Don't buy the Mini EV if you need to drive in snow.

Relative to previous 50/50 RWD ICE vehicles in winter with hilly terrain, I would say the Cooper SE is excellent for traction!

 

Don't know what I was thinking, my brain and words mismatched. I meant DSC prevents wheel slip, which is why in loose conditions like snow you don't go anywhere no matter how much power you apply. Turning on DTC gives the traction for loose conditions, which is why it displays TRACTION on the instrument cluster.

 

This is a good video from a guy in Canada who likes a challenge, but nearly came unstuck!

 

I have seen a few videos by this fellow. I also know he got a lot less snow in that snow storm than we did (Ottawa got 48 cm or 19 inches).
Honestly, unless you had an AWD SUV, you would not have gotten anywhere in that depth of snow.
Unplowed 25 cm or 10 inches would be the point at which I would seriously consider holding off on a run to the store for some coffee cream. If I needed a 40 of vodka to make my Black Russians, then I guess 30 cm or 12 inches wouldn’t stop me.
Mike has Continental VikingContact 7s on all 4 corners and as sure footed as you can get.


Mike Wazowski
& more ️️️ than &

 

Good video, but surprised he didn't know how to turn off traction control. That's snow 101 even for ICEs.

 

I sent him a reply with the info from the Mini handbook... just in case

 

DSC is for cornering dynamics, preventing over/understeer by using the brakes - per the manual.

DTC is a version of DAC where forward momentum is optimized (no burnout wheel slip heading forward). Turning this off briefly when driving in slush or uncleared snow covered roads will help. - manual

pressing the traction control button for a short bit turns off DTC / “launch control” and holding it for almost 10 seconds turns off DSC “slide control.”

Sound right?

 

Generally I'd go with that, but DSC aggressively prevents wheel slip which is why you can't go anywhere on loose surfaces like snow or gravel. DTC is shown as "TRACTION" on the display, and it's what I use on snowy roads. I can climb snowy hills easily in this mode. My understanding is EDLC (everything turned off) is almost zero traction control and I wouldn't want to use that except in ideal conditions.

The SE is different from the ICE models, I read MINI tuned the traction systems to eliminate launching wheel spin from the instantaneous torque.

 

Couple of comments (basically what @Puppethead said)

DSC is not just stability control, it's also the most aggressive mode of traction control and prevents basically any wheel slip.

Correct that forward momentum is optimized but it does that by allowing wheel slip (it will do a slightly limited burnout). This mode does still have stability control using the brakes. The note in the manual about reduced stability is because it allows some wheel slip which will cause understeer that the system can't prevent.

The DSC off mode (hold for 10 seconds) is the only mode that does not use the brakes to help control the car. It also does not have traction control but will still limit wheel speed to prevent damage (for example: wheels at 90mph on ice then hit dry pavement = a trip to the dealer)

 

I guess another comment since we're on the topic of traction/stability control:

Has anyone spent any time driving around in DSC Off mode? I've been feeling some very subtle but odd feedback around corners on my drive home. The steering feels a bit stiff when coming out of corners on power and the car doesn't maintain speed around corners like I'd expect based on my old Miata with zero driver aids. This feeling is gone driving in DSC off.

I'm pretty sure the stability control is activating the brakes around these corners even though I'm not anywhere near the limit of grip (not even speeding). This would explain the large amounts of brake dust that forum members are seeing on their wheels even though most don't regularly use the brakes.

Has anyone else noticed this? Its subtle enough that it's hard to tell if it's just in my head.

 

That's interesting. Sounds like the DSC is more aggressive than in BMW's normal offerings. I only drive in DSC off when doing autocross, when I actually notice power limits. What were the road conditions? Cold? Wet? I would consider turning DSC off if it's going to be causing brake use...hate the dust!

 

Generally around 50F and dry but higher speeds (55mph, or 45-50mph in the corners)

Here's one of them as an example. It's a left going up then transitions to a right with a bit of downhill


I do want to repeat that this is very subtle. I'm still not entirely convinced that it's not just in my head

 

Yeah, that doesn't seem like a situation that would warrant aggressive DSC. Do you see a cut in the power-meter, or is this just a seat-of-the-pants sensation? What happens when you push the throttle? Also, any difference in Sport mode?

 

I only drive in sport mode, no clue about the other modes. It's just seat of the pants feeling which is why I was looking for confirmation from someone else. I've been able to tune my foot to go almost perfectly to the coasting zone but through corners I felt the car slowing. I initially thought my foot was off but glancing at the power meter still showed the needle pointing at ready. With DSC off, it maintains speed as I'd expect so my conclusion was DSC was dragging the brakes a bit.

I've never had stability control before so no clue how sensitive it is but this excerpt from MINI does match what I'm feeling (although it reads a bit like marketing embellishment):

The Dynamic Stability Control system from MINI analyzes data from a full array of sensors, giving a much more accurate analysis of the driving conditions. With data from the individual wheels, brake pressure, steering input, and lateral movement sensors, this advanced system can quickly and accurately manipulate the brakes to maximize control and grip, in all driving conditions. So whether you're going on a spirited drive through some twisty backroads, or get caught up in a snowstorm, MINI Dynamic Stability Control is there to keep your MINI driving safely.

 

Yeah, buddy! Glad to see I won't be alone in Sport only mode! You might need a more aggressive right foot to overcome the DSC tendency, just like getting used to aggressive regen for the car. Of course, my SE is acclimating to Port Hueneme, so I can't talk to personal experience, but your description is very interesting, and I will definitely be paying attention to it when mine finally gets here. Thank you for your personal notes!

 

If you haven't found the BimmerCode threads yet, it'll allow you to make sport mode the default so you won't have to do it manually every time! IMO the throttle response in the other modes is too vague with the giant dead zone for coasting

 

Yes, Sir! I've been using Bimmercode for a couple years and will definitely be implementing it once Uncle Larry finally arrives!

 

The Fast Lane Car did some simple tests with their SE showing snow performance on the stock summer tires and then with some All Weather tires Michelin sent them.



Rob