I did a search and came up empty so if there is a link to it somewhere, I apologize and you can just direct me to it.

I am wondering about sport mode. Who uses it? While using it do you have to manually shift it on the left side of the gearbox?

What are the positive and negative sides to using it? Does it wear the tranny faster?

Do Jags run better with it engaged?

Thanks!

 

I live in the mountains and always leave the car in 'sports' mode. All that means is the the TCM uses a different set of shift parameters verses the 'normal' mode, raising the shift points about 350 RPM's. Having a little higher shift point moves you a little up the power chart and reduces the number of down shifts. Bottom line is that the 'normal' is intended to produce a little better fuel economy.

Only time I use 'normal' is when I am trapped around 50mph and 'sport' does not allow converter lockup that low.

Based on comments on the BMW forums the BMW's that use the same transmission call our 'sport' 'normal' and our 'normal' 'winter'.

 

Thanks! Well i made the switch to sport mode at a red light today for the first time. Lets just say I didnt realize my VDP could move that fast! Hit 6000 RPM's very easily lol! Unless there is evidence of it killing the transmission earlier than in normal mode I can't see myself using normal mode ever again!

One more thing is sport mode not really good for city driving as Im stuck in the Phoenix area a lot.

 

The only differences are 1-2 mpg, fewer downshifts and a perception that you have a much faster car. It really has no affect above about 2400 rpm. Anything you are feeling is a result of strengthened muscles in your ankle.

The 'normal' mode sole purpose is that 1-2 mpg. The car 'feels' much better in 'sport'.

 

Sport mode enhances throttle response, allows the transmission to downshift sooner if you put your foot in it, allows the engine to rev higher in each gear before it shifts and also firms up the Computer Active Technology Suspension if you have an XJR or Super V8. It also helps to turn off the traction control when you use sport mode, that takes away the annoying traction control effect

 

I like how my 99 XJ8 runs in Sport Mode better than Normal Mode.

 

I'm surprised that no-one has mentioned that in Sport mode, (at least in the XJ-R), the tranny starts off in first, whereas in Normal, it starts off in second. It does make an appreciable difference in standing starts.

 

I completely agree with you guys..i felt like my 2002 vdp was essentially lagging up to 3000 rpm's and in sport mode it has much better response..especially off the line. I am actually quite impressed with the difference. Its nice to be able to blow past people now lol