Sport mode/manual shifting for a newbie (m)

[H8Rain]

Can someone explain this to me. So I am the new owner of my 2005 X5 4.4. I have the option to bump the transmission selector to the left, what does that give me? Just "sport" mode? What does that do?

Then if I push the selector forward or back I now I see it shows me the gears and I can manualy shift (which is a joke if you ask me). Reminds me of when I was a kid and drove my mom's Impala, I would start in L1 (on the column) and floor it, then L2, then D.

So is there any difference if I just bump it to the left vs moving it forward and back which engages the manual shifting option.

Thanks.

[SuperGreg]

Originally Posted by H8Rain

Can someone explain this to me. So I am the new owner of my 2005 X5 4.4. I have the option to bump the transmission selector to the left, what does that give me? Just "sport" mode? What does that do?

Then if I push the selector forward or back I now I see it shows me the gears and I can manualy shift (which is a joke if you ask me). Reminds me of when I was a kid and drove my mom's Impala, I would start in L1 (on the column) and floor it, then L2, then D.

So is there any difference if I just bump it to the left vs moving it forward and back which engages the manual shifting option.

Thanks.

First off, go read your owners manual . One bump to the left = sport mode. Sport mode allows higher RPM's prior to shifting, quicker acceleration etc... Manual is just that. You pretend like you are shifting gears etc... Actually can come in handy when going down steep grades i.e. tap down to 3rd or 4th gear and engine brake instead of riding your brakes.

[xnsf]

in sport mode, the transmission will hold the lower gear so you can rev a lot more, giving you more power.

you can switch the program at any time. if you are in manual mode and the computer is thinking you are about to ruin the transmission, it will automatically shift to the correct gear for you.

honestly, it's a big waste of gas, unless you're going through windy roads

[FrankX5]

It's fun though, makes takeoff a lot more dramatic

[AzNMpower32]

Sport mode also locks up the torque converter a bit earlier and allows for a bit more engine braking. Feels more direct and quite better, but IMO it's unnecessary for normal driving. This sport mode however, is still fully automatic.

Manual mode means you have relative control of when it shifts gears. Feel like starting off in 2nd? no problem. Want to hold 3rd gear thru a sweeper? Sure thing. However, I say "relative control" because it still upshifts prematurely in 1st (and maybe 2nd) gear, will upshift that the redline, and won't allow a downshift that might overrev the engine. There is also a bit of a lag between shifter versus actual gear change, although that seems to decrease a bit once you use it more.

[teamgs]

I find that sport shift and manual mode are much more suited to my drives up and back from Tahoe. I like the ability to engine break when going down grades, as well as having a lower gear/higher RPM's ready to go, when the passing lane arrives!

Gary

[dmlgc]

I drive northern Nevada and on mountain roads I love it. And on long downhill descent it saves the brakes for when you may really need them. But since you have the option to not use it, shouldn't bother you but glad it's there for those of that do. I highly suggest you read the X5 manual cover to cover , after all it's not like a chevy Tahoe.

[kishg]

Originally Posted by dmlgc

after all it's not like a chevy Tahoe.

or your mom's impala!!

[alexz]

Impala Lol Whats That