[McLaren720s]

I’ve been driving more with the transmission in Sport Auto mode and noticing that Sport Auto seems to be shifting gears faster and crispier than Manual mode and even feels like the acceleration and throttle response is crispier in this mode.

Drive mode also set to Sport or Sport+

Does anyone else agree and know why this is? Or could it be that I’m so used to Manual mode that this is placebo effect?

[bimmer456]

Maybe you are shifting manually in comfort.

[psyki]

It's my understanding that moving the shifter to the left to go into manual mode only changes the shift points, keeping the transmission in lower gears a bit longer. Engaging sport mode does too this but also increases the throttle response, IE more fuel is delivered when you push the gas pedal.

[bimmer456]

Originally Posted by psyki

It's my understanding that moving the shifter to the left to go into manual mode only changes the shift points, keeping the transmission in lower gears a bit longer. Engaging sport mode does too this but also increases the throttle response, IE more fuel is delivered when you push the gas pedal.

Moving the shifter to the left puts it in S mode. If you shift by moving the shift lever up or down this engages manual mode. You can also use the paddles if you have them. Using the paddles in D only puts you in manual mode temporarily but will go back to D if you don't shift for a few seconds. It may shift faster in sport mode whether in S or D. How the throttle and shifting behave in sport plus varies depending on what car you have.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by McLaren720s

I’ve been driving more with the transmission in Sport Auto mode and noticing that Sport Auto seems to be shifting gears faster and crispier than Manual mode and even feels like the acceleration and throttle response is crispier in this mode.

Does anyone else agree and know why this is? Or could it be that I’m so used to Manual mode that this is placebo effect?

"Sport 'Auto' mode", do you mean you toggle to Sport mode, with the shifter in S, (M/S position)? Or simply the shifter in S? What are your iDrive Sport settings? Drivetrain and/or Chassis?

How it is configured and what combinations you use can make a difference to how it feels. Most likely it is the throttle programming which you are noticing. You can have Manual shifting, with or without a sensitive throttle response, according to the settings.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by psyki

It's my understanding that moving the shifter to the left to go into manual mode only changes the shift points, keeping the transmission in lower gears a bit longer. Engaging sport mode does too this but also increases the throttle response, IE more fuel is delivered when you push the gas pedal.

That's my thinking, we need to know the settings the OP is using.

[McLaren720s]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

"Sport 'Auto' mode", do you mean you toggle to Sport mode, with the shifter in S, (M/S position)? Or simply the shifter in S? What are your iDrive Sport settings? Drivetrain and/or Chassis?

How it is configured and what combinations you use can make a difference to how it feels. Most likely it is the throttle programming which you are noticing. You can have Manual shifting, with or without a sensitive throttle response, according to the settings.

I am always using Sport or Sport+ drive mode with shifter to M/S.

If I engage paddle shifters (M mode) the car doesn’t seem to feel as crisp as the Sport Auto (S mode) where the car shifts automatically when the shifter is in M/S. Paddle shifting basically doesn’t seem to be as crisp compared to the car shifting itself in M/S auto

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by McLaren720s

I am always using Sport or Sport+ drive mode with shifter to M/S.

If I engage paddle shifters (M mode) the car doesn’t seem to feel as crisp as the Sport Auto (S mode) where the car shifts automatically when the shifter is in M/S. Paddle shifting basically doesn’t seem to be as crisp compared to the car shifting itself in M/S auto

If you have Drivetrain checked, there should be fast and crisp shifts in both S and Manual mode. Any difference in using the shifter vs. paddles? Wondering if you have sluggish (slight delay) in paddle action.

[psyki]

Originally Posted by McLaren720s

I am always using Sport or Sport+ drive mode with shifter to M/S.

If I engage paddle shifters (M mode) the car doesn’t seem to feel as crisp as the Sport Auto (S mode) where the car shifts automatically when the shifter is in M/S. Paddle shifting basically doesn’t seem to be as crisp compared to the car shifting itself in M/S auto

My thoughts are that the shifts in automatic may seem (or actually be?) faster or more crisp due the the transmissions shifting at a point it has determined to be the most optimal, whereas in manual mode you're telling it to shift regardless of what the conditions are. Many factors are considered when the transmission is deciding when to shift, I read that it analyzes the rate at which the gas pedal is being depressed or lifted, for example if you rapidly lift your foot up compared to slowly lifting then it may anticipate a slowdown or braking condition and prepare to downshift.

[McLaren720s]

Originally Posted by psyki

My thoughts are that the shifts in automatic may seem (or actually be?) faster or more crisp due the the transmissions shifting at a point it has determined to be the most optimal, whereas in manual mode you're telling it to shift regardless of what the conditions are. Many factors are considered when the transmission is deciding when to shift, I read that it analyzes the rate at which the gas pedal is being depressed or lifted, for example if you rapidly lift your foot up compared to slowly lifting then it may anticipate a slowdown or braking condition and prepare to downshift.

This makes perfect sense and is exactly what I’ve been thinking as well.

[bimmer456]

Originally Posted by McLaren720s

This makes perfect sense and is exactly what I’ve been thinking as well.

When I shift manually from 1st to second it can jerk the car quite a bit at lower speeds. So I usually move it back into d and let it shift on its own. Then I throw it back into S/M.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by McLaren720s

This makes perfect sense and is exactly what I’ve been thinking as well.

I'm assuming you are driving manually, to replicate the auto shifting as close as is possible. Same throttle application for manual shifting, as leaving the box to change itself.

Agree with the other comments, there are many variables to consider.