Traction control almost kills me!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
Traction control almost kills me!
I'm sitting at a very busy cross street near my house and I can barely see through the cars let alone cross the street. I finally see an opening and knowing how quick the car is I hit it.........waiting, waiting, F150 crew cab getting close.............and the car slowly kicks in and scoots me across in heart stopping slow motion. *** traction. I was so livid. It doesn't even wait until the wheels slip it just falls on its ***. I am so tempted to 86 this car and its hyperactive electro nanny, it put me in a very uncmofortable position. I had plenty of time to get across the street until the traction control kicekd in and actually made it harder and more dangerous. Just unnaceptable.
__________________
__________________
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 252
Likes: 0
From: Great White North (the one with the crappy dollar)
2002 c32
Join the club...
So sorry to hear that. I was truly hoping that the c55 did not have this issue and that it was only limited to (some?) c32s.
I think that it is truly sad that Lawyers design these electronic "nanny's" instead of the engineers....
My ESP ticked me off soooo much that I opted out of "any" PSM control on my 996.
I think that it is truly sad that Lawyers design these electronic "nanny's" instead of the engineers....
My ESP ticked me off soooo much that I opted out of "any" PSM control on my 996.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
Vadim it was on. I have in the past turned it off and that probably would have helped as it will allow for a small amount of wheelspin. The effect it had on me at that particular time is similar to stalling a car on the railroad tracks, that brief moment where you are suddently terrified that you won't make it across. You can deactivate ESP though that is a joke to as it really does not turn it off.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,367
Likes: 3
From: MA
'24 Porsche Macan
Originally Posted by 05C55
Vadim it was on. I have in the past turned it off and that probably would have helped as it will allow for a small amount of wheelspin. The effect it had on me at that particular time is similar to stalling a car on the railroad tracks, that brief moment where you are suddently terrified that you won't make it across. You can deactivate ESP though that is a joke to as it really does not turn it off.
Rgds,
Norm
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 815
Likes: 2
If you are not going to remember to toggle your ESP switch off every time you may encounter this situation and anticipate it, the only solution is to granny the throttle 10-20% of total travel during the entire turn until you pick up some speed and are heading straight. I assume you were turning, as in a straight line this is not as much of a problem. Just feather the gas in these situations and practice learning the behavior of the throttle when no one is around. I find that I don't attempt to make quick get aways in the C32 as I do in my other cars that don't have this intervention. Too many close calls.
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 12,403
Likes: 21
From: South Florida
Fast Cars!
The same thing has happened to me in a very similar situation last week. The funny thing is, i normally have my ESP off. Of course the one day i wished it was off it was on. 
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From: Ashburn, VA
02 C32 AMG; 06 Subaru Legacy Wagon
mine does that a lot, but i learn how to start moving a lot sooner in that kind of situation OR the best thing I do is just wait it out till it's really safe.
If you are not going to remember to toggle your ESP switch off every time you may encounter this situation and anticipate it, the only solution is to granny the throttle 10-20% of total travel during the entire turn until you pick up some speed and are heading straight.
I wish there was a way to keep dyno mode on longer than only when the key is on so this car could drive the way it was meant to. Can't even do a good burnout/launch (with trac off) and the MB Nanny coming in to stop me!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,743
Likes: 0
From: 43°38'N / 79°52'W
EuroCharged 2012 C63 BS Coupè
I am sure we all have (or will) experience this issue with the ESP.
The first time it happened to me in my old 740i, I nearly crapped myself!!
The good thing to come out of this experience is that I now am VERY consious of the road surface and condition when I need to pull into or thru traffic from a standing stop. I find it is pretty easy to hit the OFF button when warranted.
Personally I think the benefits of ESP far outway the detractions (no pun intended). ESP has saved my *** a few times over the years.
Drive safe>>>>>>
The first time it happened to me in my old 740i, I nearly crapped myself!!
The good thing to come out of this experience is that I now am VERY consious of the road surface and condition when I need to pull into or thru traffic from a standing stop. I find it is pretty easy to hit the OFF button when warranted.
Personally I think the benefits of ESP far outway the detractions (no pun intended). ESP has saved my *** a few times over the years.
Drive safe>>>>>>
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 815
Likes: 2
Be very careful with Dyno mode in any driving environment. I still have not perfected driving in this mode and only do so at the track on occasion. Under trail brakeing, the rear end breaks loose without notice and under heavy straight line brakeing, the tires lock up quite easily. Definately not safe for street driving.
As for nanny intervention, forget left foot braking in a '03 C32. After mild application of the brake while on the throttle, the car almost immediately shuts off all power. Does this happen to any of you in any other model year C32 or C55?
As for nanny intervention, forget left foot braking in a '03 C32. After mild application of the brake while on the throttle, the car almost immediately shuts off all power. Does this happen to any of you in any other model year C32 or C55?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 1
From: Abingdon, MD
Originally Posted by 5150_C32
absolutely pathetic that we spend this much money for a HOT ROD version and have to deal with the MB Nanny shaking her finger at us!
I wish there was a way to keep dyno mode on longer than only when the key is on so this car could drive the way it was meant to. Can't even do a good burnout/launch (with trac off) and the MB Nanny coming in to stop me!
I wish there was a way to keep dyno mode on longer than only when the key is on so this car could drive the way it was meant to. Can't even do a good burnout/launch (with trac off) and the MB Nanny coming in to stop me!
My situation was a dark green VW in a heavily wooded and shaded area at dusk. I had my lights on, and so should have he. He must have been flying... all I heard was tires squealing, I am winding out 1st gear (happens in 30ft) so I speed shift into second and whomp... nothing, going nowhere... sitting duck. The guy skidded past me in the shoulder.... The nanny feature blows, but you can learn to work through it.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
I do know about the ESP button and have used it, but to clarify, I was going straight across the street, its wide but straight ahead. I did have plenty of room especially considering that the car can be launched pretty hard. The point is that even with ESP off and a very generous dose of throttle, it still doesn't spin the tires much at all. I have 19" PS2's and they have loads of grip. My point and the thing that is irritating is that the system prematurely intervenes. Its simply says, from a standstill, if you insist on flooring the car, the system will not wait for any drama, it will simply deny your desired input to reach the throttle body and respond like a performance car ought to. 
The other irritating thing is that I had a Chevy (Corvette) that had a masterful system that was very effective at saving one's *** and when it did intervene it was almost undetectable. Funny that MB would get Pwn'd by a Chevy product.
The other irritating thing is that I had a Chevy (Corvette) that had a masterful system that was very effective at saving one's *** and when it did intervene it was almost undetectable. Funny that MB would get Pwn'd by a Chevy product.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 1
From: Abingdon, MD
Originally Posted by smgC32
Be very careful with Dyno mode in any driving environment. I still have not perfected driving in this mode and only do so at the track on occasion. Under trail brakeing, the rear end breaks loose without notice and under heavy straight line brakeing, the tires lock up quite easily. Definately not safe for street driving.
As for nanny intervention, forget left foot braking in a '03 C32. After mild application of the brake while on the throttle, the car almost immediately shuts off all power. Does this happen to any of you in any other model year C32 or C55?
As for nanny intervention, forget left foot braking in a '03 C32. After mild application of the brake while on the throttle, the car almost immediately shuts off all power. Does this happen to any of you in any other model year C32 or C55?
I was able to autocross with my fresh Toyo RA-1s in Dyno mode without the snap oversteer when I didn't want it, though I wouldn't try it at the track just yet. Steve, what rubber are you running up front at the track?
I think this is a trademark of the 203 chassis and not specific to the big boys...
Originally Posted by 05C55
I do know about the ESP button and have used it, but to clarify, I was going straight across the street, its wide but straight ahead. I did have plenty of room especially considering that the car can be launched pretty hard. The point is that even with ESP off and a very generous dose of throttle, it still doesn't spin the tires much at all. I have 19" PS2's and they have loads of grip. My point and the thing that is irritating is that the system prematurely intervenes. Its simply says, from a standstill, if you insist on flooring the car, the system will not wait for any drama, it will simply deny your desired input to reach the throttle body and respond like a performance car ought to.
The other irritating thing is that I had a Chevy (Corvette) that had a masterful system that was very effective at saving one's *** and when it did intervene it was almost undetectable. Funny that MB would get Pwn'd by a Chevy product.
The other irritating thing is that I had a Chevy (Corvette) that had a masterful system that was very effective at saving one's *** and when it did intervene it was almost undetectable. Funny that MB would get Pwn'd by a Chevy product.
Anyone know if it's adaptive. If you keep doing it, with the system lay off? Have you spoken to Kleemann or Evosport about chips? Maybe there's one for your car that will reduce the nanny crap?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,743
Likes: 0
From: 43°38'N / 79°52'W
EuroCharged 2012 C63 BS Coupè
Originally Posted by 05C55
I do know about the ESP button and have used it, but to clarify, I was going straight across the street, its wide but straight ahead. I did have plenty of room especially considering that the car can be launched pretty hard. The point is that even with ESP off and a very generous dose of throttle, it still doesn't spin the tires much at all. I have 19" PS2's and they have loads of grip. My point and the thing that is irritating is that the system prematurely intervenes. Its simply says, from a standstill, if you insist on flooring the car, the system will not wait for any drama, it will simply deny your desired input to reach the throttle body and respond like a performance car ought to.
The other irritating thing is that I had a Chevy (Corvette) that had a masterful system that was very effective at saving one's *** and when it did intervene it was almost undetectable. Funny that MB would get Pwn'd by a Chevy product.
The other irritating thing is that I had a Chevy (Corvette) that had a masterful system that was very effective at saving one's *** and when it did intervene it was almost undetectable. Funny that MB would get Pwn'd by a Chevy product.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by NORTH 44 C55
05>>>>I am no expert but that does not sound right.(i am not saying that's not whats taking place) but with ESP off (from the dash) I can explode the rear end with generous throttle without any intervention. Just did a coffee run down the road and light up the tires from a standing stop and put a strip down for at least 100ft. If it was me I would be at the dealer getting it looked at to make sure everything is 100%
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,743
Likes: 0
From: 43°38'N / 79°52'W
EuroCharged 2012 C63 BS Coupè
Originally Posted by 05C55
I absolutely cannot do that. I couldn't do it with the 18"s and it won't do it now with the 19"s.
Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From: Ashburn, VA
02 C32 AMG; 06 Subaru Legacy Wagon
The first time it happened to me in my old 740i, I nearly crapped myself!!
sorry, I don't like the intrusion...if I turn the traction control off and end up in the weeds, it's MY fault...plain and simple.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by 5150_C32
at least in the BMW when you turn it off, it STAYS OFF. (I came from a BMW as well)
sorry, I don't like the intrusion...if I turn the traction control off and end up in the weeds, it's MY fault...plain and simple.
sorry, I don't like the intrusion...if I turn the traction control off and end up in the weeds, it's MY fault...plain and simple.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 468
Likes: 0
From: Richmond VA
C32
Originally Posted by 5150_C32
at least in the BMW when you turn it off, it STAYS OFF. (I came from a BMW as well)
Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From: Ashburn, VA
02 C32 AMG; 06 Subaru Legacy Wagon
which model did you have?
My M3 did not do that....when it was off, it stayed off.
also, BMW's do not have the brake assist function....seems like MB is going away from that now....thank God.
My M3 did not do that....when it was off, it stayed off.
also, BMW's do not have the brake assist function....seems like MB is going away from that now....thank God.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 468
Likes: 0
From: Richmond VA
C32
I had a 330Ci. It worked different then the E46 M3 did, becasue the M3 had a mechanical LSD. I found I got quicker times using the system in disabled mode then in dyno mode.
Originally Posted by 5150_C32
which model did you have?
My M3 did not do that....when it was off, it stayed off.
also, BMW's do not have the brake assist function....seems like MB is going away from that now....thank God.
My M3 did not do that....when it was off, it stayed off.
also, BMW's do not have the brake assist function....seems like MB is going away from that now....thank God.
