Is it ESP or Traction Control...
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 307
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M3
Is it ESP or Traction Control...
When accelerating hard, after the 1-2 shift and the 2-3 shift, the Orange Triangle (Signifying that ESP or Traction Control is kicking in) flashes and kills the power to the engine dramatically for a few moments.
My question is whether it is Traction Control killing the fun, or if it's ESP that's killing the fun?
Thanks
My question is whether it is Traction Control killing the fun, or if it's ESP that's killing the fun?
Thanks
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Stockholm, Sweden
C200 Kompressor
Well, as I've understood it the traction control is included in (as a part of) the ESP-module (so that these two systems are not physically separated from eachother), so I would say ESP kills the fun. 
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 875
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From: Los Angeles
2002 c230k
Its the traction control that kills the fun on hard acceleration. The rear wheels spin on hard shifts and the traction control clamps down because the front wheels are not spinning at the same rate. Turn off ESP(controls traction control too) if you realy want to go fast! ABS still works.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 581
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From: Dallas
C32 AMG
That's especially true on a C32. If I romp on it all from a stop, the ESP kicks in. If I'm trying to get through an intersection and need instant power, I try to remember to always turn it off.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Orlando, FL
2002 Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor Sports Coupe
Turning off Traction Control will give you the effect you want. However, the anti-slip control is still active. So if one tire out-spins the other tire (such as in a slippery surface situaiton) it will brake that one tire to send power to the other tire instead (this is basically a software version of a limited differential). So you might still see the yellow blinking symbol, but the engine will not be cut off.
