DS mode v. Sports mode... diff?

[learner]

The owner's manual isn't all that useful on this subject.

To me the DS mode and Sports mode (button just behind the gear lever) seems similar. Both do not automatically shift into 6th gear. Both shift up later, allowing higher rev and downshift sooner. But what exactly is the diff? I'm told the Sport mode is more aggressive then DS.

Is there difference in suspension settings, roll control, etc? Is having the car set to DS & Sports mode more aggressive then either one alone? Only thing I can think of is in DS and Sports mode you have absolute control of gear than just D & Sports? But the car will never let you blow up the car anyway, so what's the diff?

[Kzang]

To me the sport button pressed feels more boost to acceleration and faster reaction from the throttle response.

Read this review by a member at the E60 forums, its very comprehensive.

http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=42608&hl=automatic

[calpalmer]

In quizzing the service manager where I bought my car, he said DS mode will eventually upshift to 6th; Sport mode is limited to five gears.

[1994_RX-7_Tour]

I've got an '08 550i w/sports pkg which I truly love! :thumbup: Here's what I've found.

Sports mode: Think of it like "DS + other features but - (minus) the display of which gear you are in.

Sports mode adds 3 special features I really like:
1) It makes the shifts twice as fast between gears for quicker acceleration & deceleration
2) It makes the throttle more sensitive to gas pedal movement (try it and you'll feel the difference)
3) It tightens up the steering a little bit (more wheel turn for the same steering wheel rotation)

There is NO change in suspension or roll control as far as I know.

I do like still moving the shift knob over to "DS" sometimes so I can see which gear I'm in... and even sometimes then shift with the paddles to be in full manual mode... but it's also tons of fun to just hit the sports button and use the paddles for temporary manual shifts, then have it revert back to automatic.

But for cruising - I want the 6th gear to optimize MPG...

[Spyglass]

This is what it states in the manual

Sport program and manualmode M/S. Press selector lever toward the left from transmission position D: The sport program is activated, and DS is displayed in the instrument cluster; with the sport automatic transmission also S1 to S6. This position is recommended for a performanceoriented driving style.

Dynamic Driving Control (the Sport Button)
The Dynamic Driving Control makes it possible for your BMW to react in an even more performance-oriented manner at the push of a button:
> The speed range of the engine is optimally utilized.
> Gearshifts are faster.
> The engine responds more spontaneously to accelerator pedal movements.
> The steering will operate in an even sportier mode.
> In the automatic mode, the 6th gear is not engaged.

It isn't very clear but the manual is suggesting that in SAT cars pushing the gearlever to the left and pressing the Sport button have the same effect. Personally I just push the Sport button, so I can't confirm this.

[The Nerd]

I have an 05' 545i (sport package) w/ the regular automatic transmission (steptronic?) and I don't have a "button".....all I have is the "DS" if I push my shift lever to the left. Someone a few posts up explained everthing the sport button does.....however, since all I have is "DS," could someone who is educated on this help me out with exactly what the "DS" does differently beside shift later and make my throttle pedal a tad more sensitive? My car doesn't really feel any faster in "DS" when I simply push my foot down a little further to make up for the sensitivity of the pedal in "DS".

[3Aims]

Dynamic Driving Control (the Sport Button)
The Dynamic Driving Control makes it possible for your BMW to react in an even more performance-oriented manner at the push of a button:
> The speed range of the engine is optimally utilized.
> Gearshifts are faster.
> The engine responds more spontaneously to accelerator pedal movements.
> The steering will operate in an even sportier mode.
> In the automatic mode, the 6th gear is not engaged.



I notice the bolded items the most. The button definately keeps the rmps up when coasting. The response is really crazy. Why BMW does not put this on every step is beyond me.

[chrischeung]

I notice the bolded items the most. The button definately keeps the rmps up when coasting. The response is really crazy. Why BMW does not put this on every step is beyond me.

Why they don't just integrate it into the gear shift is also a mystery. I imagine that it is an "add on" feature mid model life cycle, so were limited in how they could deploy it.

[calpalmer]

I notice the bolded items the most. The button definately keeps the rmps up when coasting. The response is really crazy. Why BMW does not put this on every step is beyond me.

I think BMW did it to avoid the Gas Guzzler Tax.... by having the Default setting the pain "D" mode, starting in 2nd gear, lower shift points, etc., fuel economy is improved and helps them meet the CAFE standards in the US. You can thank EPA for dumbing down the Ultimate Driving Machine.

Cal