DIY Auto VSC Sport and AT Sport Mode
 

I've found that the default VSC mode is way too overzealous in when and how it engages and would rather the system started in Sport mode.

In order to do this one needs a timed relay to momentarily close the VSC switch after the engine is started. To accomplish this I found two small circuit boards that will perform the operations:
SECO-LARM SA-025Q
Altronix AX-6062
Both are available fairly cheaply at ~$20 or less online.

Both are configurable to do a number of settings, most notably the ability to set a several second delay after the power trigger to allow enough time from key on to engine start to take place.

After doing this research I remembered my friend had a similar system in his Mini Clubman using a device called the FES AutoSportPlus. The AutosportPlus has several advantages in that is programmable via switch key presses, it has an automatic 3 second delay after power on to allow for startup, and also can do several different switches with the one tiny circuit board. Since my friend no longer had his Mini, the price was right on the AutosportPlus: Free :w00t:

Since the Autosport module can do two switches in the configuration I received, I decided to wire both the VSC Sport button and the AT Sport button into the circuit.

After removing the shifter surround and disconnecting the switch module block, I exposed the wiring of the switches to make room for the Posi-Tap connectors:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7345/9...79aa39c6bf.jpg

The wires needed to tap are:
Pink: VSC Sport
Blue: AT Sport

For power and ground I tapped into the cigarette/aux power outlet lines from the center console
White: Power
Black: Ground

The AutosportPlus module has four wires to connect:
Red: Power (to White)
Black: Ground (to Black)
Yellow: "DSC Button Signal" (To Blue AT Sport)
Orange: "Sport Button Signal" (To Pink VSC Sport)

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3668/9...560f70ab70.jpg

Once it's all wired start your vehicle and verify the Autosport LEDs light up and show operational status.

Button programming is done via 5 second presses on the button to program. To set VSC Sport mode to default on, press and hold the VSC Sport button for 5 Seconds. The AutosportPlus LED will blink LED 1 to show its now programmed.

To Program the AT Sport mode, Press and hold the AT Sport button for 5 seconds, release and then press again for one second to set mode 1. Again the LEDs on the Autosport will confirm the setting.

Power off the car and restart. Approximately 3 seconds after start you will see the VSC Sport and AT Sport mode indicators activate.

Power off the car and find a good mounting point for the circuit board. Since the board has exposed pins on the back and the center console area has a lot of exposed metal I recommend attaching the module to either an exposed part of the carpet with Velcro (what I did) or using double sided tape to attach somewhere inside the center console itself.

Button up the center console and enjoy the full auto sport mode.

The best part - To turn it off just press and hold the button you want to change for five seconds. Back to stock settings for wife/girlfriend/dealer, no fuss no muss, no having to open the console and disconnect anything.