Opinions on DSC for Cooper S

[Milgauss]

For driving on normal roads, even 'spirited' driving on twisty roads, does the Cooper S really need Dynamic Stability Control? Or is traction control, ABS, and the other standard aids (plus good, competent, sensible driving skills) enough for the average driver?

I'm wondering because I'm looking at the used cars on the Mini site and (in my area anyway) very few of them were specced with DSC.

[FergusM]

I have DSC and love it, caught the back end on a slippy back road already over the winter...it is more for the bits you cant prediict, icy roads, diesel on roundabout etc etc. I would not get a car without it.

LSD is a must to get power down in slippy roads, well worth teh £100 it costs.

[faster,Tobias!]

It can be a lifesaver if you hit an unexpected patch of ice, though I don't know how often you have to deal with snow and ice on the roads. Over here in Canada it is a definate benefit when you are caught by surprise.

[Wind Diesel]

Try a search for ESP on youtube and see what wondes it does ! - it's a lifesaver, when you loose control ! - ESP is the same as DSC !

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

I've had DSC (or the equivalent) on 4 company cars while neither my Cooper or S have been fitted with it.

I've been really impressed with ABS, Limited Slip Diff and (where it was fitted on one company car) emergency brake assist. As for DSC, I'm a long way from being convinced and certainly wouldn't pay extra to have it fitted.

[KenL]

Quote: Originally Posted by faster,Tobias! (original)

It can be a lifesaver if you hit an unexpected patch of ice, though I don't know how often you have to deal with snow and ice on the roads. Over here in Canada it is a definate benefit when you are caught by surprise.

Can DSC really do anything if you hit problems on ice?

DSC can cut power to front wheels (just like ASC+T), it also applies the brakes to individual wheels - applying the brakes on ice will not help

[Tommo]

I don't think it needs it really. My other half has it on her Cooper S and I don't on mine and to be honest I prefer driving mine, I find the bloody things always interfering when your pressing on so you end up turning it off.
Depends on your driving style and ability really, don't get me wrong it's a very good system and can save your life, but so will some advanced driver training. And using it as a safety net can be a danger as you can end up thinking the dsc will save me if i get into trouble, but it will only go so far, it can't overcome simple physics

[Wind Diesel]

Quote: Originally Posted by tommo13 (original)

I don't think it needs it really. My other half has it on her Cooper S and I don't on mine and to be honest I prefer driving mine, I find the bloody things always interfering when your pressing on so you end up turning it off.
Depends on your driving style and ability really, don't get me wrong it's a very good system and can save your life, but so will some advanced driver training. And using it as a safety net can be a danger as you can end up thinking the dsc will save me if i get into trouble, but it will only go so far, it can't overcome simple physics

Agreed ! - BUT when you need it you don't have the time to turn it on !

[Matt FT]

Get it. It saved my balls once on a snowy night outside Inverness. I would have been in a ditch without the electronics.

[EZC]

Definately DSC

[wardtuk]

I have just ordered a MCS and was told that DSC is standard on this model from week 10, 2008.

[Wind Diesel]

Was also standard on my Cooper D - build the 12' december 2007 !

[TallAndy]

DSC is brilliant as it can sort out situations that NO driver can. I had it on my last car and its brilliant. And if its niggling you when you want to have some fun switch it off simple

[Tunster]

Quote: Originally Posted by wardtuk (original)

I have just ordered a MCS and was told that DSC is standard on this model from week 10, 2008.

Can confirm that. Basically any car "built" from the beginning of March. Placed it as an option originally 2 weeks ago, confirmed my order on Monday and got told it was going to be standard. However, the base price for the Cooper S is going up the amount the this extra costs .

[gunge]

Quote: Originally Posted by Tunster (original)

However, the base price for the Cooper S is going up the amount the this extra costs .

I have a new MCS which is due for build in mid-March. IIRC the base price has gone up by £235. DSC was previously a £240 option. A massive £5 saving. Whoopee.

One other change is that the USB port is being moved to a more accessible location. I cant remember anything else.

S.