[jko3]

Originally Posted by G3_M3_FY04

Which really amplifies the actual point of this thread: For the average enthusiast out there the e46M3 is way too much to handle- things are possible due to the stability electronics, which side effects including overconfidence from driver's side.

Glad you brought the e30 up, approximately half the HP without driver aids will still give you a run for your money...

Yes many cars out there before electronic aids era, some with lots of power, some without so much power - still very drivable, streetable, and spirited streetable.
G3_M3_FY04 - spot on with the overconfidence. If you need to drive with BMW's DSC on on the street as a safety net, then you're darn lucky you're driving a BMW and not something else.

DSC always off (unless i forget and bog down on a shift, then its off).
That said, i think sport mode is pretty useless too - again for the public to make the car feel sporty... really all it does is rob your ability to modulate the throttle through the corner. If you want 100% throttle, then depress the pedal 100% ! simple as that!
Now if you actually want response, then a light flywheel is the way to go.

[glbuisson]

I leave DSC on except when I take my car to the track. It has the bad habit to kick in in the middle of a fast sweeper.

[FCars4Ever]

Originally Posted by Istvan

But say that you can safely take on a ramp at 60MPH, one day you come to the same ramp, and take it at 60MPH as you have done a 1000 times, but this time, it is dark, the road is dry, but just after "Apex" of the corner, someones engine has broken down, and there is oil in your lane.

First off, I doubt I will ever have to run into this situation because there are way too many deer in my area to take any on ramp at 60 at night.

Also, I think if you are coming through a curve and hit a huge slick of oil at 60 MPH, DSC on or off, your car is going to spin out/lose control.

Two stories:

My friend hit a patch of sand coming out of a curve right around that speed (60 MPH) with his 2005 STI and spun out and totaled the car.

My brother hit a small patch of ice in his Mercedes at 35 MPH coming off of the highwaywhile DSC was on and spun out and ended up totaling the car.

Luckily in both instances, they walked away with no harm.

Like I was saying, DSC isn't something that you should have to rely on to save you because it will not always prevent accidents. Driver skill and knowledge will always be better than relying on technology.

[Bents]

Originally Posted by emotiv12

Thank God for Track Mod on the ZCP....I hate DSC it is over-invasive!
unfortunately it needs to be.....fun fact:

E46 M3's, according to Progressive auto insurance have a 100% accident rate. This means that statistically you WILL wreck your car.... (for every person who doesnt wreck an M, another one wrecks theirs twice)

The M is an incredibly balanced track tuned vehicle; this is great for those with track experience, but makes a whole lot of sub-par drivers feel like a Heidfeld or Kubica.

[tonggi]

Originally Posted by maddog2020

If you notice the 2 lessons I identified in my original post:

1 - don't drive faster than you can control, and understand that surface conditions and other factors can change very quickly
2 - LEAVE THE DSC ON AT ALL TIMES ON THE STREET


You'll see that driving responsibly was one of them. I'm confused though. If you always drive to your limits, then why leave DSC off. Are you Michael Schumacher and are so talented that your limits exceed those of the car's electronics?

I drive to my limit meaning I know how to drive correctly on the road. not like an a$$hat that almost crashes cause he wants to take a highway off ramp like a pro racer.

I value my safety and that of my car and those around me. I don't do stupid things like this on the highway (that in case you needed to be pointed out is my limit) I drive with DSC off just cause I can and have no problems with it. unless like Dimitri said in the snow or rain.

[maddog2020]

Originally Posted by tonggi

not like an a$$hat that almost crashes

Interesting. I post suggesting to average drivers (like me) that they leave DSC on, and get myself called an a$$hat - whatever that is.

I've been driving for more than 25 years and have never had any kind of accident....touch wood. I've spent quite a bit of time on track and in autoX events. I understand my own limits, and was certainly reminded of them the other day. We're fortunate here in California to have dry roads the majority of the time, and so I was somewhat surprised to run into a wet patch on an on-ramp I drive every day, and was very happy to have DSC on. It is precisely these kind of unexpected conditions that make electronic stability control a very good thing.

If you're unable to maintain a decent level of decorum then I suggest you remain quiet and keep your opinions to yourself.

Ian

[tonggi]

Originally Posted by maddog2020

Interesting. I post suggesting to average drivers (like me) that they leave DSC on, and get myself called an a$$hat - whatever that is.

I've been driving for more than 25 years and have never had any kind of accident....touch wood. I've spent quite a bit of time on track and in autoX events. I understand my own limits, and was certainly reminded of them the other day. We're fortunate here in California to have dry roads the majority of the time, and so I was somewhat surprised to run into a wet patch on an on-ramp I drive every day, and was very happy to have DSC on. It is precisely these kind of unexpected conditions that make electronic stability control a very good thing.

If you're unable to maintain a decent level of decorum then I suggest you remain quiet and keep your opinions to yourself.

Ian

Ian,

you started the sarcasm with the Schumacher comment. so maybe you should be the one to maintain a decent level of decorum before posting something ridiculous on a public forum about almost losing it cause u were going to fast and didn't expect "things" to be on a public road/highway

thats great u had track days or autocross or have been driving for 25 years. but having those under ur belt doesn't remove the water from the road or prevent accidents from happening. defensive driving does.

just my

[ohnoes]

Originally Posted by tonggi

but having those under ur belt doesn't remove the water from the road or prevent accidents from happening. defensive driving does.

Defensive driving removes water from the road?

I think you're being unreasonable. The OP posted just as a PSA to remind people to be careful--and to be cognizant of the possibility of the unexpected. Deer or liquids on the road can happen to anyone, and you should really get off your high horse in asserting that you're somehow more careful, and a more responsible/better driver, than the OP. This is especially ironic given that you said you keep your DSC off during routine driving. So, let me get this straight: if you'd have been the OP, under the same circumstances, you'd have your DSC off, probably take the ramp in the same, or similar, fashion, only you'd have your DSC disabled, so you'd go flying into the wall.

Riiiiight... real smart.