Quick question....I have a 2001 330i and when i turn the traction control off, it doesn't seem to make a difference. If I take off around a corner I cannot break the tires free and get the back end to kick out. Can my tires be THAT good...i doubt it, but hopefully someone can help. Is there a way to check to see if it's working or not?
I used to have to try hard, even in the wet, when I had good tyres on mine. I did manage it once and I wouldn't do it again. There is something on some BMWs that you have to hold the traction button down for a period of time before it will fully switch off the DSC
If it was not working, you would get a warning light for sure. It does not shut off completely by hitting the DSC button by the way... you need to hold it for about 10 seconds to fully disengage it (google that for the details - I could be off a bit - I got that from e46fanatics.com) BUT, why do you want it off? Do you want to lose control? Are you a pro driver that knows better than the car? I doubt it, the dsc is very fast and smart to react in emergency situations that you as a driver could not react fast enough to avoid a crash. I tested it in the snow, I wanted to lose it but was unable to, I saw quickly that it was so advanced, even a semi pro driver could benefit in bad conditions.
In dry, your car won't break loose anyways, not enough power unless you dump the clutch at redline, and even then you HAVE A CDV in the clutch line that limits what you can do with the revs.
Remove the cdv and you may find the feeling you are looking for, not burnouts, but full clutch feel and control. Just remember - the one time it is off, you may need to avoid n emergency stop, swerve, crash... and you won't be able to, then you will regret it.
On the subject of CDV, I've found opinions (not mine), stating that it was put in there by BMW for people who don't know how to properly drive a stickshift, i.e. they lack the finesse needed to smoothly operate the clutch. For others that do know how, CDV is mostly a neusance, takes away from driving pleasure, and sometimes misbehaves causing unwanted surges or whatnot. What's your opinion on the subject?
I testdrove a 330ci once, and it felt nice and smooth, although it was a rather quick drive. No idea if it still had its CDV or it was removed.
The CDV is very annoying, your summary is accurate though.
For those who cannot shift, it does help not to stall, or have very jerky shifts. But for those who can shift well, it inhibits your ability to get it smooth every time.
Any spirited driving is squashed by the CDV.
I have had a 325, 535 and both were a joy to shift, now my 330 is as well, berfore the removal, it felt like there was something second guessing my left foot! I highly suggest you all remove them, unless you are abusive on the drive train - you will have only positive results.
He was talking about drifting corners, not getting out of snow!! There is very little reason to be doing that on the streets where I may be walking, thanks.
this is the 3rd post in 24 hours about people wanting to turn off the DSC and spin wheels.... I happen to be a victim of a very neglectful driver that almost killed me a few years ago, I am still in rehab because of it... People who want to be reckless on the road need some proper training and a safe place to do it so they don't endanger you, me or our friends.
Besides... Just because he turns off the dsc button, the car still has it running untill you hold the button long enough to shut down the system completely... BMW did not want people shutting it off and killing themselves, so they made it harder than the press of a button.
He also only has power to one rear wheel, you have an "open-diff" , you won't be able to do a proper burnout. If you had an LSD, then you could easily slide the car all over! Aftermarket LSD are available for the e46 for about $3000
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