Sport mode! - What the sport button actually does on an R56 Mini Cooper

Sport mode! - What the sport button actually does on an R56 Mini Cooper
Sport mode
1. Gives you faster throttle response.
2. Tightens up the steering by lowering the amount of assistance you get from the electronic power steering.
3. Opens the thermostat a few degrees sooner.
4. Gives more pops & bangs in the exhaust with the N18 engines.
5. Stays in gear longer under hard acceleration (automatic transmission only)
6. Gives you firmer shifts (automatic transmission only)
Project Mini,
Maintenance, Modifications & Repairs made easy.
My goal is to help as many people as possible to keep their Mini Coopers on the road. I find the easiest way to do all the maintenance that these cars are known for, plus I’ll teach you how to do your own performance and esthetic mods. Subscribe to my channel and let’s keep the amazing Mini Cooper community on the road!!!
Project Mini Clothing Store: teespring.com/stores/project-...
Don’t forget to subscribe kzbin.info?su...
Mini Cooper S R56 - How to’s: • Mini Cooper S R56 - Ho...
My Instagram is @project_mini_official
/ project_mini_official
Facebook groups -
Mini Cooper DIY: groups/51890...
Mini Cooper R53 Enthusiasts: groups/16499...
R56 Mini Cooper S enthusiasts: groups/72982...
Facebook page / projectminionyoutube
Tools every Mini Cooper owner needs.
- commission earned below -
1. Bentley service manual
2002-2006: amzn.to/2QVZDaE
2007-2013: amzn.to/3h1Hhj5
2. BMW specific code reader
Foxwell NT510 Elite (This is what I use): amzn.to/3bAuRgX
AUTOPHIX BMW Diagnostic Scanner Tool (cheaper): amzn.to/3lT8xnF
3. Timing chain tool
EWK Camshaft Timing Chain Cam Locking Tool for Mini Cooper S N14 R55 R56: amzn.to/3jTo84W
4. Electric ratchet
Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 Cordless 3/8" Sub-Compact 35 ft-Lbs 250 RPM Ratchet w/ Variable Speed Trigger : amzn.to/330QtiO
Milwaukee (2-Pack) 48-11-2420 M12 REDLITHIUM 2.0 Compact Battery Packs: amzn.to/3lWfNis
Milwaukee Genuine OEM 48-59-2401 M12 Lithium Ion 12 Volt Battery Charger w/LED Indicating, Red: amzn.to/2GsxhCQ
5. Hose clamp pliers
Hose clamp pliers: amzn.to/2QZ0HKW
Cable type hose clamp pliers: amzn.to/3lSRW3l
6. Thin wall spark plug sockets
OSOF 14mm & 16mm Spark Plug Socket Thin Wall 12-Point Removal Tool 3/8 inch Square Drive Set: amzn.to/2QYBrED
7. Torx bits
GEARDRIVER 23-Piece Torx Bit Socket and External Torx Socket Set, Premium S2 and Cr-V Steel Made, Tamper Proof Bit Sockets, Storage Case Included: amzn.to/2FbgKCy
- commission earned above -
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

[@ProjectMini]

- Facebook groups - Mini Cooper DIY: facebook.com/groups/518907605479579/?ref=share Mini Cooper R53 Enthusiasts: facebook.com/groups/164990851647892/?ref=share R56 Mini Cooper S enthusiasts: facebook.com/groups/729821991242039/?ref=share

[@michaelgeorge1469]

Hey bro are you still around? Haven't seen you update in a while. Hope your doing well.

[@ProjectMini]

@@michaelgeorge1469 I’m still around. I’m trying to move right now to a place with a garage so I can make better videos

[@ryanfisher8597]

totally agree, it's like a muscle reflex to hit the sport mode button on

[@mattmiller5994]

I thought my steering stiffened up a bit when in sport mode but I thought it was in my mind. Thanks for the reassurance.👍

[@robozoo2]

Good info on the 3 stages of the auto transmission, I also have an 09 Cooper r56 hardtop BRG BLK top w/ auto trans and I really want to keep it going. I had the transmission fluid service at 95k it’s extremely smooth. I love my r56!

[@mrshifter5007]

Thanks for the info on the sport button, my wife has a RHD 2013 Cooper with a manual gearbox which I drive now and again , I've never bothered to use the sport button up until now. I Don't think I've ever seen an automatic Mini Cooper before until watching this video. Maybe because I live in England and manual gearbox cars are more common.

[@tanyarivera9255]

Gracias for all the info. I do love the sport mode ON in my mini.

[@alexspear9509]

This is some good information. I think my father taught me to drive stick with sport mode on and now I know why there is more play with the throttle when I drive. I assumed it stayed on when you started it.

[@ProjectMini]

I wish it would stay on!

[@benjam0]

I have a 2015 Mini Cooper Coup S love the exhaust sound. I always drive in sport mode and manual mode as well. Funny thing is driving more spirited produces better gas mileage. My wife has a led foot and drives in "standard" non sport mode and gets worse milage. Every time i drive the car... Spirited mind you the milage goes up. Like the video.

[@maximumleach1099]

Thanks for the video! 👍

[@michael_g3726]

Great video, thanks. Also liked the dog at 5:35

[@shankarbalan3813]

I have a 2012 R56 here in India. Cooper S. N18 Peugeot Prince Engine. Aiding AT 6 speed. Every time I hit the Sport button I find that the car immediately tightens up and and becomes even more responsive than stock. And those pops and bangs and burbles on the exhaust overrun especially when cruising down a hill is addictive. You are right that if you stick the AT in Manual the car does hold its gears a lot more and goes right up to the higher revs in each gear.

[@user-jr2ko5br8n]

Nice and clear introduction.thanks!

[@ProjectMini]

Thank you 🙏

[@joeywalton4294]

Yesss. Leave the steering tight whenever I’m not in sport mode😖

[@stjohntownsend3019]

I’m so glad that my cooper s is a 2007 as I loathe the pops and bangs.

[@sherifeldaly1]

Joined FB 👌🏻 thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@mikecouso340]

Thank you for that info I’m I am learning a lot from your video thank you for posting all the video and by the way I I join the mini Club

[@precool]

Thanks my man! FB here I come.

[@kevincali]

You can easily code the steering feeling to make it tighter for both normal and sport. I made both a little tighter so it wasnt so dead while driving.

[@NickKoudis]

How do you code that? I didn’t see it on bimmercode. Thx!

[@terminallyinquisitive1731]

I drive a Gen2 manual Cooper S. I much prefer the tighter steering feel in Sports mode. I tend to turn it on other than when driving around town.

[@MichaelEstacioDNA]

Thanks for the video! I learned a few things from my 2009 Cooper S! :)

[@ProjectMini]

Thank you! I have an 09 as well 👍

[@williamcoleman5]

Same here 09 R57👊🏼

[@Provesadark7]

I just got one! Love it! I didn't know they were that fast.

[@ProjectMini]

They can be a lot faster though 🔥🔥🔥

[@Levent02]

Nice Video

[@ProjectMini]

Thank you 🙏

[@JM-nn1yk]

Yea have the N18 engine and the pops are noticeably louder in sport mode. Also saw somewhere you can stay in sport mode even if you turn your car off. There is some way to sync with your smart phone so you don’t have to depress the button every time you turn on the car.

[@ProjectMini]

I believe you can use an app called BimmerCode to code that in on the N18s but not the N14s

[@ckpenn1233]

nice video. Have an r55s.

[@stevenagnew1590]

I had a r53 sold that bought a r56 didnt like it as much till i found the sport button lol def makes it more mini just wish i didnt have to hit it everytime i get in the car good vid

[@ProjectMini]

Yeah, the car feels like its broken with the sport button off

[@nickvlaanderen]

You can program that it is standard ON when you start the engine. It is like that in my R58. The previous owner let it it tune and program the sportbutton like you wish.

[@ProjectMini]

Not on all R56s, i believe its only the LCI R56s

[@nickvlaanderen]

@@ProjectMini Oh ok, I didn't know that. I bought the car with the sport buttun on as standard.

[@EZ-D-FIANT]

​@@ProjectMiniLCI?

[@aldencruz4515]

Great video sport mode for sure more quick response. . Got a cooper s 2009 manual

[@ProjectMini]

Thank you 🙏

[@roberthenry6910]

have you had any reliability issues since then? just got a 2007 s manual and wanna know if all the reports of poor reliability were true

[@jimd3323]

@@roberthenry6910 I've got a 2010 clubman s and it's got 212,000 miles on it! I've replaced the water pump with a aluminum gates water pump and the water pipe and thermostat housing and the turbo oil feed lines with the braided lines and spark plugs. That's it as far as the engine goes. Just do regular oil changes and general maintenance and the mini cooper will give you some fun miles!

[@stratosfiteoglou2002]

Very helpful video ,i have a question.I am an owner of a manual R56 Cooper s model 2009,when i push the sport button i notice the throttle response but the tighter steering is not there at all…Can you please help me about this problem? thank you

[@Kai77884]

Hello a nice video 👍👍👍from Germany 🇩🇪 👋👋👋Kai

[@ProjectMini]

Thank you 🙏

[@MrEpsilonEagle]

Thanks for the information! I did not know the sport button + automatic in S is mode 3. I drive a R61 (Paceman) and it's my first JCW model.

[@laurenvaughn3282]

Gotta warch this again

[@scottpoundall4815]

I've got a 2011 n14 fjcw stock tune. I can also tell you that sports gives you 20nm more torque low end of the revs range which elminate the turbo lag 👍😁

[@EZ-D-FIANT]

🤣 it gives you that torque with overboost you numpty, it will litterely add to your lag...😂

[@sleepydragonzarinthal3533]

the only benefit to turning off sport mode is mileage and maintenance right? still surprisingly fun to drive with sport off, but man it makes such a huge difference

[@lukaszp3957]

Hi, you said that your thermostate opens even earlier because it was tuned, could you please elaborate more how to do this?

[@juancarlosmateo6993]

I have a 2009 R56 and when I put it on sport mode after a few seconds on the highway or spirited driving as you put it I get a P2885. Boost pressure deviation plausibility and it goes on safe mode.

[@alexasomar466]

Just joined

[@georgecowboydearing6526]

What do I need to do to fix a cold idle whistle? It goes away if you start giving it throttle but then when you let off and rpms drop back to Norma it starts the whistle again until warmed up to operating temperatures then no whistle at all?? Also having issues with cam position sensor, didn't realize there were 2 and I only replace the highest level one and check engine light was gone for a while but back now so I found that there are 2? I need to replace both at same time?? 2011 mini "s"

[@delfinagonzalez6716]

Does it use up more gas on sport? What does “tuned” mean?

[@FIRE0KING]

Would sport mode cause about a second of engine drag immediately after letting off the gas? (R56 mini cooper s manual transmission)

[@PneumaticFrog]

okay so you said it gives you more pops and bangs with the n18, its the same thing with the n14. mine pops out of sport mode, but when i turn it on, any amount of throttle for even a second makes it pop like crazy because i deleted the cat. mind you, i have the manual transmission, Australia/Euro spec car which has 1 less cat than the US spec car. 2007 mini cooper s lol

[@jcatchable]

Does it have a tune?😂😂. Great video

[@ProjectMini]

Stage 3 RPM tune

[@seanbohdan865]

there is a spring in a stat also a wax that can be heated by an element controled by the ecu that opens it as well just an fyi

[@minimad8793]

do you have to have car at the right temperature before you press the sport mode button?

[@tm5346]

Tuned I’m getting ready to put my new plugs and I just received them are you talking about the thing that you had an email to the guy or just like coil spark plugs oil you know just one regular maintenance

[@Neptune8]

Wish sport mode gave my all4 launch control

[@vincent34618]

for my 09 r56s after instialled sports mode I did not get any pop and bangs at the back, but I have harder steering and faster throttle response, why??

[@gabrieljuarez1000]

Too bad my sport button is stuck and doesn’t work.... had to order a new one.

[@TimpBizkit]

It doesn't seem to do much in my clubman until the oxygen sensor is fixed and I have more power with the turbo.

[@marlocarlo1219]

Where did you get your tune? And from who. Because I live out in Cali and I’ve talked to a few people and they don’t tune minis.

[@AIRCOOLEDLIFE]

Do you by any chance know what is the voltage at the Sports mode button when it is activated? I'm thinking to use that signal to activate the water/meth system.

[@pellhum21]

What tune are you running? Link please

[@I_vchris]

Nice! I follow you on Instagram.

[@gwhittaker]

Very nice video, thanks! Can you point me to key fob programming instructions? I only got one key with my 2011 Mini Cooper.

[@ProjectMini]

I actually was just reading your post on Mini Cooper DIY and this of all i was able to find so far www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/r56-hatch-talk-2007/295256-key-fob-reprogramming-mini-cooper-r56.html I hope that helps!

[@gwhittaker]

@@ProjectMini It's some good info, but I keep hearing most people say "dealer" and it irks me to pay a dealer that much. I'm leaning toward a technically savvy locksmith who seems to have the equipment to program these things. I'm a DIYer at heart and I really WANT to know HOW! Thanks for what you do; I've subscribed and joined your Facebook group too. Also, thanks for the tip on the AUTOPHIX BMW Diagnostic Scanner Tool, Enhanced BMW 7910 Multi-System OBD2 Scanner Auto Fault Code Reader. I'm placing my order for it.

[@GrandmasMallCrawler]

my 2007 mcs doesn't open the thermostat sooner in sport mode. it still runs around 221-226F

[@gregdude1978]

What happens when it goes ds without u pushing the button. What does it mean?

[@parkerjon29]

I don't leave it on all the time. I don't know if there is any basis to it, but I feel like the more frequent thermostat opening may cause more wear and tear and I wonder if it causes greater strain on the clutch and power train. I do turn it on about 2 minutes before I get to my destination to cool it down before I shut the car off. 2012 R58 Coupe S

[@tommyjoe4310]

I have a R56 baker street 2012, I don't see a sport switch...... Is it possible it is located somewhere else or there is none?

[@michaelschneider1365]

I drive in sport mode all the time. should I also switch to s1. what is s1? mode.

[@punstress]

I just bought a 2011 Clubman S and I had no idea what sport mode was, except that it's for "sporty" driving. I always drove manual Japanese cars, but I had read about shifting with paddles and a car columnist I used to work with said that I would enjoy it. I would really like to see it done before I attempt it myself. I've been reading the owner's manual and it doesn't go into much detail.

[@erickotapish635]

I love my mini s...have some issues though ....the voltage keeps dropping and isnt supplying right power to the injectors which is causing misfire..and occasional limp mode....and the 1.6 isnt really doing it for me...so my question is can u direct swap thr 2.0 jcw motor into a 07 mini cooper s turbo

[@PneumaticFrog]

youd be better off selling the cooper s for a good price and finding a jcw for sale

[@mindtwister6249]

Wait so there’s a difference between putting the shifter to the side and hitting sport mode button?

[@reggyforest5299]

i like your honesty great info , what do you think of installing a bigger turbo for that mini

[@ProjectMini]

Thank you 🙏 a bigger turbo is coming soon 💪

[@TheDuckseason]

Love the content of your channel, Question , I for one don't want snap crackle and pop exhaust noises just good deep sound like the akrapovic-evolution-line-exhaust-system provides I have yet to find a video of them popping , is it possible to have good sound only vs the pops?

[@ProjectMini]

Yes, the pops are in the tune and are easily tuned out

[@TheDuckseason]

@@ProjectMini Yeah I am old school , back in my day if you had a car that sounded like a drive by you were made fun of lol .

[@codyrebelcb]

Do you have a tune?

[@danhurlbut776]

I have a 2011 mini 2door hatchback and a 2019 mini 4 door hatchback S twin turbo. I love mini,s Can someone tell me how I find out exactly what engine is in my 2011 mini, or how do I find out , I NEED TO ORDER SOME PARTS for it but I don’t know what engine is in it exactly , n14 , n16, n18 ??

[@punstress]

The link to the FB group says "This content isn't available right now. When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted."

[@elliott_hunter0510]

does sport mode burn more gas? how much? gas is so expensive right now

[@tm5346]

I do I always hoped that sports mode on the automatic put sport mode on D and then over to the right shift and he has pretty good peeep

[@SirThisWayPlz]

Nice video. Can u share how is thermostat tuned? According to my local tuner, it is not possible.

[@ProjectMini]

Thank you 🙏 i would look for a different tuner if he doesn’t know how to lower the temp that the ECU opens the electronically controlled thermostat.

[@EZ-D-FIANT]

These are map thermos he's right if your tuner doesn't understand run away........

[@stevenkunz4443]

Also if you press the sport button and than put it into the manually shift mode and shift once it will stay on that gear until you shift or until you hit redline.

[@ProjectMini]

Won’t that still be the case with the sport button off?

[@EZ-D-FIANT]

Pretty sure it does that anyway with full throttle, half throttle it'll shift early but full it will redline, I'm still to watch this video but in a manual sports just gives us a bit more torque and sharper steering thanks to that electric pump.....👍👌👍

[@tonycornish79]

Hi my sport mode button is blowing could packs. Does anyone know why . Thank you

[@stevenramkhelawan7974]

accelerator gets hot from mini cooper s r56 passenger side why

[@obnoxiouscat6269]

sport mode🧎🏻

[@user-pg5oz3xu6e]

Hello, the light of my sport mode button is on, but the green light is not on and sport is not written on the screen. What is the reason?

[@liamnac779]

Hey i’ve been wondering this for a while, as an N14 owner, is there a way to ‘re-enable’ pops/bangs from the exhaust? A lot of people mention mini removed it but can it be done? Thank you for your time

[@ProjectMini]

Yes, when you get a tune your tuner can put them back in

[@liamnac779]

@@ProjectMini Awesome thanks for the reply, what do you ask for? Or they know what to do when you ask?

[@ProjectMini]

Tell them you want pops and bangs

[@bimbomarcelo4822]

Nice video! I have a r56 2009, it produce white smoke when the engine gets warm up, specially from 1st gear to 2nd gear. What do you think is the problem?

[@ProjectMini]

Possibly a blown head gasket

[@EZ-D-FIANT]

Take your oil cap off and look under and inside it for white creamy sludge stuff, or do a comp test....

[@FannyMagolego]

Hi guys i like to follow your comment most of the time, I have mini cooper S R56 2013 I have problem recent with the steering is not turning smoothly is so tide. any one to help

[@gnmalai]

If you have manual gear shift, and use sport mode in the city, make sure you know how to use clutch otherwise it brokes very soon by 50.000 miles.

[@victorsmith5671]

Were are you located

[@austinmichaelcoleman6052]

So can you drive your r56 in sports mode without using the pedal shifters, and just use automatic?

[@ProjectMini]

Yes you can 👍

[@MATTOxxx69]

Absolutely 💯

[@doug1066]

The big downside to leaving sport mode on is a large decrease in fuel milage.

[@MatthewGill-nv4tb]

I'm curious.... I have 11 countryman all 4..... When I read my throttle and gas pedal position gas pedal shows 100% and throttle shows 85% Sport mode doesn't change it

[@leslievazquez2651]

Will it decrease the fuel economy when not running hard?

[@maxboya]

Yes

[@delfinagonzalez6716]

Tuned?

[@TomJerry-xm4ep]

Opens thermostat? No it actuates a pulley electronically that runs against the water pump pulley (not belt driven). They don’t use a conventional thermostat.

[@rodz1999]

So, do you recommend a pedal controller for even faster response?

[@user-hn9gm7cu9u]

Hi, please tell me how headlight washers work and how to turn them on on r56

[@ProjectMini]

They spray when you use your windshield washer fluid on your windows

[@user-hn9gm7cu9u]

@@ProjectMini can you make a video haw it works?

[@ProjectMini]

Do you know how to spray windshield wiper fluid on your windshield? If so then that’s all you do.

[@user-hn9gm7cu9u]

@@ProjectMini in my car it didn’t work :(

[@morganfoster2712]

@@user-hn9gm7cu9u your lights need to be on

[@MR.MUFFIIN]

Is it hard on your car driving with the sport mode on?

[@dealman3312]

I've also read that it increases your turbo by 1PSI

[@ProjectMini]

I haven’t heard that and don’t believe it to be true.

[@raymomull2258]

😂😂😂

[@husful6317]

Haha I also put my key in the left cup holder

[@ProjectMini]

It’s a perfect spot 😂

[@husful6317]

@@ProjectMini yeah but recently I’ve been reading that the keyhole will actually charge ur key for you, depends on what battery ur using and whatnot so after more research I might need to stop throwing the key in the cup holder

[@ProjectMini]

I don’t drive with the key in the cup holder, its just there when I’m at home working on my car

[@husful6317]

@@ProjectMini ahhh I see, I usually throw it in there so I don’t lose it

[@CAL9919A]

“You bought a sports car with paddle shifters” yeah my mom don’t listen to that.. her 2018 Mini Cooper S only leaves drive and mid mode when me and my dad are driving

[@jonpeach5851]

What r is mine cooper s 2017

[@MrPruffels]

Hi everyone, My names Phil in the UK - my wife bought a Mini Cooper S 2007 R56, earlier this year and i have been working through a number of issues from Brake cable replacement, bushes, valve cover etc, and found the KZbin films invaluable for the help required and diagnostics too. The lates issue we have is rough idling, I changed the spark plagues and coils and still not cured the problem O now suspect the oxygen sensor! Does anyone have any views or tips on this - am i going down the right path?>

[@KitchenSinkDefence]

Hope you found the issue! I had a problem with a rough idle that was caused with a faulty coolant temperature sensor

[@ananias-]

What about gas mileage on sport mode? It takes more gas ⛽️ than normal driving mode

[@pele2005]

I noticed my downshift paddle doesn't work.

[@igormartins6183]

Is it possible to install a SPort buton on 2010 n14 mini ?

[@ProjectMini]

I was unaware that they came without them

[@igormartins6183]

@@ProjectMini Mine doesn't have it, he came without

[@ProjectMini]

I don’t know if you can add it or not

[@dantheman7370]

While you’re at the sport button, I’m curious about the stop start button next to my sport button, I see you haven’t got one next to yours, I’m about to buy a battery and am looking at an agm one

[@ProjectMini]

What year is your car?

[@dantheman7370]

@@ProjectMini 2008

[@ProjectMini]

My start stop button in by the key fob

[@dantheman7370]

@@ProjectMini I’m meaning the auto stop start

[@ProjectMini]

Oh 😂 i don’t have that lol

[@ikoniclegend3839]

Does the sport mode option use up more fuel?

[@ProjectMini]

Yes because you are shifting later

[@Brytato]

New challenge, drink everything he says tuned.

[@joshb2492]

Yo does ur car have a tune ?

[@ProjectMini]

Yes, I’m stage 3 RPM Tuned

[@simplyasimpshifting1487]

Sport also uses a shit ton more gas tho. Gas is expensive 😭

[@billmcscotty6068]

Seems to me there is alot more propensity for wear and tear on the car; less fuel efficiency. I have an 09 R56 without the oil gauge. I wouldn't want to be low on oil and running the car that tight.

[@ProjectMini]

I also have an 09 R56, i check my oil way to often to be low on oil