Ok, I've been reading some threads on NAM concerning the subject acronyms, but I'm still somewhat perplexed.

1. ASC+T: Automatic Stability Control
2. DSC: Dynamic Stability Control
3. EDTC: Dynamic Traction Control with Electronic Differential Tracking Control

Are they purposely trying to confuse us?!

Anyway...The first 2 seem to be standard on a Cooper S or Cooper S Camden.

Now, the 3rd one is where I get lost... What does it offer that the other 2 don't?

And how come I can add it as an option on a Cooper S ($325 CND), but can't on a Cooper S Camden?

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

 

ASC: All Season Control - cuts engine power when drive wheels start to spin. IMO, this option usually sucks.

DSC: Dynamic Stability Control - this is a safety system that attempts to keep the car going in the same direction as the front wheels are pointed. This has to do with cornering, not so much for acceleration. If various yaw, wheel speed, and other sensors determine that the car is sliding, it will apply the brake to a specific wheel to rotate the car back to the direction the front wheels are pointing.

EDLC: Electronic Differential Lock Control - this is a more sophisticated traction control system that replaces the mechanical limited slip differential (LSD). In spite of its name, it does not lock the differential. It feathers the brake of a drive wheel that is beginning to spin on acceleration. This causes the differential to transfer power to the other drive wheel. EDLC comes with the DTC option. This option allows you to turn off ASC, DSC, and DTC leaving only EDLC running.

 

Thanks a lot for this info Robin!

Now the question is: Should I get EDTC (assuming I can get it on the Camden, and if I end up going for this car)? I live in Canada, so we have hazardous driving conditions at times...

 

Yes get DTC, it's a cheap option, well worth it. If not for performance, you can always use it for slippery surfaces (snow, ice, ect).

 

 

Ok - I'll most likely get it. It's a cheap option. I was just curious to learn if I'd find it useful at all. I'd have to remember to activate it when most appropriate. That'd be my biggest challenge!

Now it remains to be seen why I can't add it when I build a Camden S... Strange...

Thanks a bunch!

 

One useful thing about the DTC option is that it lets you turn some of the electronic systems off. You don't need to activate anything, they are all on by default.

Talk to your dealer. They can sometimes add things that cannot be added in the online Configurator.

 

Um... Talked to a dealer last night. They told me I cannot add EDTC on an automatic -- and -- that this option is being discontinued anyway! Then why could I build an automatic Cooper S with it online? I know the online configurator is not bullet proof but still...

 

Wait... So your dealer told you that:

-You can't get DTC with an auto

-DTC is being discontinued?


Do you have any other dealers around?

 

Yes, that is exactly what they said! (So I guess this is incorrect?)

They seemed pretty "confident"... Kept telling me : We're not out to get you. We're the biggest Mini dealership in Canada, and we're here to work for you. Ha.

I have 1 dealer in my area but a few 1h30 away (where the above delear is located)... I'm talking to 4 right now trying to find the best deal possible, and it seems appropriate information, on what is actually available or not!

 

The dealer appears to be confusing the edtc with the now discontinued mechanical lsd. I spoke with about seven different motoring advisors. None of them understood any of the handling stuff.

 

Make that edlc which comes with dtc.

 

If you are asking them about EDLC, you may be confusing them. EDLC is not an option. The option is DTC. EDLC is just part of that option. Where you asking for DTC?

 

I would agree that this is most likely. The mechanical LSD wasn't available on autos and it was recently discontinued altogether.

 

I said that I was interested in the 3rd stability/traction option, not the 2 standard ones, which are ASC+T and DSC...

But based on the feedback you've all provided, I'm sensing that terminology confusion may have played a part in the dealer's response... I'll try to be more precise when it comes down to referring to DTC (which comes with EDLC), and which I'm considering adding to my car.

 

The Camden Package includes Dynamic Traction Control.

 

I don't see it in the package's description. All I see are ASC+T and DSC... Are you in the States? Maybe it's included there but not in Canada?

 

Yes, I'm in the states and was looking at miniusa.com.

 

Also...I may be mistaken but at least down here in the states...I believe that the EDTC came along with the DTC on my Camden (and perhaps come together on all MINIs)