Sport Button

[d1bble]

Hi im new to the BMW forum and was after a little bit of advice (did a search, but coudnt find much)

The sport button.

a) Is it ok to have it on permenatly? Any damage to engine?
b) Do you get better fuel consuption with it if off?
c) Does it up the bhp from 290 to 343?

Appreciate the advice (im a member on BM3W, but they havent covered it in detail either)

[jagdpanther]

Which model BMW is it?

I have sports gear setting on my E32 which just allows the engine to rev higher and delay the upshift, little less fuel economy but its just like driving enthusiastically in a manual!

Im betting yours is something along the lines of a newer sportier version yes?

[m12_nathan]

If it is an e46 M3 (guessed from the power output mentioned) then all it does is increase throttle response over the first 50% of throttle travel - no harm in having it on at all times though some people find they have more control of the car on track with it off. On the CSL it also opens the airbox flap at 3.5k rpm instead of 5.5k so you get "the noise" for longer and maybe some more midrange.

bm3w.co.uk is the best place to ask this stuff.

[Zod]

In a CSL, you should superglue the button down.

[d1bble]

jagdpanther said:

Which model BMW is it? I have sports gear setting on my E32 which just allows the engine to rev higher and delay the upshift, little less fuel economy but its just like driving enthusiastically in a manual! Im betting yours is something along the lines of a newer sportier version yes?

It’s the e46 M3, quite sporty

I’ve just realised why i didn’t get a great deal of info on the BM3W site, i search for the 'spot button'..nice

I can’t believe the salesman told me it up'd the bhp from 290 to 343.

I’ve even told people that...

[Zod]

The salesman clearly doesn't do his homework, had a vague idea about the power button in the E60 M5 that raises power from 400 to 507 bhp and guessed that the E46 M3 sport button does the same.

[d1bble]

Zod said:

The salesman clearly doesn't do his homework, had a vague idea about the power button in the E60 M5 that raises power from 400 to 507 bhp and guessed that the E46 M3 sport button does the same.

You’re right, ah well it wont doesn’t spoil my fun.

Just a quickie Zod.

What’s it like when you change from 400 - 507 (or can you only do that after the running period?)

Also, is it a right fiddle changing the bhp? (have to go though a menu system for five mins or just a simple button?)

im just interested..

[Zod]

simple button. If you press it, you feel nothing. If you set the M button to call up P500 Sport though, it feels just like pressing the sport button in an M3 - the car surges as more fuel is pushed through for the current accelerator position. You can use the full power while running in and, even with the rev's restricted it makes a big difference to overtaking.

Clarkson deserves a good kicking for spreading all these myths about a car he actually loves.

[billy83]

d1bble said:

[quote=jagdpanther]Which model BMW is it? I can’t believe the salesman told me it up'd the bhp from 290 to 343.

Sounds like your usual BMW dealer then
Bleedin' idiot!!! (not you mate!)

[d1bble]

billy83 said:

d1bble said: [quote=jagdpanther]Which model BMW is it? I can’t believe the salesman told me it up'd the bhp from 290 to 343. Sounds like your usual BMW dealer then Bleedin' idiot!!! (not you mate!)

I appreciate the support mate, but its me thats the prat. I always, always research everything i buy to the "nerdy'st' degree, but i didnt in this case (ive always wanted an M3, knew they were ace and didnt even have a test drive). I should have done my homework...

[K1 CERB]

Looks sexy, goes fast, do the rear seats fold?

I think my Partner needs one of these, but will (occassionaly) need to put long things in it!

K1 CERB

[Zod]

Yes, the rear seats fold. It's nearly as practical as a Land Rover.

[scared but happy]

D1bble - Great choice
I was taken for a drive in the older convertable M3 ('Y' - reg), at *ahem* mph! Amazing you cannot hear anything, no wind noise, nothing! When I find enough money floating about that WILL be my choice of car.

Great photos BTW. Just a bit confused why you blanked your numberplate on one and not the others?

[d1bble]

scared but happy said:

D1bble - Great choice I was taken for a drive in the older convertable M3 ('Y' - reg), at *ahem* mph! Amazing you cannot hear anything, no wind noise, nothing! When I find enough money floating about that WILL be my choice of car. Great photos BTW. Just a bit confused why you blanked your numberplate on one and not the others?

Cheers. Really chuffed with it, although it takes some getting used to.

Didnt realise i hadnt blocked out the number plate on the other photos, cheers for the heads up..