535i "Sport" Mode

[Snagglepuss]

Just purchased this three days ago, no owners manual. Slowly but surely learning all the functions/controls.

One I can't find is how to put in the "Sport" mode which I have been told changes the driving characteristics.

Any help now and in future greatly appreciated

John

[ross1]

Change the gear selector down to 3rd, S will appear in the range indicator and the sport mode is engaged.

[PorscheH6]

Make sure you brace yourself for

HYPER

SPEED!!!!

[richinvan]

Change the gear selector down to 3rd, S will appear in the range indicator and the sport mode is engaged.

Well, I don't know when the changeover was, but on early 535's the selector button next to the auto shifter was 3 way - Slide up, slide down, and press down - one was for "M" mode (aka leaving it in a single gear for traction/snow), one was for "E" (economy) and one for "S" (sport mode, raises the shift points).

Later models didn't have the 3rd option and required shifting down like you indicated.

Pictures:
early sport mode switch


later switch


There was also a later switch I've seen that used a snowflake symbol instead of the "M":

[ross1]

Well, I don't know when the changeover was, but on early 535's the selector button next to the auto shifter was 3 way - Slide up, slide down, and press down - one was for "M" mode (aka leaving it in a single gear for traction/snow), one was for "E" (economy) and one for "S" (sport mode, raises the shift points).

Later models didn't have the 3rd option and required shifting down like you indicated.

Yeah, I remember something like that in an E32. The book for my '90 indicates operation as I've described, same in a '94 book.

[richinvan]

Yeah, I remember something like that in an E32. The book for my '90 indicates operation as I've described, same in a '94 book.

What was your build month, any idea? My '90 had the 3-way switch.

[ross1]

What was your build month, any idea? My '90 had the 3-way switch.

Mine is 4/90 but manual
To clarify, I have four different dated E34 manuals, 7/88, 9/89, 9/90 and 7/92.
all indicate same operation.
I seem to recall a winter mode in some E32s activated at the switch

[Snagglepuss]

Should have mentioned, it is a 1990 Canadian Model ( not sure if that matters ? ) The switch shown above for "later" models is like mine. Options are " M and A ". Guess that leaves me shifting to 3rd gear for the Sport mode.

Thanks to all, advice/solution appreciated.

[richinvan]

Snagglepuss, do you have your last 7 of your VIN handy?
I'm wondering if this has anything to do with options available.

[RedBeardTheLeal]

Change the gear selector down to 3rd, S will appear in the range indicator and the sport mode is engaged.

Mine has the 3 way shift as well. Sport, Eco, and Manual. I tried shifting to 3rd and hitting sport with no luck. It shifts to manual just fine but won't switch back to eco without turning off the car. Not sure if the switch is just buggered or what.