[ReturnZero]

It seems like there are two separate sport modes, one by moving the transmission selector over to the side and another in the rocker switch next to the shifter. Do these do the same thing? What's the specific difference between the two? Is there a reason one would want to use one and not the other?

[nonagon]

Shifting to Sport with the gear selector only affects throttle/transmission. With DHP, besides throttle response, the other sport modes also can affect steering and chassis.

Also, shifting the gear selector to Sport will not let the car shift automatically once you start shifting manually with the paddles or the shifter. If you opt for Dynamic Handling Package the other sport modes (DHP has Normal, Sport and Sport +) will allow the transmission revert back to D after a short period after shifting manually.

When in D, I can't tell the difference, if there is one, in throttle response between Sport or Sport +, compared with shifter to the left - they each provide the same or similarly aggressive throttle, but not overly aggressive.

[ReturnZero]

What if you don't have the DHP? Then what does the sport mode on the rocker switch do?

[NYX335i]

The rocker switch, or the Dynamic Drive Control by BMW(sometimes called the Driving Experience Control), without DHP, will affect the throttle/tranny and steering feel.
You'll have tighter steering feel and more responsive tranny, holding gear longer similar like the DS mode.
But, DHP give you sharper steering with variable sport steering, and switchable damper feel with dynamic damper control.
If you enjoy spirited driving and sometimes want to push the X3 a little harder to edge, it's worth the price.

I'm planning on getting DHP.

[lbjgh]

I opted for the dynamic dampers and must say that the dynamic dampers are the best "bang for the buck" of any of the bmw "packages".

I tend to mix and match the eco pro/comfort/sport Driving Experience Control with the DS shifter mode.

Sport can be configured to adjust the chassis and/or the drivetrain where the sport+ if full sport with no configuration.

Surprisingly I use the paddle shifters less than I was expecting as the transmission seems to select the correct gear most of the time. The paddles are better used for gearing down while slowing or preparing to pass another vehicle.

[ReturnZero]

Interesting, I was planning on writing off DHP because I figured it was more of a gimmick. I'll have to re-evaluate...

How is the variable steering? Seems like it would be weird.

[NYX335i]

VSS for the X3 varies on the steering wheel angle or position, unlike some other systems based on vehicle speed.
So, for me, I think is a little easy to get familiar with changing steering ratio.
In term of speed based assistance, the standard servotronic will help with that.

So, with DHP, you also get Performance Control, which changed torque balance to 20 front/80 rear and brakes the inner rear wheel during cornering.
Combine that with VSS, you get sharper turns and more aggressive cornering.
And, Dynamic Damper helps hold the vehicle on the ground.

But, of course, you still have to obey the law of physics , that X3 is a taller vehicle than the 3 series sedan/coupe.

[Horsey]

Percentages of cars in the UK with various permutations of M-Sport and Suspension Type.

[ReturnZero]

What are those percentages? I don't understand what I'm looking at...

Going to start another thread to talk about the dynamic handling, see if I can't get some more feedback on that.

[Horsey]

Originally Posted by ReturnZero

What are those percentages? I don't understand what I'm looking at...

Going to start another thread to talk about the dynamic handling, see if I can't get some more feedback on that.

It shows how the various option pairs compare in popularity in the UK marketplace.

Most popular is non M-Sport with Regular suspension (54%).

Rather low take up on VDC (6.2%)

3:1 ratio of M-Sport with Sport suspension (29%) to M-Sport with Regular suspension (9%).

etc.

[xDrive35i]

You are not allowed to ask this question until you search the forum for the countless threads that have already answered it.

[lbjgh]

Damn statistics... damn good info too.

The standard suspension is very good but I am surprised there isn't better uptake on the dynamic dampers considering BMW are "driver's cars"

Anyway,

Originally Posted by Horsey

It shows how the various option pairs compare in popularity in the UK marketplace.

Most popular is non M-Sport with Regular suspension (54%).

Rather low take up on VDC (6.2%)

3:1 ratio of M-Sport with Sport suspension (29%) to M-Sport with Regular suspension (9%).

etc.

[clivem2]

Sport suspension is really good too - where you can get it! Maybe the stats should show NA Std Suspension too as I believe this is softer than Standard elsewhere in the world (don't know about Canada).

The difference in ride between European Std and Sport is minimal but the extra control over bumps with Sport I find is useful as is the slight extra bite in handling.

[tuco44]

Originally Posted by ReturnZero

What are those percentages? I don't understand what I'm looking at...

Going to start another thread to talk about the dynamic handling, see if I can't get some more feedback on that.

[Teemo Panda]

I had the 2012 35i 6 days ago for 6 months. Had all the packages with sport activity package except for the m sport and dhp.

In my 6 months of having the car before being exchanged by BMW, is that the suspension is a bit hard, felt every holes, and humps and unevenness of the road. But when in sport mode configuring just the chassis, i liked it.

Now, I have the 2013 28i, with all the packages without Dhp, I liked the suspension, soft but not that soft, just right imp.

[NYX335i]

Without DHP, both vehicles have the same suspension.

The only difference might be if they have different wheels and/or tires.