In this blog post, you will learn everything there is to know about the BMW sport mode. It is essential for new and experienced drivers to understand all that it can do and just as important as keeping in mind the downsides of the mode. The article also seeks to clear the air on the various contradictions surrounding what the BMW sport mode is about.
BMW’s sport mode is a feature that allows you to use all the power of your BMW. Activating the BMW sport mode will make your car throttle more, forcing the car to wring out its best possible performance. One of the flaws of the mode, even though it does not matter, is that it sacrifices fuel efficiency.
There is a reason why BMWs are sought-after among luxury cars. They are often among the highly-regarded motor brand in the world today, and this is no surprise because BMW always strives to create top-notch vehicles with exceptional features that anyone would want in their car.
Modern-day BMWs offer four driving modes: sport mode, comfort mode, ECO PRO mode, and sport+ mode. Although the sport+ mode is not available in all BMWs, it is only an improved version of the sport mode which can be commonly found in BMW models today.
What is BMW Sport Mode?
The BMW sport mode is a feature of the BMW Driving Dynamics Control which allows a driver to bring out the best performance from their BMW.
In essence, the BMW sport mode is a configuration designed to make a BMW more aggressive than the normal mode when driving in your neighborhood. With the sports mode configuration, you will be forcing your BMW to drive beyond its optimal performance.
As you will expect, forcing the car to go this way would decrease fuel efficiency as your BMW will have to burn up more fuel to keep up with the demands of the sport mode. This feature is particularly great for persons who are speed enthusiasts.
If you would like to have both luxury and aggression in a vehicle, then get a BMW. Its combination of both luxury and aggression is one to be reckoned with.
What Does BMW Sport Mode Do?
The BMW sport mode configuration puts your car in a sporty shape. The following are some of the things the BMW sport mode does:
- Shifting patterns which will result in excellent, automatic transmissions
- Your vehicle starts to clock at higher rev levels
- While it is bad for fuel efficiency, the aggressive nature of the sport mode offers maximum excitement
- Your steering would be tuned a little tighter, and you will record less power at lower RPMs
- There would be stiffened suspension – just a bit though
The moment you switch into the sport mode on your BMW, things start to get pretty interesting, and you may not want to drive your car in a comfort mode anymore. In the next section, I will briefly compare the sport mode and comfort mode on the BMW before I switch back to more insights on the BMW sport mode.
BMW Sport Mode vs Comfort Mode
The comfort mode is the default driving mode offered by the BMW Driving Dynamics Control System. It does not require the push of a special button or the gearbox to enter into the comfort mode.
Once you switch on your BMW and place the Gear Shifter in Drive, it automatically enters the comfort mode configuration. In the comfort mode, drivers will enjoy a unique balance of power and efficiency.
The steering wheel would be lighter, and the suspension of the vehicle will be softer. This is ideal for early morning rides, a ride around the neighborhood, trips to the shopping malls, getting the kids from school, and other basic commuting.
On the other hand, the sport mode is technically bringing out the best in your BMW. It is equivalent to awakening a sleeping lion. LOL. When you activate sport mode, it shortens the gearshift time during transmission, which potentially increases the power output of your car, making it perform at its peak.
Furthermore, your engine will rev up faster and roar when you switch into the sport mode. As the name implies, your luxury vehicle has been transformed into a Formula 1 race car during this configuration, and you are ready for an experience second to F1 racing.
You should activate sport mode on your BMW when you want to race a friend, ride across the countryside, go past hilly and curved roads, and much more.
How Do I Use Sport Mode on my BMW?
To use the BMW sport mode, follow the steps below:
- Shift your BMW into Drive
- Next, move the Gear Selector to the left
- You will see ‘DS’ appear on the Instrument Cluster. ‘DS’ indicates your car has entered sport mode
- While in sport mode, to upshift, you will have to pull the Gear Shifter towards you
- To downshift, the Gear Shifter will be pushed away from you
- For each selected gear, you will see a display on the Instrument Cluster
- To exit sport mode into drive mode, move the Gear Shifter to the right.
It is quintessential to note that gear shifts in sport mode are quicker and would occur at higher RPMs for livelier performance. Additionally, the driver can manually select the transmission shift points represented as M1 and M2 as seen on the Instrument Cluster when in sport mode.
When Should You Use Sport Mode on BMW?
The BMW sport mode is ideal for sprinting down long, straight stretches of highway, racing at the speedway, driving on hills and winding roads.
You should have the sport mode activated if you are going on road trips across long distances, riding through the countryside, or racing a friend.
Is It Bad to Drive in Sport Mode BMW?
Driving in Sport mode is a matter of preference. There is always a downside to every action that makes a machine produce more than expected. If you drive your BMW on sport mode, you will increase the miles per gallon rating.
That means your BMW will consume more fuel to keep up with the power output it is giving out. Now, it is not a matter of good or bad.
Would you prefer to enjoy your BMW at peak performance and lose out on fuel efficiency, or would you stay within the confines of comfort mode and efficiently manage fuel. However, it is not ideal to constantly leave your car in sport mode.
Which BMWs Come with Sport Mode Configuration?
There is almost no model of BMW that does not have the sport model in place. It is one of the beauties of this driving configuration – how widely available it is.
Today, every BMW is equipped to engage sport mode, regardless of whether the model is sporty or not. The sport+ mode, on the other hand, is not as readily available. BMW is quite selective of the cars they produce with the sport+ mode.
Closing Thoughts on BMW Sport Mode
BMW has made it possible for people to enjoy the comfort of everyday driving while still having fun. The BMW sport mode included in their latest models allows drivers to take part in spirited driving without getting punished by the car due to cutting corners or accelerating forces.
Sport mode is an excellent way to have fun with your BMW. It delivers the kind of performance that not many midsize sedans can offer.
It can do well in spirited driving because it comes from a renowned automaker specializing in producing high-performance cars. The boost in horsepower and torque would enable you to have that performance boost you have longed to enjoy.
