I am going to order a MCS and have been debating the DSC option. The driver in me is skeptical about turning over control to a computer. Is this option necessary and desirable? I have read many posts about turning it off for starts on slippery roads, which also turns off ACS. Seems to me that ACS and a good driver is better than DSC. Any thoughts?

 

More than one MINI has been lost too turning the DSC off. The car is short, not the shortest wheelbase ever but still short. This means that it can get hairy quicker than the average driver can say "oh SH*& !!

Is it needed, no. Does it help in the snow, yes. If your doing 80 in the rain and some jerk cuts you off, could it save the car, yes. In day to day driving it's no harder to turn it off than ASC. It, in my opinion, lifts the Mini to a higher class of safety than a Cavalier or a Neon, might someday warrant a insurance break and brings a certain peace of mind.

If you are experienced FWD race car driver than you may find it useless. If you are Joe average and might get to do some track time or autocrossing, I say get it, leave it in on public roads and turn it off on the track.

Hope that helps !!!

 

>>More than one MINI has been lost too turning the DSC off. The car is short, not the shortest wheelbase ever but still short. This means that it can get hairy quicker than the average driver can say "oh SH*& !!
>>
>>Is it needed, no. Does it help in the snow, yes. If your doing 80 in the rain and some jerk cuts you off, could it save the car, yes. In day to day driving it's no harder to turn it off than ASC. It, in my opinion, lifts the Mini to a higher class of safety than a Cavalier or a Neon, might someday warrant a insurance break and brings a certain peace of mind.
>>
>>If you are experienced FWD race car driver than you may find it useless. If you are Joe average and might get to do some track time or autocrossing, I say get it, leave it in on public roads and turn it off on the track.
>>
>>Hope that helps !!!
>>
Thank you for the constructive advice. I am not a stranger to driving little cars at high speeds but you make some very valid points about safety enhancement, possible future insurnace rate benefits and handling in unexpected situations.

My first car was an Alfa Romeo Gulietta Spider, followed by a 1961 MGA that I totally rebuilt. I did have the pleasure of driving a Mini my senior year in high school (1972). My father owned a car dealership so I got to drive many different cars under many different conditions but I don't consider myself an expert on racing small FWD cars, maybe small rear wheel drive cars but this is a different ball game.

The decision has been made I am going to spring for the DSC. Do you recommend the 17" wheels or the 16"? If you recommend the 17" the logical choice is the sport package. Previous experience tells me bigger wheels are better but then this is a new ventre for me.

 

The stock 17 are very heavy, but in my opinion look really good on the car. I got the 17s with the sport package with the intention of selling them and getting new wheels. I'm having a hard time finding wheels I like better for a reasonable price.

When/if I go aftermarket, I'm not sure if I'll go 16s or 17s. The 17s do look good, though the 16s are probably a better choice for weight savings.

 

I did not get DSC or 17's. I think the ASC is intrusive enough and gives me the added safety. I choose the 16's cuz they look better in my opinion and I wanted more of a smooth ride. I plan on many road trips and don't race around like I used to.

 

On dry pavement, I turn the DSC off because it's too intrusive. In fact, it's downright scared the crap out of me a couple times when I was trying to get out of a tight spot, pull into traffic, and the like. For performance driving on dry roads, I also turn it off - I want control of the car, not the other way around. While autocrossing, well I needn't continue... :smile:

Now, on wet pavement I tend to leave it on. It does work very well in the wet from my informal testing.

We don't get much snow or nasty wintery roads here in Dallas, so for that I can't say!

 

Get DSC if you live in or plan to live where it snows!! The DSC has saved my butt several times when motoring in the snow. I am a decent driver but the snow can really mess with the short wheel base of the MINI.

 

You'll have more fun with the 16's...

 

The DSC on snow works pretty well. Otherwise I turn it off. On my MCS with the 15% pulley if I get a little aggresive on the launch, the DSC kills the engine and leaves me with no go while turning before on-coming traffic. Also the car is still very new and am still getting used to the clutch feel.

If you are an alert/attentive driver there is no need for it.

 

>> The decision has been made I am going to spring for the DSC. Do you recommend the 17" wheels or the 16"? If you recommend the 17" the logical choice is the sport package. Previous experience tells me bigger wheels are better but then this is a new ventre for me.

I took the sport package with the 16's. Saved the $100 or so. Then I bought lightweight 17's and non run flats for the summer.

 

I came extremely close to not getting it and changed my mind at the last minute and I'm glad i did. It's not that intrusive for normal driving. And it is sooooo easy to spin the front tires on this car that the dsc actually HELPS get you moving on wet roads. I leave it on most of the time for safety reasons. The computer is going to act a lot quicker than me. That said, i do turn it off when i want to have a little fun. But for most of my driving I leave it on.
And for wheels, i opted for the 16's with runflats for now. We'll see what happens when these wear out.

 

My '04 MCS was ordered without DSC. I found DSC to be pretty intrusive in dry pavement and much prefer the concept of the standard ASC+T traction control. I live in Miami where winter snow is nothing more than a fairy tale, so DSC was not a must and saved $500 in the process (Bought HK stereo instead). Also I strongly suggest you skipping the heavy 17" S-Lites and stick to stock R84 16" V-spokes wheels. Best balance of handling and ride comfort. The 17" due to their low profile design are pretty vulnerable to damage from sudden road potholes and the rims kerb easily if you accidentally kiss the curb...these problems are greatly minimized with 16" tires.

I might go for 16" R90 Anthracite rims when MINI releases them


When buying the MCS always think = LESS IS BETTER!

 

I've found DSC impressive but intrusive when it's slippery. The car has a tendancy to bog down in snow or even on very cold tires as the DSC is designed to allow NO wheels spin at all. MINI's recommendation is to turn the DSC off to get going then back on again when driving. Forgetting to turn it off when joining a rush of traffic on a cold day can be dangerous. That's until I got the v36 software. v36 now allows for significant wheels spin and I no longer even consider turning it off in deep snow at a stop sign or light.

Just yesterday I came off the highway onto the off ramp up to the lights. Lights were green and made a left at the lights pushing the car a little. As it was cold outside the front tires started to loose traction as I was turning the DSC kicked in and off I went. In the 18 months I've had my car it was the most satisfying display of DSC I've ever seen. The car no longer bogs at all and the DSC kicks in to fix over/understeer as needed. Sure, I turn it off on the track but on the street, especially in the winter I wouldn't think of it.

It can't save you from bone headed moves that break the laws of physics but it does help. I'm doing a winter autocross in a couple of weeks and will most likely leave it on, especially if the parking lot is snow covered. However I wouldn't dream of doing that without v36.

Paul

 

DSC............ yes
17" wheels.... no

I have a MC. I like the DSC now that I am use to it. I almost never turn it off.
Unless you love the looks of the 17" wheels stay with the 16". There is no performance gain with the stock 17" wheels that overcomes the added weight. They do look good though.
John

 

why is DSC better the ASC in snow?

 

http://www.esceducation.org/about_es...n_action.shtml

esc = MINI's dsc.

 

>>>> The decision has been made I am going to spring for the DSC. Do you recommend the 17" wheels or the 16"? If you recommend the 17" the logical choice is the sport package. Previous experience tells me bigger wheels are better but then this is a new ventre for me.
>>
>>I took the sport package with the 16's. Saved the $100 or so. Then I bought lightweight 17's and non run flats for the summer.

I drove 30 miles the other night on high crowned back country roads which were all ice (very carefully I might add). Thank you MINI the DSC is very impressive.
I am now a true believer in DSC.

 

I was not going to order the DSC, but my wife talked me into it.

I think it is terrific in wet, ice and dry.

And if you want to feel in control, you can turn it off.

Regards,
Red

 

I appreciate the input and I have decided on my list of options. they are:

MCS, Pepper White/Black
DSC
Front Fog Lamps (I live in a rural area and want to see where I am driving on Foggy nights)
Xenon Headlights (helps me spot animals easier on country roads)
Rear Fog Lamps (nice to be seen in bad weather)
Silver Wheels
16" V-Spoke with all season run-flats (17" seems like hype)
Dark Grey Space Cloth Upholstery w/ Panther
Black In terior Door Casing
S-Style Sport Leather Wheel
Standard Sound
Anthracite Dash

I did not include the Premium Package because I don't want a moon roof.

I did not include the Sport Package because I don't want the 17" wheels.

I did not include the Cold Weather Package since I want to keep possible electrical problems limited as much as possible.

I did not include the Optional Steering Wheel and Cruise since I like to drive the car and have probably used cruise a total of 200 miles in the past 15 years.

I think the options, or lack thereof, indicate my philosopy of buying a Mini. I feel that a Mini is a car whose strong points are it's technology that make it safe, good handling and fun to drive. I personally think too many luxuries on a car of this type only serve to remove me from the experience of driving the car. To date I have owned many differrent cars, including a 1961 MGA, Alfa Romeo Gulietta Spider, VW Beetle(s) the original ones, Mazda RX 7, Mercedes Benz, Audi, VW Jetta, Subaru (several), and others I drove from my fathers dealership. To date the one car I remember with the most fondness is the MGA and it had sliding plastic side windows, a wire for a door latch, and a rubber plug you had to remove to get heat from the drive train as a heater and it was a total blast to drive. If I wanted to be wrapped in total luxury and enjoy the comforts of my living room I would not buy a Mini, I would buy another MB or Audi. I also think I will save many trips to the dealer and the frustration of having luxury options that will most likely not functon 10 years down the road (yes, I'm gonna keep it forever).

However, I am not flaming anyone who gets their Mini decked out, that is why they are called Options. Options helps everyone get what they want.

 

WVMINI,
You're going to love your MCS! I pursued a more minimalist approach to options on my beloved MC, too,....got exactly the options I wanted, nothing I didn't......and I've never regretted my decisions.....none! For me keeping costs reasonable was really part of the fun and IMO, a MINI in any spec is still just a super little car. Its great that diffferent drivers can design their car to be just what they want it to be to suit their needs/desires....and then mod it afterwards to boot if they want!

 

I think you did an excellent job! My specs are a little different, but like you, I didn't get any of the packages. They mostly drive up the cost with things you don't want.

Other than the color, Xenons and the sunroof I did what you did.

I didn't get the Premium Package because so many people complain about the auto AC. I didn't get the Sports Package because of the 17" wheels.

now... if it would only get here!

emerika

 

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.

 

get it.
you'll need it.

 

>>I did not include the Premium Package because I don't want a moon roof.
>>
>>I did not include the Sport Package because I don't want the 17" wheels.
>>
>>I did not include the Cold Weather Package since I want to keep possible electrical problems limited as much as possible.
>>
>>I did not include the Optional Steering Wheel and Cruise since I like to drive the car and have probably used cruise a total of 200 miles in the past 15 years.
>>
>>I think the options, or lack thereof, indicate my philosopy of buying a Mini. I feel that a Mini is a car whose strong points are it's technology that make it safe, good handling and fun to drive.
If I wanted to be wrapped in total luxury and enjoy the comforts of my living room I would not buy a Mini, I would buy another MB or Audi. I also think I will save many trips to the dealer and the frustration of having luxury options that will most likely not functon 10 years down the road (yes, I'm gonna keep it forever).
>>
>>However, I am not flaming anyone who gets their Mini decked out, that is why they are called Options. Options helps everyone get what they want.

You'll love the car w/ the features you've decided on. A few thoughts: DSC is a great thing to have when you need it. Yes, you can turn it off for spirited driving, but most who've had it help them are more than grateful for the feature- accidents are never planned for, especially on wet or slick roads. In West Virginia you probably won't need the cold weather package but I live in Oregon and it's wonderful to have heated seats for the cold mornings and evenings. Re: the ACC- I freely admit to not using it in automatic mode much at all. However, it's ridiculously easy to set up to use as a manual system, and the overall look (especially when lit up!) is just so much cooler than the standard 3 dial that I wouldn't have it any other way. MFSW: it's not about cruise control nearly as much as the sound system. If you use your radio/CD player much and you've ever used the MFSW for any extended time, you'll grow to really like the ease of the hands-off use. I've been driving my MC for a year, I've got a new MINI S ordered, and I would not be w/out these options. Sigh... guess a bit of luxury can really spoil a body

_________________

 

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.