me at least.

 

When you push it a little green light comes on.


Apt, don't you think?

 

most likely the change in shift point is giving you more engine braking.

 

The reason that I asked is, in a post in another thread, someone said that it increased the boost by about 3 lbs. I didn't much think that it did, but I thought I would ask.

 

It changes the steering by reducing the gain of the power steering. The power steering is all electrical, and when you push the steering wheel it pushes the front wheels with a multiple of that force.

Or, the way I imagine it: Fw = g(v)*Fs

Fw is the force it pushes on the wheels, Fs is the force you push on the steering. g(v) is the gain, which is speed sensitive. You push the sport button, g(v) gets smaller.

I don't know how the throttle response is changed, but to me it feels like sport mode eliminates an annoying delay before it acts on any throttle input. Non-sport mode throttle is truly horrible.

 

It may allow overboost in an MCS, which is an increase in boost when you floor the throttle. I'm not sure if that comes and goes with sport mode or not.

 

overboost is independent from the sport mode. it's activated when the throttle is open quickly.

 

I thought I read that, in the 09 JCW, it changes ignition timings slightly such that you get a bit of burble upon letting off the throttle. No idea if that's true or not.

 

My M.A., who has been selling Minis for 4 years, seems very intelligent when it comes to knowing these cars. He says with the sport button on I would be getting 2 extra pounds of boost from the turbo.
Hope he is right.

 

I don't believe this, haven't seen or felt any proof of it.

 

he's a good salesman

full of c**p

but a good salesman

 

Someone with a boost gauge or ScanGaugeII might be able to test this. I have the ScanGaugeII and will try it if I get a chance where I can do it safely (and legally).

 

It makes life less miserable.

 

I had read it was activated when you put the pedal WFO. I haven't checked it against a boost gauge or a scangauge though. Some one needs to clear this mystery up.

 

Sounds to me no one really knows for sure.....

Obviously the heavier steering.

I dont have an automatic or a turbo so.............

 

Yea thats what I thought its the kick-down feature.

 

I don't have a manual shift but all I know is when the sport button is engaged it increases the throttle response,tightens up the steering a bit and starts in first gear and won't shift into 6th gear on automatics.

Oh and cool flames shoot out of the tailpipe when it shifts

 

the manual says:

1. engine responds more spontaneously to movements of the accelerator

2. steering response is more direct

3. with automatic transmission, more rapid gear shifting