qwerty1024

I read the US manual thoroughly; pages 64-66 provide some good info on ESP and Electronic Traction System.

WHAT THE MANUAL SAYS
According to the US manual (pg 62), ESP is supposed to "stabilize the vehicle" by:
1.) recognizing "when a wheel is spinning"
2.) recognizing "when the vehicle starts to skid"
3.) "applying brakes to the appropriate wheel"
4.) "limitting the engine output"

Then, on page 63, Electronic Traction System is briefly described as being "a component of ESP" which "improves vehicle's ability to utilize available traction [...] by applying the brakes to a spinning wheel". Finally, Electornic Traction System can never be turned OFF; even when ESP is turned OFF, "the elctronic traction system is still enabled".

MY QUESTION
Has anyone experienced this system at work?

I did, and I think it "took over" surprisingly early. I mean, as soon as there was a very slight and controlled 4-wheel drift @ ~75-80mph on dry surface in a long and constant radius turn, ESP kicked it causing a sudden woble and brief understeer; the engine note changed as well (reduced power maybe?). It surprized me how early ESP took over, and no, I don't claim I'm a great driver by any means, but ESP kicks in too early, I think. Or maybe I was cought off-guard as this was the first time I notcied it. Next time I'll expect it, or, in the right conditions and when I feel the itch, I'll turn it OFF.

I'll switch it off (and even then, ESP "continues to operate when you are braking") and get the car in the same condition and see how it behaves. No doubt ESP can be a live saver and a great deal of engineering work went it, but it's a bit too "parental" and spoils the fun, too early - I think.

What do you guys think?

CarGuru

I had a post/ thread on my experience with it in my C300 Sport over a month ago. My thoughts were ditto. Not that I want to go around driving like a clown, it's just if I had the itch to take it to a solo II event I don't want all the silly aids kicking in and taking over the experience. None the less it's my wifes car, she drives it mostly, I've got my X-50 so it's all good.

-Ryan

AsianML

It's doing it's job. Is that a problem? ESP off is there or you can pony up the dough for the C63 which has an all off option.

qwerty1024

996 X-50 I guess it must be all good Fantastic car that must be

qwerty1024

Yes, Asian ML, ESP is doing its job - thank you for the reminder. My question was: Have you experienced ESP and do you think it activates too early?

GDawgC220

Even with ESP pushed "off", I don't think it is really off (if it is like previous models). It'll allow for more play and a greater threshold but will kick in if you are seriously in danger or losing control and attempt to regain control.

qwerty1024

Interesting - the manual does make a reference to ESP working "when braking" even if it is set to OFF, just as you were saying. Nonetheless, if there's a bit more threshold to play with while ESP is OFF, than I'll be a happy driver.

Maybe I should say that I don't intend to drive like a maniac with or without ESP. I do, however, like to experience ESP ON and OFF in what I consider to be safe conditions;

GDawgC220

Yep, definitely gives a little more room to play with, better than with it on

AsianML

I have experienced ESP kicking in numerous times. However, since I have AWD I've only experienced it in heavy rain and snow and I'm damn glad it cuts in when it does.

Chucky300

I have an S550 - and driving home tonight in NYC to Brooklyn amidst a terrible rain storm - I am glad my ESP kicks in when it does. Turning corners with a bit too much throttle is corrected right away before anything bad can come of it.

Honestly - if you are driving 75 - 85mph - be thankful the ESP kicks in when it does before the force of motion goes beyond the point of no return.

qwerty1024

That's a very good point I've never thought about: rain or snow! Total oversight on my part - it hardly ever rains and never snows ('cept mountains) where I live (there is plenty of ash though!). You're totally right...makes more sense to me now... (but it is kind of odd that the manual lists "snow" as one of the instances where ESP is to be turned OFF ??)

qwerty1024

You're right - not the brightest thing to get a 4-wheel drift at that speed (this was, however, a "road-to-nowhere" kind of a road). You also mention the benefits of early activation of ESP in conditions I never thought of, like the heavy rain. I'm getting the picture chiseled in my head now

AsianML

ESP off only when you're stuck or you think you're going to get stuck. That way the engine doesn't cut the power and you get more momentum, or rather you don't lose any momentum, when you're trying to get through it.

qwerty1024

Well, I should learn a dry asphalt is not the only surface a car will be driven on. Never thought of getting stuck in snow either... (or lose sand?). Thank you for the info - it helped

So there's more to ESP after all.

AsianML

No problem. Totally understandable.