hi everyone,
just place an order for a moderately loaded base countryman...i was told that the Standard Dynamic Stability Control also has Traction Control. if that is the case, should i still get Dynamic Traction Control ($250 extra)...i live in massachusetts...so not sure if this will give me better options in the winter. any help, especially from base engine owners (since DTC is not standard) would help. (my mini dealer said the DTC is not necessary on a base...but some of my readings said it could help on slippery surfaces)
thanks in advance for the quick responses.

 

You never need it until you really need it. Point is, if you just use it once, it could save you much more than the $250.

 

+1

 

The dynamic stability control is the one that could save your life and it is standard. My understanding is the DTC will act like an electronic limited slip which is useful during spirited driving - but I expect it to be also useful in the snow. So when you corner on slippy corner, you should expect power to be forced over to the wheel with most traction via the brakes... instead of having the traction control kick in and cut power, etc. which slows you down and IMO is really annoying on a front wheel drive car.

 

The DTC option includes the E-diff. It is also less of a nanny and is more useful when driving in snow. You can read about it at www.miniusa.com or in the manual available online at ol.miniusa.com.

 

It should also offer you an extra discount on your car insurance as a safety feature as well as add to resale value of the car...

 

I had DTC in an E91 3 series and in my Clubman, it's of no use at all in snow, if anything it's a problem, my dealer even recommended you turn it off when starting in snow.

 

2011 manual:

When driving with snow chains or to 'rock free' in snow, it can be helpful to switch off DSC for a brief period.

In the following exceptional situations, it can be useful to briefly activate DTC:

when driving on snow-covered inclines, in slush, or on uncleared snowy roads

when rocking the vehicle free, driving out of deep snow or on loose surfaces

when driving with snow chains

 

Which pretty much sums up how useless DTC really is in snow.

 

DTC is pretty helpful driving in snow and gives you some traction control without constantly cutting power to the wheels like DSC. I don't know whether I'd pay extra for it, but it's nice to have.

 

yikes...so some say yes and some say no...two dealerships told me it is not needed as it is mainly for aggressive driving...but i dont know what to do...i have till tomorrow...250 isnt going to break me on a 28k car...but hate to spend money just because. maybe buying traction control is like the foglights...probably will never need it.- i did away with my fogs but i did get the xenon adaptive lights