>>>>
>>Sorry, but that's simply not true...at least on my DSC-equipped S. I've found that the traction control component of DSC (the past that controls wheel spin) WILL allow some degree of wheel spin...just not what you might need to grind your way out of a snow drift. Under those circumstances (deep snow, going up hill), yes, turn it off. But the rest of the time -- e.g. slush, plowed snow roads, etc. -- it's fine.
>>
>>Of course, all of the above is based on the assumption that you're NOT trying to drive in snow/slush/ice on the stock performance runflats. You need all seasons or snow tires to drive in winter percipitation.

Incorrect. I have tested this and it certainly is true, at least under the conditions under which I've driven. With DSC on, if, from a stop or nearly a stop, you try to drive up a hill on a road that is completely covered with snow, ice, or slush--to the extent that the tires cannot come into contact with asphalt and cannot get the necessary traction, the MINI will eventually cease moving forward. This behavior is very easy to reproduce, and has happened to me a several times when I've forgotten to turn DSC off--even with my Blizzaks, which are terrific in the snow. I even tested this in my own driveway while it was covered with snow and ice to determine that the behavior is consistent. For wet, partially slushy, partially icy, or partially snow-covered roads--particularly level ones--DSC can be turned on and doesn't present a problem.

So I recommend turning DSC off when trying to go up a hill when the tires are not going to be able to get adequate traction, such as when a road is completely covered with snow, ice, or slush, and otherwise leaving it on.

 

^ Oh, ok, you didn't specify that the test was to stop on a steep hill covered with ice/snow and then try to drive forward. Yep, that's exactly the type of situation where the manual says to turn off the DSC. Of course, if you're moving when you encounter that hill, you're likely to be just fine.

And I guess if you want to be doing that sort of thing all of the time (stopping and starting on steep icy hills), you need something with AWD. My AWD minivan (and the Volvo wagon before it) handles that very well. :smile:

 

>>Of course, if you're moving when you encounter that hill, you're likely to be just fine.

Not necessarily. There is a steep hill on 108 on which I end up having to turn DSC off if the road is competely covered, not matter what speed at which I hit it. The problem is that length and angle of the incline prevent having enough momentum to get up the hill, shifting most of the burden to the traction wheels. I would suspect there are many more hills like this in the northern tier of the US.

>>
>>And I guess if you want to be doing that sort of thing all of the time (stopping and starting on steep icy hills), you need something with AWD. My AWD minivan does that sort of thing very well. :smile:

No thanks. The MINI does just fine as long as DSC is turned off.

 

>>>>
>>Sorry, but that's simply not true...at least on my DSC-equipped S. I've found that the traction control component of DSC (the past that controls wheel spin) WILL allow some degree of wheel spin...just not what you might need to grind your way out of a snow drift. Under those circumstances (deep snow, going up hill), yes, turn it off. But the rest of the time -- e.g. slush, plowed snow roads, etc. -- it's fine.
>>
>>Of course, all of the above is based on the assumption that you're NOT trying to drive in snow/slush/ice on the stock performance runflats. You need all seasons or snow tires to drive in winter percipitation.


ABSOLUTELY!


I live in "snow county" and can tell you from first-hand experience that for snow conditions you will be best served by:
(1) Turning DSC OFF when starting from a stop;
(2) Once you are moving, turn DSC ON.

You have to sense the conditions and modify this approach, though. In the last several days we have been dealing with a fair amount of ice. I have found that keeping DSC ON when starting from a stop on ice has worked fairly well also.

 

WV,
I like your picks. I got the 17s ONLY because I love the "MiniLite" look. They are harsher than I would prefer. I HATE my Auto A/C. (wife's choice) I want the three dials. I do not like to have to look down to change settings. That is also why I did get the MFSW. I do not have to look at my radio at all, just push buttons on back of the wheel. Sunroof, I could live without, again, wife's choice. Heated seats (I also go cloth for comfort) are a must for me in Indiana. I imagine WV gets cold enough, too. So I ended up with all 3 packages. If it were just for me, I would have been closer to yours.
Enjoy it, I know you will. Don't expect good gas mileage because it sounds like you will be driving it enthusiastically, too.
Cheers,
John L
p.s. it has been so long, you forgot how to spell "Giulietta". I had a Giulia spider and now have a Milano Verde (anyone want to buy it?)

 

>>DSC is a great feature, but remember to turn if OFF on snow- or slush-covered surfaces or on an incline the car will basically come to a stop.

Got my car upgraded to v36 and the DSC doesn't do this any more. I leave it on all the time and it works great now. Granted, if you don't have snow tires then I'm sure you'll still have to turn it off. I'm in Canada, home of snow and cold!

Trust, me, try the V36 and I can assure you the DSC is WAAAAY better behaved. I use to turn it off ALL of the time even just on cold (-20c) days as right turns at red lights used to be a challenge on cold tires. Now, no problems at all. The traction portion of the DSC recovers way quicker and allows for a wack load more wheel spin.

Paul

 

John,

Thanks for the vote of confidence in my choices. Your input on the MFSW has convinced me that it is a safety feature so I am going to include it as well.

I bet you are right, I will be most likely not get the best gas mileage.

I never could get Italian spellings right.

Rick

 

>>>>DSC is a great feature, but remember to turn if OFF on snow- or slush-covered surfaces or on an incline the car will basically come to a stop.
>>
>>Got my car upgraded to v36 and the DSC doesn't do this any more. I leave it on all the time and it works great now. Granted, if you don't have snow tires then I'm sure you'll still have to turn it off. I'm in Canada, home of snow and cold!
>>
>>Trust, me, try the V36 and I can assure you the DSC is WAAAAY better behaved. I use to turn it off ALL of the time even just on cold (-20c) days as right turns at red lights used to be a challenge on cold tires. Now, no problems at all. The traction portion of the DSC recovers way quicker and allows for a wack load more wheel spin.
>>
>>Paul
>>
>>

This makes me wish I knew what version of software my '04 MCS is running.

 

^ Right, I forgot to note that I have the CD36 software too. It definitely tames the traction control (as has been consistently noted in other threads) from previous versions. I really (especially now) have no problems driving uphill on snow/ice, with my Blizzaks, with DSC/traction control ON.

MCS, you should just go to the dealer and ask them to check your version (they use the BMW diagnostic computer to check). Although, unless you're experiencing a stumble in addition to over-zealous traction control I'd think long and hard about upgrading...but that's the subject for another thread.

 

WV,
Realizing that your original query was about DSC, I am not so sure about it. I have a 11/2003 build 2004 model S. I try to remember to shut off the DSC before pulling out onto a busy street. It will bog you down when you need it least. I have learned that if I get caught with it on and need to get moving, I can rev it way up and it seems to let me do that and with just a touch of clutch lag or slip, I can get out. Based on the above posts, I have to check to see if I have v36. I assumed I had the latest because the car is so new, but it is worth checking.
So if I were doing it again I think I may just go with the standard ASC. I haven't driven one to compare though. And I don't know if it can be turned off (I don't think so). That is one thing about DSC, you can override it.
But not getting DSC or the 17s will mean not getting the sport package, saving a bunch. And still one helluva lot of fun.
Cheers,
John L
(I started with a 66 Spitfire, before the Alfa obsession-way back when, like you, into the British cars) :smile:

 

>>get it.
>>you'll need it.


AMEN!

I got the stock 16" wheels and DSC.
The ride rocks! Solid and smooth and under control.

Computer assisted driving sure beats the Human behind the wheel (that's me)!
When I mess up, it keeps the car on the road for me. I drive very fast and crazy sometimes and it's been a lifesaver. When I turn it off, it's like the car is out of control. The steering is loose as a goose. Feels light weight - like my old Toyota from the 80's!

And listen to the ads. . What's Mercedes, BMW, VW, Porsche ... all saying they have? Dynamic Stability Control systems, computer assisted braking, on and on...

 

You won't regret getting the MFSW. I guest it's because I'm old and/or live in an area when there are highways with little traffic, but no way I'd do without cruise control. Oh yeah, it's easier to fiddle with the stereo and...........if you sell the car it'll be easier to sell with cruise control.

Sounds like a great MINI, you're gonna love it!!!!



R.E.