I am ordering a new mini. Regular coooper. Do you use DSC at any auto-x events in the rain? I was told by someone that it is usefull in the wet, but I have a GTi that has traction control and I never use it because it does not work right. What are your thoughts on the Mini's DSC??

Thanks

 

I’ve heard people talk about poor driving conditions and DCS being useful, but I don’t have snow and little rain in the area I live so always turn my DSC off soon as I start my MCS. As far as using it during auto-x even if wet, I would think not. You’re going to push your MINI to the max and will have to fight with the DSC the entire time. I’d just turn it off and let the car work for you, not against you, but I've never run an auto-x with it on.

 

I have heard conflicting suggestions. Some say to leave DSC off all the time and others have suggested trying DSC in the rain during Auto-X. I am going to experiment with it the first chance I have to race in the rain. I will run without it, then take my second run with DSC. After that, I will make my own decision, but I suspect I will end up leaving it OFF even in the rain.

For my daily driving, i turn DSC off, but make sure that it is on when the weather gets foul. I have had the opportunity to hit a huge long 100 foot puddle at highway speeds and was very impressed how the DSC kept the MINI moving in a straight line as if the puddle had not been there. DSC is definitely a great safety feature in the rain, although it is questionable whether it is of any use while racing.

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SE Regional, BAMA Club Moderator: PM me

 

My car does not have DSC, but I've driven a Cooper S in the rain at one event and left the DSC on for those runs.
My take was that in a heavy downpour where traction is difficult and the course has off camber turns and such, it was beneficial to have DSC and drive like it's DRY! I was able to keep my foot to the floor and throw caution to the wind, driving into every turn hard, braking and lifting hard. Honestly, I never bothered to turn it off at that event.
***BTW, this event was in April of 2002, prior to owning my Cooper S, and probably prior to many even running an autocross in a Cooper S. I had driven several Coopers at this point (inlcuding the Helix car in February).***

I would prefer not to use DSC if I had the option now so that I can tell more what the car is doing. In Atlanta, in the REALLY deep water (right course), I used ASC/Traction Control and turned a faster time. BUT, that involved going through a river several inches deep and uphill.

So what am I suggesting? If it's a flood with deep water, use it. If it's just raining, don't.

Brian

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2002 SCCA Pro Solo H Stock Champion/ STX Cooper S in 2003/G Stock Cooper S in 2004. Moderator: PRO SOLO and G STOCK
garfield@northamericanmotoring.com

 

Thanks Brain
I will be getting it on my car, I probably will not use it at any events but I will be driving every day with tthe car so I guess it is not bad to have.