[sfiermon]

Has anyone done a driving comparison? I am NOT a racer and this will be a daily driver machine...will I notice a difference? (on a 35i?)

[DrKevM5]

Quicker throttle response, shifts at higher revs. Much sportier feel.

[richard in NC]

I think sport mode on the transmission is just higher RPM shifts. I use it often on freeway on ramps for the burst of acceration to merge. I haven't really compared shifting like that vs the dynamic control sport mode.

Note if you use the paddles to downshift, in D it returns to regular shifting, but if you then kick it left into DS mode, it actually stays in M holding the gear you chose. I do that when entering a twist section of road.

[02420X3]

Top speed ~150mph instead of 130mph.

[richard in NC]

OK, in sport mode, the transmission also holds gears longer and does a downshift first thing if in drive and a lower RPM.

[xDrive35i]

The regular 8-speed automatic has the same shift points in DS as the sports automatic, but when equipped with the Driving Dynamics Control switch (which all 2013+ have), the sports automatic switches gears faster when in SPORT drivetrain. Again, the shift points and patterns are by default EXACTLY THE SAME. What you pay for is faster shifting (from one gear to the next) and paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

Here is the release from bmw.com:

The most dynamic and comfortable way to save: the 8-speed automatic transmission not only ensures incredibly soft changes and reduces background noise at high speeds, it also significantly reduces fuel consumption. The transmission can be combined with all power units, including entry-level engines.
Only the rev counter will reveal how swiftly and comfortably the 8-speed automatic transmission changes gear. The individual gears are finely graduated so that the change takes place with small rev intervals and the transmission process itself is imperceptible. At the same time, the engine is always held at the performance level that allows it to make optimum use of its strength and efficiency. The system is assisted by the newly developed and more efficient converter clutch. At high speeds the engine revs drop due to the additional gears, thus decreasing fuel consumption and also engine noise.
BMW supplies the optional Sport automatic for an even more agile sensation of gear-changing and driving. In addition to faster gear changes, this additionally contains two paddle switches on the steering wheel and a shortened gear change lever, which makes an even more sporting style of driving possible.