[Axylus]

I've been browsing old threads about Sport(+) driving modes with and without the gear shifter in the left ('S'/sport) position as opposed to the right ('D'/driving) position.

I understand the Sport(+) drive mode will affect various aspects of the car, including chassis, transmission, steering, etc., but the gear shifter in the 'S' position will only affect the transmission.

My question is, are there benefits to having Sport(+) mode enabled AND having the shifter in the 'S' position? As previously stated, the Sport(+) mode already alters the transmission, so it seems the repetitive for the gear to be in the sport position unless it compounds the transmission effect from Sport(+) modes.

My goal is sufficient maximum performance output (but not overkill) as I will only be driving on the streets/highways. I have no intentions of utilizing the shift paddles/manual mode.

While we're at it, does the transmission shift at odd "times" in Sport+ mode? I know that was a point of concern in models like the M440i, though we're discussing a M car here. I am curious if this concern exists in G87s.

[M2siast]

Can’t comment on Engine in Sport or Sport Plus affecting the transmission or any of the transmission questions.

But I can tell you that there’s no such thing as a “Sport Mode” per se. The car has no modes. You have to individually set it up, for example: Sport Engine, Comfort Steering, Sport Plus Transmission, etc. etc.

You can save these settings as 2 presets and access them using the M1/M2 shortcut buttons in the steering wheel.

Everytime you turn the car on, it’s back to “Comfort/Efficient”.

Plus, they do nothing to alter power output. Power is always the same regardless of settings.

[bernard1414]

Here's my take on it. I have a 8spd G87

You start the car and it defaults to comfort everything, efficient for engine, and D1 for transmission.

You can then program your M1 and M2 buttons to have any combination of those settings as you'd like.

Engine: Efficient, Sport, Sport Plus
Trans: D1, D2, D3 or S1, S2, S3
Steering: Comfort or Sport
Suspension: Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus
Brake: Comfort or Sport
Traction: On, MDM, Off (with 10 levels of MTC)


You can also change settings in the "default" mode without having to go into M1 or M2. Let's say you start the car and want to run it in sport + for the added exhaust noise and throttle response, you simply change that in the setup menu. I often drive in sport+, comfort everything, and transmission in D1. I do not see any change in transmission shift points or aggressiveness when running Sport+ and D1 trans. It shifts the exact same as it would in efficient, from what I have experienced over the last 2k miles. Putting the car in Sport + does not have effect on any other areas of the car you mentioned (chassis, trans, steering, etc). It ONLY changes throttle response and exhaust flaps. Power output is the same across all of the engine options, it's just how it's being delivered.

Hopefully that answers your question. If not, let me know where you want me to elaborate and I'll do my best.

[Rx-7ames]

It sounds like your asking a question about a non-m car. There is no left position of the shifter to put it into S. The left position is reverse. The right position is drive. Am I missing something or do I need to drink my coffee before responding?

[M_Power Rob]

Originally Posted by Rx-7ames

It sounds like your asking a question about a non-m car. There is no left position of the shifter to put it into S. The left position is reverse. The right position is drive. Am I missing something or do I need to drink my coffee before responding?

Yes, I believe the OP is/was referring to cars that are not "true" M cars.

[Rx-7ames]

Originally Posted by M_Power Rob

Yes, I believe the OP is/was referring to cars that are not "true" M cars.

Am I in the wrong forum? Sometimes I drink too much and make a fool of myself in the wrong place. Lol

[M2siast]

Originally Posted by Rx-7ames

Am I in the wrong forum? Sometimes I drink too much and make a fool of myself in the wrong place. Lol

You’re in the right forum.

What I think happened is that OP might be thinking of ordering or waiting for an M2 (or is just curious), and is eager to learn more about the car, so he’s asking questions so he can learn how the car works.

[m20e3087]

If you bought/buying a real M car, IMO you should always drive it in sport or sport +. Suspension and steering you can play around with to your liking. Never had any issues with Sport mode on engine or transmission. Heck I drive our X7 always on sport mode. Just keep them well maintained and your good to go.

[M2siast]

Originally Posted by m20e3087

If you bought/buying a real M car, IMO you should always drive it in sport or sport +. Suspension and steering you can play around with to your liking. Never had any issues with Sport mode on engine or transmission. Heck I drive our X7 always on sport mode. Just keep them well maintained and your good to go.

What’s the connection between real M car and engine in Sport or Sport+ I’m missing?

[bernard1414]

Originally Posted by m20e3087

If you bought/buying a real M car, IMO you should always drive it in sport or sport +. Suspension and steering you can play around with to your liking. Never had any issues with Sport mode on engine or transmission. Heck I drive our X7 always on sport mode. Just keep them well maintained and your good to go.

I'm missing it too. My real M car works great in efficient mode...I'd go as far to say it performs better in efficient than sport + (throttle mapping is too steep and hard to be smooth with). But hey, what do I know... I just daily drive my M2 in efficient mode.

[M2siast]

Originally Posted by bernard1414

I'm missing it too. My real M car works great in efficient mode...I'd go as far to say it performs better in efficient than sport + (throttle mapping is too steep and hard to be smooth with). But hey, what do I know... I just daily drive my M2 in efficient mode.

You’re doing it right, the only thing you’re missing out on is exhaust noise, which unfortunately we can’t get in efficient.

But when I test drove it in efficient coming from my 135i, the efficient throttle was much crisper than the 135i’s (which felt lazier).

[goldfz8]

Do yourself a favor and get xhp...stock shifting is dog shit...I went from 11.5 to 11.3 in a x3m post xhp...