What EXACTLY does the sport button do?

[davyrockett]

I have a 2008 Z4 3.0i Automatic (American) and I can't tell if my mind is playing tricks on me. What exactly does the sport button do VS what exactly does putting the shifter in M/S mode do?

Obviously, there are enormous differences in how the transmission responds vs normal D. However, it seems that the steering and throttle also become more responsive with the sport button engaged. Here's where I can't decide what's in my head; If I put the shifter in M/S mode (shifter pressed to the left so I'm using the paddles exclusively to shift) BUT the sport BUTTON is NOT engaged, is the steering as loose as it would be in normal D? Similarly, if the shifter is in M/S mode and the sport button IS engaged, is the steering more responsive? Or does the sport button have no effect when you're already in manual mode?

I'm in love with this car and I just want to know everything about it. Thank you all for your help!

 

[BumpyZ4]

Well, real Americans are embarrassed of you. Keep your politics off the forum!!

 

[Rockhopper]

Sport button make the throttle response sharper and the steering heavier. The lever does neither of these things. Re the gearbox, I think it does something similar to pushing the lever to the left but more so. I’ll experiment next time. As an example though last time I compared the two the sport button makes it change down two gears whilst the lever only does one.

 

[Dubbedown]

Some of the early marketing literature alluded to tightening up the suspension but none of that's true. At min it makes the throttle more sensitive and if you've got an electronic power steering, it may artificially add some resistance. Not sure on the latter b/c tbh I could never tell when I had it on my prior coupe.