"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.

From what everyone has said and from what I noticed, it sounds like the same idea as the M, but obviously less of a difference, same/similar effects, but less dramatic.

Thanks for all the insights, I'll probably test it out when I get mine or do another test drive..

I can tell you that DOES NOT happen on the X5...we just get a suspension adjustment. Now, if you pushed the two options at the same time you would get a similar feel, but no "afterburner".

Not yet anyway... if these "twin turbo" type rumors of the next 4.8is or a true M type of X5 vehicle, then we might see that "afterburner" effect, along with a $100k pricetag. Seems like such a vehicle would be in direct conflict with the X6 though, if that is truly going to be a crossover SUV based on the X5, as opposed to more of a "Coupe"/sedan like the Mercedes CL class..

Right, becuase now that I think of it, the X5 wouldn't be able to have the sport mode like in the M cars simply because the engines don't have traditional throttles. Both engines on the X5 have the throttle-less Valvetronic technology; so you can't "adjust throttle spontaneity" on something that's not there!

By the way, all M cars dont use Valvetronic, but rather an individual throttle for each cylinder. Hence, the Sport mode on those cars allow you to play with the response.

I have the Sport button on my Z4 (6speed manual) it does nothing to the suspension - no dampers to change, it adjusts the electric "boost" of the steering and changes the throttle response. Remember all these cars have a "drive by wire" throttle so a sport button can change the responsiveness to your right foot. It is a lot of fun, but I turn it off in heavy traffic as it can make the car behave like a greyhound (not the bus) - as i see an opening go for it NOW!

Weather permitting I will report on how the sport button behaves in my 4.8 - 22hours to go.

as mentioned above our Sport "button" only affects suspension.

btw- CONGRATS on the new ride!!

:confused:
umm....no.....

All X5s get this. Not just sport.

I notice a HUGE difference when slapping the gear lever to the left: If I'm in third at a low RPM, and slap it, it shifts down and I get pinned to my seat. Shifts come at a later time are are quicker and more rough.

IT IS VERY DIFFERENT THAN THE SPORT MODE ON THE E53/E83.

so is it "better"?

trueX5er-
Does yours display DS in the instrument panel?

There's sport mode transmission, which is on all BMWs

and then there is sport mode chassis on sport package models, with the adjustible springs and the body roll thing (adaptive drive)

It does on my X.

sport or non sport?

On mine too....
DS is "Dangerously SPECTACULAR"....!
Had it on my '06 330i and it was sooo much fun...automatically put a smile on my face....and then we get the "growling" noises of the engine.....in fact the demo 3.0 that I drove before arrival of my E70, had an AMAZING grunt in DS mode ,almost like a 4.8 !....I think that had broken in already.!

So I thought what could be better...a 3.0 and 4.8 rolled into one !

Sport

well, I am trying to determine if this is the same in the non-sport. Thats why I asked TrueX5er

yea, I cant believe it took me 1600 miles to find this. what a loser.
btw- mine is starting to break-in and I can really feel the difference.

I agree, the engine sings a different song in ds.... a wondeful song!

Yes it does, x5fx!!!

:D

It is more noticable. So I guess it's better.

i also thought that the 3.0 has D/S mode...

My non-sport 4.8i has DS. Not only does it up-shift more aggressively, it down-shifts more creating more engine braking.