"Sports Button"

[djlogan33]

I own a 2007 Z4 M Coupe, which has a "Sport Button" on the console.
When I turn on the "Sports Button", I can feel a noticeable difference in the gas pedal meaning it is more sensitive and the acceleration is quicker with the same amount of pressure.
It’s almost impossible to drive the smoothly from a dead stop, taking off in first gear, with the “Sports Button” activated.
The below is from the BMW web site and the “Sport Button” is explained in very vague terms.
I am interested in their claims of “suspension stiffer” and “more direct and immediate steering”.
I am interested in a more detailed technical specification explanation (numbers and percent over standard setting) of exactly what happens to the acceleration, steering and suspension when the “Sports Button” is activated.
Does anyone know this information can be found?

From the BMW website:
Sport mode.
Tune up: when sport mode is activated, engine output and driving dynamics take on sportier qualities, letting you enjoy your BMW's dynamic character at its peak.

Depending on which BMW model you drive, the sport mode can be activated by a touch of the "Sport" button on the central console. Immediately, your BMW feels even more dynamic: the electronic control units switch to sportier settings, making the engine more responsive and the suspension stiffer.
This increase in sports-style characteristics is accompanied by a reduction in powered assistance for the steering at low and medium RPMs for more direct and immediate steering, giving you an even closer sense of the character of the road.

[psygnosis]

The sport button in the Z4 does 3 things only

- Changes the throttle response on all Z4 models

- Changes power steering assist on non-M models

- Changes shifting on Auto and SMG equipped models.

[Nate4641]

Sport on is more like a real link between your foot and the throttle. Sport off is the computer smoothing out your twitchy foot to make it a more enjoyable drive.

[Jumbosock]

Sport Mode does nothing but make the gas pedal way too sensitive and make the car too difficult to drive smoothly. I only use it on the freeway. It should be called the freeway button.

[StickMon]

I keep it in Sport all the time.
Drove a MK-I MR2 S/C for 22 years. It had a "binary" throttle, so it's what I'm used to.
Like Patrick says when teaching SpongeBob how to drive: "Big toe! Biiiig toe."

When they first started smogging cars in Illinois, the deal was they would put a "bean-bag" tach sensor on the hood, and while in neutral you would have to hold 2k rpm for 60 seconds while they got a reading.
First act of comedy was the guy putting the sensor on my "frunk" and wondering why he couldn't get a reading.
Second was me going back and forth between 1k and 4k over and over again.
Guy was cracking up. Finally I had to take off my shoe and wedge it between the loud pedal and the tunnel, and carefully set the pedal by hand.

[elwesso]

I think the sport mode is pointless, especially in city driving or on the track.. It makes it almost impossible to feather the throttle.

[djlogan33]

Originally Posted by psygnosis

The sport button in the Z4 does 3 things only

- Changes the throttle response on all Z4 models

- Changes power steering assist on non-M models

- Changes shifting on Auto and SMG equipped models.

============================================

I believe what you listed above.
The only thing I feel different is the increase throttle response.
I feel nothing different in the steering or suspension.

I'm a "teckie-guy" and intersted in if there were technical specs somewhere showing the exact percent of throttle response increase.

I too find it difficult driving it smoothly from a stop in first gear with the "Sports" button on, so I usually do not use the "Sports" button except for higher gears/speeds. It is very helpful on the track, coming out of corners.

[kennyfrc]

Sport mode is useless on the M. I find no situation where the jumpy throttle helps.

[yousefnjr]

Love the sport button throttle feels lazy without it, not like a sports car should.. It makes it much easier to blip for heel and toe

It's not bad once you get used to it, although starting from a stop on a bumpy road can sometimes be a little tricky

[ricanbandit]

Kills my MPG when I use it, LOL Oh well if I wanted good MPGs i should have gotten a Volt

[Tonybest]

Threads about this exist if you
I do appreciate that you did some searching on the BMW site before posting.

I use it only at the track. I know people that don't. But I do and love the feeling of raw(er) power with this on.

As a daily driver, not very pleasant, I must agree.

[kklin]

Aside - Check out our "Sport/DSC" apparel at P1Gear.com.

All profits go to charity.

[exdos]

Originally Posted by djlogan33

I'm a "teckie-guy" and intersted in if there were technical specs somewhere showing the exact percent of throttle response increase.

Here's a graph to show the difference which I did from datalogging my Z4MC.

[Krypptic]

So the only way to get linear modulation of the throttle is with sport off.

Why would someone think that the sport button activated is better for the track?

[Kgolf31]

Originally Posted by Krypptic

So the only way to get linear modulation of the throttle is with sport off.

Why would someone think that the sport button activated is better for the track?

Much easier to blip the throttle. That's about it....

I hate sport with a passion, no modulation what-so ever.

[The Shoe]

I actually like sport mode...depends on the individual foot I guess. It also affects the brakes placing the pads closer to the rotor or something to that effect check the bmw catalog for breakdown.

[Krypptic]

Originally Posted by The Shoe

I actually like sport mode...depends on the individual foot I guess. It also affects the brakes placing the pads closer to the rotor or something to that effect check the bmw catalog for breakdown.

What you're talking about is when it rains the brake pads are place closer to the rotors for quicker reaction time during emergency braking. For anyone has been to the track on a rainy day will tell you that it can cause brake fade becuase it doesnt allow the brakes to cool properlly.

At least thats my experience.

[StayFNCY]

I call it my "hella late" button because I only use it when I'm late. I can't legally drive with sport mode on.

[StayFNCY]

I call it my "hella late" button because I only use it when I'm late. I can't legally drive with sport mode on.

[BMW Maniac]

I turn it on when entering the freeway and off when exiting....gas is way too touchy with the button on in city driving....everybody already thinks I want to race when driving the Z4M....with the button on, it is just worse.

[08z4mroadster]

I love it especially when you shift after 4k to 5k rpm. the car feel more smoother and more throttle response which i really enjoy. ONLY if cops not around

[Westersund]

Using sport mode is not good if you haven't removed the CDV, it will wear out your clutch a lot faster.