I'm a new owner (2010 Clubman S Auto), so not sure if this is normal or not. When not using the Sport button, there is often a lag between pressing the pedal and initial acceleration. It seems worse if I'm on a slight roll. The lag insipires me to push the pedal a bit more, at which time the car takes off with a lurch. Just wondering if this is normal. Again, it's not present when engaging the Sport mode button. BTW...install a Sprint Booster to address it. It's a fun add on, but it just sort of masks the problem by making overall throttle response curve of the pedal more aggressive.

More than what can be described as "acceptable" turbo lag? I get a little bit of lag with the sport button OFF, but switching into sport mode almost completely eliminates it. I always tend to find that automatic cars lurch a bit more than manuals, too?

Either way, hello and welcome. :)

I found the same problem on a test drive. IMHO we shouldn't have to press a sports button for the different throttle/auto/steering settings it should always be like that. When I get my auto delivered I am expecting to always drive in sports mode.

it won't be turbo lag, but just the auto transmission thinking about it !!

that's why a manual is best suited to maximise performance by giving the driver more control over how the power is put down.

but hey, you don't need to change gear or use your left (or right ) leg, so just relax !!

Iain

I notice the same thing.
It's definitely not turbo lag because it doesn't do it in sport mode or manual.
So it must be something programmed in.

If that's the case then it can be programmed out as well.

Does anyone know what this delay actually is and what it's for? (and best way to get rid of it?)

Its the drve by wire system. It sucks, all the newer autoatics have it. I test drove a bmw 5 series and 3 series and they both have it. Also the VW autos have it as well. Just cant beat the manuals :-)

I have a 57plate mini cooper s. I cannot for the life of me find a sport button! I see it comes as standard so why can't I find it? The car has everything else in terms of extras (cruise control, air con etc.) my car is sluggish with a long turbo lag, and the steering doesn't feel as responsive as it should, my one D had more poke at lower revs! Any ideas why or where I can locate this sport button? I need this button!!:angry:

@kristopher5253 the sport button should be just in front of the hand break, next to the two cup holders(well it is in my R56)... one button (right) is to turn off the anti wheel spin and cornering control or something like that.. and the left button is the sport button... for wheel spinning and loosing cornering control!!! :D maybe the stickers have warn off?

there are 3 buttons in front of the g/stick,it's the left hand button with sport on it.

Yep , agree with comments above, we have a 08 MCS Auto, and its a characteristic. I'd also like to know if it could be altered (as it is much sharper in sport mode).

If Im driving, I prefer it to be in sport mode, but then use the gears manually to allow me to control the revs, as otherwise it revs quite high (even when in a 30mph limit).

So, can anyone offer a software/setup solution ? (Mind you sport mode takes a bit of getting used to in the auto, as you end up launching yourself much faster than intended due to the difference with standard mode).

RBW.

I own a 2011 MCS auto and have to say I don't think I'd ever go back to manual cars - it's so much more comfortable without a clutch for cruising and if u spend even half an hour in traffic per day it makes it so much more bearable. I only use it in sport mode as i prefer the tighter steering and faster+longer gear shifts (and the burbbles and pops from the exhaust :D), my wife doesn't so actually it is a useful thing to have both options available at the touch of a button.

If I want to feel like I'm more in control of the car I stick it in manual mode and use the steptronic gear selector on the shift knob, or for general cruising the flappy paddles.

Unless ur a professional driver I doubt u could shift a manual faster than a modern sport gearbox can anyway, so IMO the argument about manual being necessary to "maximise performance" is moot.

And to answer the OP, yes without sport mode engaged there is a slight lag, but I believe this is present to cater for a less aggressive style of driving.