"Sport" button/driving modes
 

Can anyone clarify the difference between what I've been told are 3 different driving modes on a (US) 4.8i with sport package (thus with adaptive drive):

1. Regular mode
2. "sport mode" - when you put shifter to left position, but do not manually shift it (just slap it to the left and leave it alone)
3. the "Sport" button.... behind the shifter

I was told the sport button allows extra air into the engine for increased performance, but have not been able to find any documentation to say what exactly it is for or how it relates to the adaptive drive.. Does the adaptive drive get activated by using that button or by putting the car in "Sport mode" when putting the shifter to the left position? Or does the sport button automatically get activated when putting it in that postion.......?

Thanks for any insights! The salesmen really seem to need more education on what they're selling.

Well from my experience with SPORT on M models, it was a remap of ECU curves for a/f mixtures. There is no added power, but simply a more aggressive mapping.

RE:
1. The ride is very nice. The X5 floats over bumps in the road.
2. I have never tried this- dont know how different it will be from 3 (I'll try it out)
3. I have never noticed a "power" increase, the only difference I notice is a stiffer suspension

2 - If you could try it out, that would be great! I did notice a difference in power when doing so during a test drive, but that's not the same as having more time and being focused only on that versus trying to take in everything at once.. Also, if you can let me know if the "Sport" button automatically gets activated when you put it in sport mode..., would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

also, the "increase in power" I noticed during a test drive wasn't necessarily an increase in power as much as just quicker acceleration and allowing the engine to rev higher between shifts... definitely faster and sportier, including off the line.

WOW...nice find. I cant beleive I didnt try this sooner. Yes we have 3 options here...actually 4 if you combine 2 + 3.

Option 2 appears to simply adjust transmission to shift at higher rpm's and is very fun especially in traffic when you want to zoom around slow moving cars. I like it, very usefull.
My question though is this limited to "Sport" packages or does everyone have this?

btw- DS appears in the display while in this mode.

Not sure. Somehow, the adaptive drive ties into either the "sport mode" and/or "sport button." That's what I'm trying to find out, how exactly it ties in... but it looks like the adaptive drive is part of the US Sport Package, so probably at least that part is not available on non-sport package models...

from the manual (page 61):
"Move the selector lever from trasmission position D toward the left into the M/S shifting slot, the sport program is activated and DS is shown in the instrument cluster. This position is recommended for a performance-oriented driving style."


Even more reason to add Sport Package...this is a great feature.

The Sport button controls the suspension.

Moving the shifter to left alters shift logic.

I doubt that the "sport button" on the X5 is the same as the one found in the M cars. I think it probably just changes the EDC dampening control on the suspension.

The way you knew the Sport mode in //M cars was more special was because it obviously altered the throttle response. I got a ride in an M3, and basically if you hit the sport button while accelerating, it's like someone lit an afterburner and the car suddenly accelerates much quicker. Throttle response became much more sensitive and the steering was also changed in favor of a heavier (less assist) feel.