e46 understeer and stability control

[Patrick Bateman]

The DSC is very quick to correct any 'arse out' moments but I've noticed whenever I get understeer on slow, greasy roundabouts it doesn't kick in.

Would it take a large amount of understeer before the DSC actually kicked in?

[anonymous-user]

it probably is working, but in a typical understeer condtion you just won't feel the intervention as obviously. (cornering hard, little weight on inside front tyre, already overloaded outer front tyre (hence the understeer, so system has little yaw authority left even if it practically locks up the inside front!) Generally the system doesn't have to react as fast or agressively to prevent or minimise understeer, and "understeering" does let the average driver know they are getting close to the limit. It's technically possible to make a car that doesnt understeer at all, but it would be pretty horrible to drive!

[phelix]

Can you confirm that your car has stability control as opposed to traction control?

[Patrick Bateman]

Yes it's Dynamic Stability Control.

[john_p]

What do you expect it to do with understeer?

[phelix]

I would guess understeer would be countered by braking the inside rear wheel and/or reducing engine power.