Sport vs non-sport

W

winddude

New member
My understanding of the sport package vs non-sport package cars is as follows:

- sport includes 18" wheels, slightly hard suspension and lower ride height. Plus a button that electronically increases throttle response and quickens steering input.

I couldn't feel much of a difference test driving them, but I will autoX the car occasionally. I believe I can fit the sport suspension if I can find it without changing the class, or go after market, and not worry about classing.

I understand there's the "sprint booster" that remaps the throttle input for faster throttle response, but are there any aftermarket gizmos to quicken the steering input?
 
Hi, the steering input isn’t “quickened” the sport button reduces power assistance to the steering to give more feel.
Rob
 
The sports button makes a massive difference to my auto.
You wake a monster up once you press it.
 
The sport button is not just exclusive to the Sport model. It is fitted on all models of E85/86. Mine is '03 SE and I always drive with the sport button on as not only does it sharpen throttle response and weight up the steering but also my car is SMG equipped and it makes the gear changes faster too :D The car feels so much better :thumbsup:
 
On a manual E86 (or at least on mine), the sport button does not make a huge difference. The throttle response becomes sharper and the steering heavier, but the latter doesn't give you any greater sense of feedback/connection to the tarmac (in my opinion). I use it occasionally but could live without it (and just be more aggressive with the throttle in normal mode when necessary).

I would assume that, as the change to the throttle is an electronic remap, you could tweak the throttle response to your liking in normal mode if you had the right software. Someone with more knowledge will be along shortly to say whether that's possible or not :)
 
I have an 2003. 2.5i with S button. Yesterday I did 600 km on backroads, with S button on, and it makes a difference, in passing other cars, short turns and narrow roads.

In the city, and even on highway, I leave the S off. But what I like, and what everybody resent BMW is steering on Z4, it's really bad, so S button helps a little bit.
 
patriot66 said:
The sport button is not just exclusive to the Sport model. It is fitted on all models of E85/86. Mine is '03 SE and I always drive with the sport button on as not only does it sharpen throttle response and weight up the steering but also my car is SMG equipped and it makes the gear changes faster too :D The car feels so much better :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

Not quite true. It is fitted to SE cars also, but it depends on what engine you have.
 
firebobby said:
The sports button makes a massive difference to my auto.
You wake a monster up once you press it.
Click to expand...
Agree. It puts a big smile on my face.

I know this question will have been asked before, but does moving the auto gear stick into the "SD" position do the same thing as pressing the "sport" button ? I can't really tell.
 
Welcome to the forum by the way. :thumbsup:

IIRC Sport suspension sits 15mm lower than SE, but there is no reason you couldn't fit Sport suspension to an SE. You also get an M-Sport steering wheel a few M badges and a black headlining in the E86. But the key benefit is Sport models have the very desirable M-Sport seats!

I tried using the Sport button in both my 3.0Sis but I also didn't notice much of a difference either, so I didn't bother. Plus I preferred the more linear throttle action without it.
 
Welcome on board OP. :thumbsup: From possibly the only forum member that has never pressed the sport button on there Z4. :wink:
 
After the non-event it was on my 3.0Sis I haven't bothered with it on my M. :wink:
 
Mr Tidy said:
After the non-event it was on my 3.0Sis I haven't bothered with it on my M. :wink:
Click to expand...
I gather all it does on the ///M is remap the throttle response. I also understand that the car learns the drivers habits and changes the throttle response, without using the Sport bottom, so you can either use it all the time or never use it. but it's pretty much a waste of time to use it occasionally, on the ///M. :)
 
Zulu4 said:
firebobby said:
The sports button makes a massive difference to my auto.
You wake a monster up once you press it.
Click to expand...
Agree. It puts a big smile on my face.

I know this question will have been asked before, but does moving the auto gear stick into the "SD" position do the same thing as pressing the "sport" button ? I can't really tell.
Click to expand...
Couldn't say personally, never tried it. To busy holding on in auto :D
 
buzyg said:
I gather all it does on the ///M is remap the throttle response. I also understand that the car learns the drivers habits and changes the throttle response, without using the Sport bottom, so you can either use it all the time or never use it. but it's pretty much a waste of time to use it occasionally, on the ///M.
Click to expand...

No plans to try the "Sport bottom" to be fair. :lol:

But I sort of want to try turning the DSC off, maybe!
 
Mr Tidy said:
buzyg said:
I gather all it does on the ///M is remap the throttle response. I also understand that the car learns the drivers habits and changes the throttle response, without using the Sport bottom, so you can either use it all the time or never use it. but it's pretty much a waste of time to use it occasionally, on the ///M.
Click to expand...

No plans to try the "Sport bottom" to be fair. :lol:

But I sort of want to try turning the DSC off, maybe!
Click to expand...
DSC off used to be my default as soon as I got in the car. Lots of fun to be had if you have the confidence and can afford the tyres. To be honest I don't drive hard enough to bother these days. :D :driving: :thumbsup:

(I get my bus pass soon, we can go on a bus mans holiday) :wink:
 
firebobby said:
The sports button makes a massive difference to my auto.
You wake a monster up once you press it.
Click to expand...

This applies to me also.

Everything becomes more frantic, in a good way.

And the noise is amazing.
 
srhutch said:
patriot66 said:
The sport button is not just exclusive to the Sport model. It is fitted on all models of E85/86. Mine is '03 SE and I always drive with the sport button on as not only does it sharpen throttle response and weight up the steering but also my car is SMG equipped and it makes the gear changes faster too :D The car feels so much better :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

Not quite true. It is fitted to SE cars also, but it depends on what engine you have.
Click to expand...
Yup, my 04-plate 2.2i doesn't have it, but with the close ratio 5-speed box I'm not missing it at all. :)
 
cars that had sport button , regardless of trim were:
Pre FL
3.0i
2.5i

Facelift
2.5si
3.0si
///M

the 2.2i / 2.0i and 2.5i 177bhp didnt have sport buttons
 
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