FWIW, I finally figured something out that may be of interest to some:

While the Sport button looks like it does the same as shifting the knob over to manumatic mode (they both display DS in the lcd...), there is a difference:

Sport appears to request the "sport mode" whereby the revs are kept higher, shifts may be faster, throttle is definitely increased, etc. However, if you use the paddles to shift, the Sport button will not hold the manual gear for you; it will revert back to DS where it shifts on its own.

The manumatic mode however appears to be Sport mode AND additionally once you use the paddles or the knob to shift to a manual gear, keeps it and never resets back to DS.


The last question to answer, which isn't easy to figure out -- is there something that the sport button does that the manumatic mode does not? Otherwise, what is the Sport button for? (Likely candidate: steering boost only in S mode? Perhaps the throttle behaviour too, only a Sport button feature?)

I noticed the same thing...however if you put the gear lever to DS and press the Sport Button, then it goes to manual mode once you use the paddles (or gear knob). I have not tested it alot, but what I have noticed are the following:

With Sport Button, throttle response is faster and Steering Wheel is heavier. Also, the Auto Box xhanges gears faster (even faster then the DS mode) and at higher revs (higher than just DS). All in all the car feels quicker, especially if you have engaged DS and Sport Buton. ;) :biggrin:

I noticed the same thing...however if you put the gear lever to DS and press the Sport Button, then it goes to manual mode once you use the paddles (or gear knob). I have not tested it alot, but what I have noticed are the following:

With Sport Button, throttle response is faster and Steering Wheel is heavier. Also, the Auto Box xhanges gears faster (even faster then the DS mode) and at higher revs (higher than just DS). All in all the car feels quicker, especially if you have engaged DS and Sport Buton. ;) :biggrin:

Yup, agree with that - have the Sport button on my MC auto, and have been using it a lot more now the car's done a few thousand miles. The fact that the button seems to do all the things mentioned above, and heavy-up the steering/give it more feel at the same time, makes it a magic little button. Great fun!

I use port/manual most of the time. Only in reg mode when car is stone cold. When I drive it in reg mode the gas pedal repsonse almost make it feel like it wants to stall. I get used to it but the car is much better with the "magic button" engaged. Getting more and more comfprtable with the paddles as each day goes by.

I am getting more used to the paddles i really love the way that they work makes it FUN!

I'm finding manual with the paddles as the best way to drive. In general I'm changing up with the paddles and letting Mini change down. So when I come to a junction and stop, Mini will choose second gear to pull away in, then I change up as soon as I can - I'm sure this makes it more economical. Currently getting up to 43 mpg on mixed driving.

If I need to overtake, or pull away quick, I push the accelerator far enough for the kick down, and Mini selects the lowest gear I can be in for maximum acceleration. Our mini is an S and seems to pull over a huge speed range in the same gear, so I can forget about changing up until the manouver is over. I'm sure if the revs were too high Mini would change up its self any way.

This allows me to drive both economically and quickly without having to think about changing auto modes, teriffic bit of programming. From a useability point of view this is the best auto box I've ever driven.

As I've said elsewhere, I'm beginning to regret not seccing a Sport button. However, as my MINI will be a Cooper D auto, I'm not sure what difference it would have made...

The last question to answer, which isn't easy to figure out -- is there something that the sport button does that the manumatic mode does not? Otherwise, what is the Sport button for? (Likely candidate: steering boost only in S mode? Perhaps the throttle behaviour too, only a Sport button feature?)

The sport button simply results in the transmission making firmer shifts, upshifting and downshifting at higher rpm's. Without the sport button the tranny places more emphasis on smooth, seamless shifts...more like gramma's '76 Caprice. The manumatic mode is for those times where you'd prefer to be still more aggressive, and in control, than what the sport mode provides. But I could be wrong...

If you use *both* the sport button and manual shift, you get: Firmer steering More rapid throttle response Slightly faster shifts.RPMs are under your own control. :)

I forgot... doesn't the Sport Mode also lock out 6th gear?

Not on my R56, no.

I forgot... doesn't the Sport Mode also lock out 6th gear?

Ya know, it does sort of. When driving in regular auto, ( without moving the shifter ) my coop will rarely shift into 6th, even on the highway. If it does shift into 6th, it will only stay there for a second or two.

You have to drive in manu-mode to get it to stay in 6th.