SPORT Button: What does it do for a E85 M Roadster??

Loogey Clapp · 08-05-2011, 02:09 PM

I tried the Sport button briefly about 8 months ago after I bought the car but then opted for gas mileage instead. After seeing this thread, I decided to try it again as I could not remember what it was like. It definitely made a difference. I agree with Roffle Waffle that it would be nice having it always on in 6th gear so I don't have to downshift to pass someone. However, I don't think I would use it myself for "spirited" driving through the curves.

suprtran · 08-05-2011, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron Stygar

So I tried the instructions above and it still did NOT seem to make much of a difference in terms of throttle response or sensitivity.

JCz04Bimmer · 08-05-2011, 02:51 PM

To answer a previous question of yours that I'm not sure anyone addressed... yes, there are software options out there that enable the "sport" map full-time. However, I was under the impression that the light would be on.

suprtran · 08-05-2011, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCz04Bimmer

To answer a previous question of yours that I'm not sure anyone addressed... yes, there are software options out there that enable the "sport" map full-time. However, I was under the impression that the light would be on.

Did you mean the light on the SPORT button? That would make sense. Or maybe it doesn't matter either way if the light is on or not as the car is full-time sport mode.

ZStig · 08-05-2011, 04:12 PM

have someone local with a M test drive your car

suprtran · 08-05-2011, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roffle Waffle

have someone local with a M test drive your car

That's an option. Just gotta find a local.

ZStig · 08-05-2011, 04:46 PM

I think 50% of BMW owners are in socal, shouldn't be too hard

suprtran · 08-05-2011, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roffle Waffle

I think 50% of BMW owners are in socal, shouldn't be too hard

hehe...seems like it

Jumbosock · 06-01-2012, 01:57 PM

A slightly old thread but also coming from an E46M the sport mode in the Z4MC is NOTHING like the E46M. I HATED the sport mode in the E46M and only slightly hate it on the Z4MC. I can see why you would think it doesn't do anything in the Z4M... but it does. It's just not as extreme. Also since you have to take your foot off the gas pedal it doesn't seem as instantaneous. The best way to feel if it is working is to have high RPMs on the freeway and then UNDO the sport mode while at 3/4 throttle. You will feel the car slow down.

phoenixbmwlife · 06-01-2012, 02:15 PM

Anyone yet figure out how to install a sport button in 2006+ models?

EenyBear · 06-01-2012, 10:13 PM

The "sport" button is night and day in my car. Big big difference. I love it!!! Didn't much care for it in the begionning because it seemed a bit unpredictable. Then two things happened....

First, I received a necessary software upgrade during a routine service (my indy checked with me, we discussed it, and I said yes please). Everything improved - throttle response, smoother idle, fantastic engine braking, etc. etc. Like butter from zero to redline in both directions under all conditions in all gears. For many of you, this step is not necessary but my 2007 still had an original, slightly funky, flash.

Second, after discovering how smooth the "Sport" setting can be, I realized that a totally different, alternate driving style was required. The timing for everything you do as a driver is different. If you try to drive the same way, expecting the car to magically become a more aggressive performer without any management from your end.... you will get frustrated in a hurry. However, you will be rewarded if you practice.

Now, when I'm on my game and want to play Johnny Rocket, I press the "sport" button and start grinning. Folks that say they don't use it probably haven't explored it systematically. It requires a modified set of skills and familiarization to be maximum fun. Yeah, it's a bit more work to learn a different way to drive the same car but... embrace the challenge.

As per above, it engages when the throttle returns to zero. Word to the wise. Don't push "sport" in first gear when you are already underway because when you shift to second (and release the throttle doing so) it will be a surprise when you re-engage the clutch and apply the throttle (and not always a good surprise). Better to engage "sport" when fully stopped or while in second on your way to third.

Daemonblitz · 06-02-2012, 12:27 AM

I have Sport mode on all the time when I'm driving, it goes on as soon as I turn the car on, I LOVE the way it transforms the response. I've gotten so use to it now that without it the car feels slow and sluggish and I end up nearly stalling it trying to pull away from a stop.

beta · 06-02-2012, 04:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EenyBear

First, I received a necessary software upgrade during a routine service (my indy checked with me, we discussed it, and I said yes please). Everything improved - throttle response, smoother idle, fantastic engine braking, etc. etc. Like butter from zero to redline in both directions under all conditions in all gears. For many of you, this step is not necessary but my 2007 still had an original, slightly funky, flash.

Do you know if it was an ECU update?

bigbacon · 06-02-2012, 10:38 AM

i find the sport mode hard to deal with in my 3.0. Shifting is noticably more difficult because the gas pedal response is so much different.

I use it mainly if I have to make a quick pass somewhere or just want to screw around but other wise I never use it.

ZStig · 06-02-2012, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigbacon

i find the sport mode hard to deal with in my 3.0. Shifting is noticably more difficult because the gas pedal response is so much different.

I use it mainly if I have to make a quick pass somewhere or just want to screw around but other wise I never use it.

if you're using it for a quick pass, might as well just floor the throttle instead

ZStig · 06-02-2012, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigbacon

i find the sport mode hard to deal with in my 3.0. Shifting is noticably more difficult because the gas pedal response is so much different.

I use it mainly if I have to make a quick pass somewhere or just want to screw around but other wise I never use it.

if you're using it for a quick pass, might as well just floor the throttle. But then again sport bottom does make it FEEL faster =)

EenyBear · 06-02-2012, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beta

Do you know if it was an ECU update?

I'm pretty certain it was. And I had my TPS reset at the same time. And the MAF sensor was cleaned. Lots of little things that probably added up.

It was in to have the 12,000 mile fluid replacement (even though it only had 9,000... the car was new to me and I wanted a fresh start).

So lots of high quality fluids in the tranny, diff, crankcase, etc. etc. Some folks report that makes a difference too. I support that position.

Bottom line is... I prefer to drive with the "sport" button engaged.

08-05-2011, 02:09 PM	#23
Loogey Clapp First Lieutenant 7 Rep 376 Posts Drives: 2006 Z4 3.0si Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Everett, WA, USA iTrader: (0)	I tried the Sport button briefly about 8 months ago after I bought the car but then opted for gas mileage instead. After seeing this thread, I decided to try it again as I could not remember what it was like. It definitely made a difference. I agree with Roffle Waffle that it would be nice having it always on in 6th gear so I don't have to downshift to pass someone. However, I don't think I would use it myself for "spirited" driving through the curves. __________________
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08-05-2011, 02:51 PM	#25
JCz04Bimmer Captain 32 Rep 606 Posts Drives: 06 Z4MC Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: New York City iTrader: (2)	To answer a previous question of yours that I'm not sure anyone addressed... yes, there are software options out there that enable the "sport" map full-time. However, I was under the impression that the light would be on. __________________ \|www.onehotlap.com\|Real People\|Real Cars\|
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08-05-2011, 04:12 PM	#27
ZStig instagram 997turbotom 279 Rep 7,377 Posts Drives: Interlagos Z4MR Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Delray Beach, FL iTrader: (4)	have someone local with a M test drive your car __________________
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08-05-2011, 04:46 PM	#29
ZStig instagram 997turbotom 279 Rep 7,377 Posts Drives: Interlagos Z4MR Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Delray Beach, FL iTrader: (4)	I think 50% of BMW owners are in socal, shouldn't be too hard __________________
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06-01-2012, 01:57 PM	#31
Jumbosock Captain 76 Rep 987 Posts Drives: 2007 M coupe Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: San Diego iTrader: (0)	A slightly old thread but also coming from an E46M the sport mode in the Z4MC is NOTHING like the E46M. I HATED the sport mode in the E46M and only slightly hate it on the Z4MC. I can see why you would think it doesn't do anything in the Z4M... but it does. It's just not as extreme. Also since you have to take your foot off the gas pedal it doesn't seem as instantaneous. The best way to feel if it is working is to have high RPMs on the freeway and then UNDO the sport mode while at 3/4 throttle. You will feel the car slow down.
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06-01-2012, 02:15 PM	#32
phoenixbmwlife Brigadier General 1913 Rep 4,128 Posts Drives: M235i & G30 540i Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Boynton Beach iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW/M235i [0.00]	Anyone yet figure out how to install a sport button in 2006+ models? __________________ Lack of money is not the problem. It is merely a symptom of what's going on inside of you! - T Harv Eker Follow me on Insta https://www.instagram.com/bmwm_life_/ https://www.instagram.com/autogiftua/ https://www.instagram.com/phoenixbmwlife/
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06-01-2012, 10:13 PM	#33
EenyBear Accidentally in BMW 15 Rep 221 Posts Drives: Z4MC & R1200S Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	The "sport" button is night and day in my car. Big big difference. I love it!!! Didn't much care for it in the begionning because it seemed a bit unpredictable. Then two things happened.... First, I received a necessary software upgrade during a routine service (my indy checked with me, we discussed it, and I said yes please). Everything improved - throttle response, smoother idle, fantastic engine braking, etc. etc. Like butter from zero to redline in both directions under all conditions in all gears. For many of you, this step is not necessary but my 2007 still had an original, slightly funky, flash. Second, after discovering how smooth the "Sport" setting can be, I realized that a totally different, alternate driving style was required. The timing for everything you do as a driver is different. If you try to drive the same way, expecting the car to magically become a more aggressive performer without any management from your end.... you will get frustrated in a hurry. However, you will be rewarded if you practice. Now, when I'm on my game and want to play Johnny Rocket, I press the "sport" button and start grinning. Folks that say they don't use it probably haven't explored it systematically. It requires a modified set of skills and familiarization to be maximum fun. Yeah, it's a bit more work to learn a different way to drive the same car but... embrace the challenge. As per above, it engages when the throttle returns to zero. Word to the wise. Don't push "sport" in first gear when you are already underway because when you shift to second (and release the throttle doing so) it will be a surprise when you re-engage the clutch and apply the throttle (and not always a good surprise). Better to engage "sport" when fully stopped or while in second on your way to third.
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06-02-2012, 12:27 AM	#34
Daemonblitz Commander 221 Rep 850 Posts Drives: Z4MC/M5/640iX/M1000RR Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Aurora, ON, Canada iTrader: (6) Garage List 2008 BMW M5 [9.50] 2006 Z4M Coupe [8.77] 2010 BMW S1000RR [10.00]	I have Sport mode on all the time when I'm driving, it goes on as soon as I turn the car on, I LOVE the way it transforms the response. I've gotten so use to it now that without it the car feels slow and sluggish and I end up nearly stalling it trying to pull away from a stop.
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06-02-2012, 10:38 AM	#36
bigbacon Private First Class 21 Rep 162 Posts Drives: 03 Z4 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	i find the sport mode hard to deal with in my 3.0. Shifting is noticably more difficult because the gas pedal response is so much different. I use it mainly if I have to make a quick pass somewhere or just want to screw around but other wise I never use it.
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