Sport Setting Preference

Darbs330 · 08-15-2010, 10:29 AM

Just curious...

Does anyone out there have a preference between the first level of "Sport" selections...

- Sport Mode (selected by sliding DCT gear selector to the left)
- Sport Mode (selected by rocker switch - DCT in Normal)

I, pretty much, live in one of these sport modes... and am trying to figure out which is better. (Or, really, what the differences are)

Opinions?

cdeslandes · 08-15-2010, 10:42 AM

No DCT or Adaptive Suspension here...

I'm always in Sport+ unless on the highway or if it's raining; then I'm in Sport mode.

richard in NC · 08-15-2010, 10:44 AM

I often use Sport mode (rocker switch) and manual shifting. Unless the road is straight and really bumpy, then I'm forced back to Normal. It is rare that I use Sport mode on the DCT. It shifts too high for a lot of situations, especially in traffic.

Dr Stig 2 · 08-15-2010, 06:31 PM

I find the DCT's D (auto) mode even in sport mode on the DDC keeps shifting to too high a gear and dullling the driving experience and giving youa boring exhaust sound (almost a drone).

I also find that using the DCT's S (auto) mode in any setting of the DDC keeps the revs too high when cruising, but revs changes perfectly when cornering or being aggressive.

So, I flip the DCT in S (auto), then get frustrated in about 2 minutes and start shifting manually.

The DDC lives in Sport mode.

Everyone is happy!

tranquility · 08-15-2010, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr Stig 2

I also find that using the DCT's S (auto) mode in any setting of the DDC keeps the revs too high when cruising, but revs changes perfectly when cornering or being aggressive.

I tend to agree w/ this statement, although I haven't cornered too aggressively to compare this mode to manually shifting.

I'm silly because I only recently discovered the S mode...I thought that once you move to S mode, you just use the paddles lol. Good to know that there's another driving mode available.

Rubber Ducky · 08-16-2010, 05:10 AM

SPORT on the selector switch and paddle-shifting. It's the only way to fly...

SPORT+ has a slight positive effect on paddle shifting - faster shifts, though barely noticeable. But it also removes a layer of traction control and turns off cruise control. Will say that SPORT+ would be the right setting for the track and the twisties, hands down, but it's a specialty setting and not the best for regualr driving.

As to DCT in automatic: it's a great A/T, but having positive control of the gear you're in is priceless.

Vintage · 08-16-2010, 08:20 AM

I prefer the DCT in Sport and the "button/rocker switch" also in Sport - the car loves this mode and so do I.

mcbeee · 08-16-2010, 09:01 AM

I run with the Sport switch to Sport and the shift lever can be anywhere, it depends on how I feel and what driving I'm doing. If I need quick response I put it in Manual mode, for just laid back cruising I leave it in Drive.

HerrK · 08-16-2010, 09:21 AM

I'm always in the manual shift mode but then I have no choice

with the 6 sp MT. Putting around with the wife I'm usually in Normal, softer ride and slower throttle response. Me alone or with my son are usually in Sport. When on ED cruising the Autobahn @ 130kph and above (~80 mph +) the stiffer suspension in Sport+, & the steering really becomes quite stiff - as in turning effort, which made the car feel really stable at sustained high speeds. I really don't care to push the car around too hard in corners in Sport+ mode without knowing I had room for error as the stability control is off. Probably 60% Sport, 30% Normal, 10% Sport+.

Arizona Z4 · 08-16-2010, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HerrK

I'm always in the manual shift mode but then I have no choice

with the 6 sp MT. Putting around with the wife I'm usually in Normal, softer ride and slower throttle response. Me alone or with my son are usually in Sport. When on ED cruising the Autobahn @ 130kph and above (~80 mph +) the stiffer suspension in Sport+, & the steering really becomes quite stiff - as in turning effort, which made the car feel really stable at sustained high speeds. I really don't care to push the car around too hard in corners in Sport+ mode without knowing I had room for error as the stability control is off. Probably 60% Sport, 30% Normal, 10% Sport+.

Thank you HerrK. You answered some of the questions I had. I will be picking up my Z4 35i with 6-speed manual on Friday. I was wondering what modes I would use while in Eorope. Thanks.

HerrK · 08-16-2010, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arizona Z4

Thank you HerrK. You answered some of the questions I had. I will be picking up my Z4 35i with 6-speed manual on Friday. I was wondering what modes I would use while in Eorope. Thanks.

I was probably in "Normal" for the first 3-500 km's, getting the initial vehicle broken in and me getting comfortable with the new car. After that I stepped it up occasionally to "Sport". On the winding roads & passes I was usually in "Sport". In city & towns usually "Normal" due to unfamiliar territory & the less than perfect roadway conditions - brick, cobble stones, bridges, trolly tracks, .. etc. Ran in the "Sport+" mode occasionally on the Autobahn after completing the 2K km breakin while running over 160 kph and my one blast up to 225 kph.

I always enjoy the touist experience in Europe - it is extra special with a new BMW. Have a great time at the Welt and a fantastic trip! Drop us some pictures and stories when you have a chance.

zedguy · 08-16-2010, 07:37 PM

I believe in Sport+ you have some looser settings for the traction and stability controls. The system is not "off" as to do that you have to push and hold the "DSC" button down then you have no computer intervention.

Dr Stig 2 · 08-16-2010, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zedguy

I believe in Sport+ you have some looser settings for the traction and stability controls. The system is not "off" as to do that you have to push and hold the "DSC" button down then you have no computer intervention.

Correct.

asty · 08-18-2010, 01:59 PM

When I drove Audi's equivalent, I was in normal or paddle mode. Normal for town driving and paddles for fast winding roads. Sport mode was just way too aggressive on upshifts and normal meant you sometimes upshifted mid corner! A big no no in my book!

Now I've traded in for a 35i manual* with adaptive suspension which sits mainly in sport mode but sport+ when roads are smooth enough. I just wished there was a way to stop the sat nav broadcasting that DSC is disabled so my wife will stop giving me that single raised eyebrow!

* DCT just feels so uninvolving to drive and doesn't even have real shifters. I don't care that it can change gear quicker than a knats chaffer.... I want to love it but just can't

cwliew · 11-12-2010, 11:40 PM

I have an sdrive 30i and was wondering what the differences between sport and sport+ are. The traction control warning signal lights up on the dash in sport+ but I'm not sure if that mode only changes traction control, and does nothing to the adaptive suspension and throttle response etc.
There is a huge difference between comfort and sport in my model (sdrive30i with M sports pack - Manual)

zEdP · 11-13-2010, 04:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cwliew

I have an sdrive 30i and was wondering what the differences between sport and sport+ are. The traction control warning signal lights up on the dash in sport+ but I'm not sure if that mode only changes traction control, and does nothing to the adaptive suspension and throttle response etc.
There is a huge difference between comfort and sport in my model (sdrive30i with M sports pack - Manual)

The difference between sport and sport+ mode regarding the throttle mapping is in my opinion very small but the adaptive suspension is noticeable.

bill123 · 11-13-2010, 06:01 AM

Just leave mine in DCT auto mode

cwliew · 11-13-2010, 07:30 AM

Thanks zEP - I haven't turned it on very much cos of the warning dashboard light and I've only just broken in the car. Will definitely give it a go soon and see...

How much less traction control etc does it have? ie - easy to spin it in Sport +?

Memphis1 · 11-13-2010, 10:52 AM

Going out to dinner - normal and drive

Highway driving no traffic - sport and dct in drive

Spirited driving - sport + and dct in manual

Twists and moderate speed - sport and dct in sport

Twists and no traffic or care - sport + and dct in manual

BlueZ4AZ · 11-13-2010, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VintageBMW

I prefer the DCT in Sport and the "button/rocker switch" also in Sport - the car loves this mode and so do I.

+1 for the majority of driving. Except on highways, I switch to manual.

zeez_Dubai · 11-13-2010, 11:31 PM

As i remember the Rocker Switch from normal to sport to sport + only deals with engine, suspension ...

but the gear shifted to the left does have a greater effect on the gear shifts.

Btw after the latest software upgrade on my car along with BMW reseting the adaptive learning on my gear box the car actually spins the wheel when changing from 1st to 2nd now. its like manual gear all over.

i have also noticed when the car shifts gear while in sport + with Gear in S that there is a forward jump in all gear.

cwliew · 11-14-2010, 07:16 AM

But what about for manual cars? I don't have DCT and was wondering whether the Sport + makes a big difference.

08-15-2010, 10:29 AM	#1
Darbs330 Private First Class 6 Rep 137 Posts Drives: 2011 Z4 35i Join Date: May 2010 Location: Charlotte iTrader: (0)	Sport Setting Preference Just curious... Does anyone out there have a preference between the *first* level of "Sport" selections... - Sport Mode (selected by sliding DCT gear selector to the left) - Sport Mode (selected by rocker switch - DCT in Normal) I, pretty much, live in one of these sport modes... and am trying to figure out which is better. (Or, really, what the differences are) Opinions? __________________ 2011 Z4 sDrive35i - Space Grey/Walnut/Ash Grain/DCT 2004 330ci Convertible - Oxford Green/Sand/Myrtle Wood
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08-15-2010, 10:42 AM	#2
cdeslandes Captain 27 Rep 676 Posts Drives: 2010 Z4 s35i Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Connecticut iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 Jeep Wrangler ... [0.00] 2013 Volvo XC90 [0.00] 2010 BMW Z4 sDrive35i [8.67]	No DCT or Adaptive Suspension here... I'm always in Sport+ unless on the highway or if it's raining; then I'm in Sport mode. __________________ 2010 BMW Z4 s35i 2014 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 2013 Volvo XC90 Last edited by cdeslandes; 11-12-2010 at 11:43 PM..
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08-15-2010, 10:44 AM	#3
richard in NC Colonel 1229 Rep 2,602 Posts Drives: 2009 Z4 35i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (0)	I often use Sport mode (rocker switch) and manual shifting. Unless the road is straight and really bumpy, then I'm forced back to Normal. It is rare that I use Sport mode on the DCT. It shifts too high for a lot of situations, especially in traffic. __________________ 2020 X3M non-comp, Alpine White over black : Exec Pkg, ventilated M Sport seats, 20"s 2020 M2 Comp, Sunset Orange/Blk: Orange stitching, DCT, exec pkg, bicolor rims Gone '18 M550i, '16 X4 M40i, '15 M5, '13 X3 35i, '12 335is, '11 X5 50i, '09 Z4 35i, '08 550i, 06 X3, 06 650i, '02 M5, '99 540i
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08-15-2010, 06:31 PM	#4
Dr Stig 2 Criminally Insane 53 Rep 1,464 Posts Drives: Like a Demon! Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Brisbane, Australia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 BMW Z4 35is [10.00] 2013 BMW X5 30d [0.00]	I find the DCT's D (auto) mode even in sport mode on the DDC keeps shifting to too high a gear and dullling the driving experience and giving youa boring exhaust sound (almost a drone). I also find that using the DCT's S (auto) mode in any setting of the DDC keeps the revs too high when cruising, but revs changes perfectly when cornering or being aggressive. So, I flip the DCT in S (auto), then get frustrated in about 2 minutes and start shifting manually. The DDC lives in Sport mode. Everyone is happy! __________________ Dr Stig 2010 Z4 35is 2011 X3 30d M Sport Australia
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08-16-2010, 05:10 AM	#6
Rubber Ducky Lieutenant 47 Rep 519 Posts Drives: 2020 M340i Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Cocoa Beach FL iTrader: (1)	SPORT on the selector switch and paddle-shifting. It's the only way to fly... SPORT+ has a slight positive effect on paddle shifting - faster shifts, though barely noticeable. But it also removes a layer of traction control and turns off cruise control. Will say that SPORT+ would be the right setting for the track and the twisties, hands down, but it's a specialty setting and not the best for regualr driving. As to DCT in automatic: it's a great A/T, but having positive control of the gear you're in is priceless.
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08-16-2010, 08:20 AM	#7
Vintage Colonel 379 Rep 2,588 Posts Drives: BMW G80 (MT), 718 Spyder Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Austin, Texas iTrader: (0)	I prefer the DCT in Sport and the "button/rocker switch" also in Sport - the car loves this mode and so do I.
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08-16-2010, 09:01 AM	#8
mcbeee Lieutenant 5 Rep 446 Posts Drives: '09 Z4 s35i & '03 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Calgary iTrader: (0) Garage List 2003 Z4 3.0i [5.00] 2001 Z3 3.0i [0.00] 2009 Z4 s35i [7.00]	I run with the Sport switch to Sport and the shift lever can be anywhere, it depends on how I feel and what driving I'm doing. If I need quick response I put it in Manual mode, for just laid back cruising I leave it in Drive. __________________ Member ZSCCA 2009 Z4 s35i with Dinan Stage II software, Sport and Exec packages, 19" 296 rims , a stubby and mud flaps '03 Z4 3.0i Sterling Grey (Hers) '01 Z3 3.0i Sapphire Black, M sport package (Mine)
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08-16-2010, 09:21 AM	#9
HerrK Captain 42 Rep 640 Posts Drives: 21 X5 40i, 77 R100Rs Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: AZ iTrader: (0)	I'm always in the manual shift mode but then I have no choice with the 6 sp MT. Putting around with the wife I'm usually in Normal, softer ride and slower throttle response. Me alone or with my son are usually in Sport. When on ED cruising the Autobahn @ 130kph and above (~80 mph +) the stiffer suspension in Sport+, & the steering really becomes quite stiff - as in turning effort, which made the car feel really stable at sustained high speeds. I really don't care to push the car around too hard in corners in Sport+ mode without knowing I had room for error as the stability control is off. Probably 60% Sport, 30% Normal, 10% Sport+. __________________ HerrK - 2021 X5 40i M Sport l PCD l Atlantis Blue/Ext'd Tartufo Merino l M Sport w/blue Calipers l Matt Popular l HK Sound l 740's l Exec & Drive Pro Pack Sold w/Great Memories - E89 Z4 l ED 2010 l 2011 35i l Crimson/Ext'd Coral Red w/Alum l 6 sp MT l Prem Sound l Sport Pack l 296's
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08-16-2010, 07:37 PM	#12
zedguy New Member 3 Rep 25 Posts Drives: 2011 z43.5is Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	Traction Confusion I believe in Sport+ you have some looser settings for the traction and stability controls. The system is not "off" as to do that you have to push and hold the "DSC" button down then you have no computer intervention.
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08-18-2010, 01:59 PM	#14
asty New Member 0 Rep 8 Posts Drives: Z4 35i Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	When I drove Audi's equivalent, I was in normal or paddle mode. Normal for town driving and paddles for fast winding roads. Sport mode was just way too aggressive on upshifts and normal meant you sometimes upshifted mid corner! A big no no in my book! Now I've traded in for a 35i manual* with adaptive suspension which sits mainly in sport mode but sport+ when roads are smooth enough. I just wished there was a way to stop the sat nav broadcasting that DSC is disabled so my wife will stop giving me that single raised eyebrow! * DCT just feels so uninvolving to drive and doesn't even have real shifters. I don't care that it can change gear quicker than a knats chaffer.... I want to love it but just can't
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11-12-2010, 11:40 PM	#15
cwliew Private 9 Rep 56 Posts Drives: Sdrive30i, M sports pack Join Date: May 2010 Location: Adelaide, Australia iTrader: (0)	I have an sdrive 30i and was wondering what the differences between sport and sport+ are. The traction control warning signal lights up on the dash in sport+ but I'm not sure if that mode only changes traction control, and does nothing to the adaptive suspension and throttle response etc. There is a huge difference between comfort and sport in my model (sdrive30i with M sports pack - Manual)
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11-13-2010, 06:01 AM	#17
bill123 Private First Class 6 Rep 131 Posts Drives: Z4 35iS Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: England iTrader: (0)	Just leave mine in DCT auto mode __________________ 35iS, Deep Sea Blue, 19" 326 alloys, etc
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11-13-2010, 07:30 AM	#18
cwliew Private 9 Rep 56 Posts Drives: Sdrive30i, M sports pack Join Date: May 2010 Location: Adelaide, Australia iTrader: (0)	Thanks zEP - I haven't turned it on very much cos of the warning dashboard light and I've only just broken in the car. Will definitely give it a go soon and see... How much less traction control etc does it have? ie - easy to spin it in Sport +?
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11-13-2010, 10:52 AM	#19
Memphis1 Lieutenant Colonel 90 Rep 1,838 Posts Drives: Z4 SDrive 35i Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	Going out to dinner - normal and drive Highway driving no traffic - sport and dct in drive Spirited driving - sport + and dct in manual Twists and moderate speed - sport and dct in sport Twists and no traffic or care - sport + and dct in manual __________________
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11-13-2010, 11:31 PM	#21
zeez_Dubai Private 13 Rep 86 Posts Drives: Orion Silver Bmw Z4 35i Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Dubai iTrader: (0)	As i remember the Rocker Switch from normal to sport to sport + only deals with engine, suspension ... but the gear shifted to the left does have a greater effect on the gear shifts. Btw after the latest software upgrade on my car along with BMW reseting the adaptive learning on my gear box the car actually spins the wheel when changing from 1st to 2nd now. its like manual gear all over. i have also noticed when the car shifts gear while in sport + with Gear in S that there is a forward jump in all gear.
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11-14-2010, 07:16 AM	#22
cwliew Private 9 Rep 56 Posts Drives: Sdrive30i, M sports pack Join Date: May 2010 Location: Adelaide, Australia iTrader: (0)	But what about for manual cars? I don't have DCT and was wondering whether the Sport + makes a big difference. __________________ www.AustralianSharesForum.com - Get a free BRW subscription.
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