Silly question about sport mode
 

I have a 2006 4.4i e53 and have been wondering what all changes when I shift into "sport" mode.

I can definitely feel the shift points changing to allow for higher revs before upshifting and less enging lugging before a downshift. And it feels like there's more engine braking when I let off the gas before a turn.

So, what all does sport mode do?

All of the above, automatic transmission shift speed is also faster.

I noticed the brakes grip harder as well, but yea basically it just shifts later when accelerating and downshifts sooner when slowing down for an overall more aggressive drive. Sometimes though it holds on a bit to long off the line . I move to and from sport mode all the time but I would take a manual transmission any day of the week personally.

Manual mode is neat but it just doesn't feel right not having control of the clutch especially because if you're giving it the gas while trying to shift up you're not going to get a desired effect.
When driving a real manual you gradually slip the clutch while giving it gas for a much smoother transition gear to gear. In the steptronic manual mode the computer kind of has to do the guess work there for you then override the amount of gas needed for a smooth gear to gear transition.

All in all you can't beat a manual transmission for performance driving in my opinion and I miss my manual terribly but I had to get a car quick after the drunk schmuck took out my last car. So I figured I would get something a bit more family oriented yet sporty hence the X5 4.4i lol

With that said wish I would have held out and grabbed a X5M next month because I would have had the cash from the insurance plus money I have coming to me enough to buy 2010-2012 X5M cash with low mileage.
Though I think I may win anyway lol Going to give the X5 to the wife and get a used M3 for me in the very near future with a "Manual" then sports mode can kiss my ass lol (sorry for the rambling but figure I'd explain how I got to my opinion rather than be a dick about it):thumbup:

Agreed that the manual mode is no substitute for a real manual transmission. After many years of driving manuals in traffic, it's nice having cars shift for me.



And for an automatic, the X5 really has great shift points and is super responsive.


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As has already been discussed & mentioned...the STEPTRONIC transmission and ATC (adaptive transmission control) sport mode and adaptive mode on the e53 is basically a remap of the shifting patterns of the transmission. All to get the most from the engines power reserves. There are no other systems involved (like suspension or brakes etc)...just transmission shifting and DME engine intervention:

Interesting information about the DME retarding ignition timing. Is that why I feel more engine/compression braking when I let off the gas pedal?

I would presume that to be the case. :)

Manual transmissions for fun, automatics for getting from point A to B sooner and daily drivers. And, you can further add to automatic and sport mode performance and fun with transmission software.

Totally agree!

For my day-to-day commuting, I'm pretty happy with leaving it in D. The transmission is great at knowing when it needs to shift.

And when I want to get around that guy doing 59 on the freeway, I pop it in S, mash the pedal, and go. :D

OK, I'll bite: who makes this (Dinan, I suppose...$$$$$$$$$$$$ :rofl:)?

What are the differences between the factory program and the aftermarket one?

I actually like the sport mode for driving EXCEPT when coming to a stop. The downshift to first gear and the engine braking effect is too abrupt to allow for smooth stops in my experience. Yes, I do have talent using the brakes on a vehicle, having raced cars for a decade and being a semi-skilled track rat for 2 decades...