Maybe it is because I just came from drving an M3 without traction control for the past 8 yrs (and is heavily modified, too), but now that I am paying attention to it, it seems I get the ASC light to come on a lot, and this is on dry roads! And I am not even driving the car hard because it is not broken in yet!! I promised myself I would keep ASC on until the car is broken in, but it is getting more difficult to resist turning it off !!

title edited by Ryephile

 

Is it the DSC you're referring to? I believe the ASC is something you can't disable and is found on all MINIs.

 

In the USA MINI, ASC is standard on the Cooper S. On both the Cooper and S it is part of the DSC system. You cannot get plain ASC on the MC in the US. If you have ASC, it can be disabled. The ASC switch is in the same location as the DSC switch.

 

MiniCD is right:

Cooper - no traction control standard, DSC optional
Cooper S - ASC standard, DSC optional

jmciver; since you're used to a rear-drive car, may I suggest some active modification of your driving-style to better suit the dynamics of front-drive vehicles. I came into the MINI from a 3-series also, so I know exactly what you're feeling.

Good luck,
Ryan

 

I beg to differ, but ASC is standard on MC. DSC is an enhanced ASC. Its in the promotional brochure.

 

I am not sure I would trust the promotional brochure. Also, there are items in the owner's manual which don't actually exist on delivered cars, brake service interval for instance, was phased out during the 2002 model year but is still described in the manual.

If you have ASC, you have a toggle switch to turn it off, and a light on the dash when it cuts in. I drove a Canadian MC which did have ASC, neither our '02 or '03 MINIs have ASC or DSC.

 

Yes, I stand corrected. ASC is standard on the MCS, and DSC is optional on both.

So, can this option be added aftermarket?

 

>>MiniCD is right:
>>
>>Cooper - no traction control standard, DSC optional
>>Cooper S - ASC standard, DSC optional
>>
>>jmciver; since you're used to a rear-drive car, may I suggest some active modification of your driving-style to better suit the dynamics of front-drive vehicles. I came into the MINI from a 3-series also, so I know exactly what you're feeling.
>>
>>Good luck,
>>Ryan

So Ryephile any driving suggestions for an M3 auto-x driver turned FWD driver ....) I can make it turn on. I guess this is from all that auto-x'ing I have been doing !!!

And T-REX, to answer your question, yes there are aftermarket traction control systems, most of them being very expesnive since they are designed for race applications. Unless you live in a climate that sees wintery weather, you really don't need/want it anyway. Just drive smart (which means slow down) when it is wet on the roads.

 

>>>>MiniCD is right:
>>>>
>>>>Cooper - no traction control standard, DSC optional
>>>>Cooper S - ASC standard, DSC optional
>>>>
>>>>jmciver; since you're used to a rear-drive car, may I suggest some active modification of your driving-style to better suit the dynamics of front-drive vehicles. I came into the MINI from a 3-series also, so I know exactly what you're feeling.
>>>>
>>>>Good luck,
>>>>Ryan
>>
>>So Ryephile any driving suggestions for an M3 auto-x driver turned FWD driver ....) I can make it turn on. I guess this is from all that auto-x'ing I have been doing !!!


I think you're right about not needing the traction control, even thought we got clobbered with snow last winter here in New York, I dont really drive alot anyway. Besides, I just completed a road trip from ny-chi and back and it rained 90% on the return, and the car handled exceedingly well even above 70mph. Thanks for the tip, hal
>>
>>And T-REX, to answer your question, yes there are aftermarket traction control systems, most of them being very expesnive since they are designed for race applications. Unless you live in a climate that sees wintery weather, you really don't need/want it anyway. Just drive smart (which means slow down) when it is wet on the roads.