Preferred track setting

Powerslide · 08-17-2017, 07:55 PM

So - what is your preferred track setting? Full DSC, MDM or DSC fully off?

CanAutM3 · 08-17-2017, 09:26 PM

Fully off. It is the only way to fully appreciate the wonderful F8X chassis and pull of the S55.

Yessir · 08-17-2017, 09:48 PM

I'm doing baby steps and working toward fully off. First few times I've tracked, I had full traction control on, I then progressed to U.S MDM; which in my opinion is still very intrusive and cuts too much power with any sign of tire slippage. I just coded my car to Euro MDM and am looking forward to driving this set up on the track. Based on my initial impressions, Euro MDM allows more tire slippage and will hopefully allow me to carry more speed coming out corners. Final step is fully off but I must admit, this car is a lot of car for me so it's going to be a while until I have the balls to go fully off. And I very much agree with CanautM3 said. I've had a blast at the track and I still have not realized the full potential of these vehicles and what they are capable of.

Powerslide · 08-17-2017, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

Fully off. It is the only way to fully appreciate the wonderful F8X chassis and pull of the S55.

I have to say - my last track session was with DSC fully off - and holy cow - the power of the S55 is undoubtedly greater even compared with MDM!!!

Now - I just need to make sure and learn not to lift-oversteer if the car starts to drift!!

DrtyJrze · 08-17-2017, 10:43 PM

Like most adrenaline sports, it's best to advance progressively. First time on track DSC ON, after you're more comfortable move on to MDM. Once you're feeling froggy, jump to DSC off.

CAOZKAN · 08-18-2017, 12:55 AM

I started with MDM and now for the last few times I went with DSC off. I must say my times are worse than with mdm but this way the experience feels more raw and fun. I will try to gradually speed up.

Mandi90TT · 08-18-2017, 10:47 AM

Fully off, so you don't learn bad habits from relying on the DSC.

Powerslide · 08-19-2017, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave 90TT

Fully off, so you don't learn bad habits from relying on the DSC.

I think DSC OFF is the way to go - I'd rather get slower times for awhile "doing it right" versus faster speeds and developing bad habits.

If one learns proper car dynamics and driving technique with DSC fully off - the F80 is undoubtedly faster with DSC fully off v. MDM...

mcvaughan · 08-19-2017, 05:38 PM

MDM for first lap or so, then everything off. I do use MDM in the rain though.

redpriest · 08-19-2017, 10:17 PM

Fully off. Work your way up to car's limit. Never go full ham on first lap or first session.

MasterP · 08-20-2017, 04:35 PM

DSC Off.

Mhannigan01 · 09-02-2017, 09:52 AM

My first ever track day I thought back to what I know about cars, and that all came from Top Gear. So I threw all that "electronic stuff that makes the car less fun" off like JC would do and I went at it. Had a good spin but I learned ALOT about how the car handles and where the limits of the tires are.

My next track day was at a place that wasn't as forgiving with spin outs so I used MDM and I could feel the difference. It comes down to the style of the track and the amount of comfort you have with the car, but I would suggest that you try out all the modes at least once or so.

M3SQRD · 09-02-2017, 10:59 AM

DSC fully off

wigaster · 09-14-2017, 08:17 PM

Fully off. MDM absolutely kills your power tracking out of corners.

The Choosey begger · 07-17-2018, 05:37 AM

With the throttle on Sport Plus, the power is not linear very hard to come with the power early!

Throttle in Sport is so linear and predictable, you don't need MDM!

Kbueno · 07-17-2018, 12:39 PM

If you are on the track...always fully off. The only reasoning to keep traction control on is if it's raining or maybe during warmup?

Kinda defeats the purpose of tracking.

gatorfast · 07-17-2018, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kbueno

If you are on the track...always fully off. The only reasoning to keep traction control on is if it's raining or maybe during warmup?

Kinda defeats the purpose of tracking.

Or if you are a novice driver who doesn't want to increase the risk of wrecking their car?

Kbueno · 07-17-2018, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gatorfast

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kbueno

If you are on the track...always fully off. The only reasoning to keep traction control on is if it's raining or maybe during warmup?

Kinda defeats the purpose of tracking.

Or if you are a novice driver who doesn't want to increase the risk of wrecking their car?

If you are new to tracking, a good club would put you in a beginners group with instruction. The nannies will give you a false sense of security and will make it difficult to learn and progress.

I use MDM on the first couple laps of the first session on a new track, otherwise it's off, unless it's raining. I think it's important to know the limits, never go 10/10s and have fun!

CanAutM3 · 07-18-2018, 05:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anglo

With the throttle on Sport Plus, the power is not linear very hard to come with the power early!

Throttle in Sport is so linear and predictable, you don't need MDM!

I think it is a question of perception. I actually prefer the Sport+ engine setting for the track. I find it more direct, immediate and precise which allows me to better control the attitude of the car, whereas Sport has some artificial dampening in the response.

IMO, the Sport+ engine setting can only be truly enjoyed with DSC completely off.

Mandi90TT · 07-18-2018, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kbueno

If you are new to tracking, a good club would put you in a beginners group with instruction. The nannies will give you a false sense of security and will make it difficult to learn and progress.

Yes, completely agree with both statements. Any reputable club will have an instructor in the car with you if you are a beginner. If they don't offer that, then you probably need to find a new club to drive with.

Second, you do NOT want to learn bad habits at the track with DSC on. It will bite you in the ass when you finally switch to DSC off.

CanAutM3 · 07-18-2018, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave 90TT

Yes, completely agree with both statements. Any reputable club will have an instructor in the car with you if you are a beginner. If they don't offer that, then you probably need to find a new club to drive with.

Second, you do NOT want to learn bad habits at the track with DSC on. It will bite you in the ass when you finally switch to DSC off.

As an instructor myself, I will definitely not accept a complete newbe turning DSC off with me in the car. Only once a driver is able drive around the track with relative constancy (line, speed and car control) and judgment, will I accept he turns off the aids if he so wishes.

I do however agree that progressing for too long with driving aids enabled can result in bad habits being developed. I have witnessed too many solo drivers that have become decently fast while relying on the aids and get into the wall once they turned them off.

nicknaz · 07-18-2018, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kbueno

If you are new to tracking, a good club would put you in a beginners group with instruction. The nannies will give you a false sense of security and will make it difficult to learn and progress.

I use MDM on the first couple laps of the first session on a new track, otherwise it's off, unless it's raining. I think it's important to know the limits, never go 10/10s and have fun!

Never going 10/10ths, and not using data to benchmark will also make it difficult to learn and progress

And, if we are being honest, starting to track in a powerful car like f80 makes the learning curve steeper

View Poll Results: Preferred Track Setting? DSC, MDM or OFF?
DSC - Full On	3	2.29%
MDM	52	39.69%
DSC Fully Off	76	58.02%
Voters: 131. You may not vote on this poll

08-17-2017, 07:55 PM	#1
Powerslide Colonel 1097 Rep 2,286 Posts Drives: 2018 F80 ZCP Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Chicago Illinois USA iTrader: (0)	Preferred track setting - DSC, MDM or OFF? So - what is your preferred track setting? Full DSC, MDM or DSC fully off?
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08-17-2017, 09:26 PM	#2
CanAutM3 General 21115 Rep 20,741 Posts Drives: 2021 911 turbo Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Montreal iTrader: (1) Garage List 2022 Audi RS6 [10.00] 2021 Porsche 911 turbo [10.00]	Fully off. It is the only way to fully appreciate the wonderful F8X chassis and pull of the S55. __________________ Porsche 911 turbo 2021 992 GT Silver Previous cars: M4cs 2019 F82 Limerock Grey / M4 2015 F82 Silverstone / M3 2008 E92 Silverstone / M3 2002 E46 Carbon Black
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08-17-2017, 09:48 PM	#3
Yessir Lieutenant 372 Rep 465 Posts Drives: car Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: california iTrader: (-1)	I'm doing baby steps and working toward fully off. First few times I've tracked, I had full traction control on, I then progressed to U.S MDM; which in my opinion is still very intrusive and cuts too much power with any sign of tire slippage. I just coded my car to Euro MDM and am looking forward to driving this set up on the track. Based on my initial impressions, Euro MDM allows more tire slippage and will hopefully allow me to carry more speed coming out corners. Final step is fully off but I must admit, this car is a lot of car for me so it's going to be a while until I have the balls to go fully off. And I very much agree with CanautM3 said. I've had a blast at the track and I still have not realized the full potential of these vehicles and what they are capable of.
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08-17-2017, 10:43 PM	#5
DrtyJrze Captain 707 Rep 816 Posts Drives: 2017 M3 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: East Coast iTrader: (0)	Like most adrenaline sports, it's best to advance progressively. First time on track DSC ON, after you're more comfortable move on to MDM. Once you're feeling froggy, jump to DSC off. __________________ IG: Car_Pe_DM
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08-18-2017, 12:55 AM	#6
CAOZKAN Lieutenant 98 Rep 469 Posts Drives: Austin Yellow M4 Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Milan/Monza iTrader: (0)	I started with MDM and now for the last few times I went with DSC off. I must say my times are worse than with mdm but this way the experience feels more raw and fun. I will try to gradually speed up.
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08-18-2017, 10:47 AM	#7
Mandi90TT Colonel 2712 Rep 2,371 Posts Drives: BSM 6MT M4 F82 Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Colorado Springs iTrader: (0)	Fully off, so you don't learn bad habits from relying on the DSC. __________________ 2015 Black Sapphire Metallic 6MT M4
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08-19-2017, 05:38 PM	#9
mcvaughan Lieutenant Colonel 704 Rep 1,917 Posts Drives: F87 Competition Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Katy, TX iTrader: (1)	MDM for first lap or so, then everything off. I do use MDM in the rain though. __________________ Matt
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08-19-2017, 10:17 PM	#10
redpriest Colonel 2146 Rep 2,527 Posts Drives: 2011 M3/Porsche 992 GT3RS Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2024 Porsche 911 GT3RS [0.00] 2021 Porsche 718 Sp ... [0.00] 2021 Mazda Miata MX-5 [0.00] 2006 BMW M3 [0.00] 2011 BMW M3 [10.00]	Fully off. Work your way up to car's limit. Never go full ham on first lap or first session. __________________ '06 BMW M3 ZCP 6MT \| JRZ RS Pro + Hyperco 650/750 \| Epic Tune \| Brembo 355mm BBK \| too many to list '11 BMW M3 ZCP DCT \| Akra Evolution \| Eventuri intake \| MCS 3-way \| 4.6L Carbahn S65 \| Zebulon Aero \| AP Racing Radi-CAL BBK by Essex \| 305/645-18 Pirelli DHB Porsche 992 GT3, 991.2 GT3RS, 718 Spyder instagram.com/titomanlio
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08-20-2017, 04:35 PM	#11
MasterP Colonel 721 Rep 2,342 Posts Drives: All the M's Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Where do you want me? iTrader: (8)	DSC Off.
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09-02-2017, 09:52 AM	#12
Mhannigan01 New Member 3 Rep 8 Posts Drives: 2016 BMW M3 Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Detroit iTrader: (0)	My first ever track day I thought back to what I know about cars, and that all came from Top Gear. So I threw all that "electronic stuff that makes the car less fun" off like JC would do and I went at it. Had a good spin but I learned ALOT about how the car handles and where the limits of the tires are. My next track day was at a place that wasn't as forgiving with spin outs so I used MDM and I could feel the difference. It comes down to the style of the track and the amount of comfort you have with the car, but I would suggest that you try out all the modes at least once or so.
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09-02-2017, 10:59 AM	#13
M3SQRD Major General 2140 Rep 5,521 Posts Drives: E92 M3,G20 330ix,F22 240iX,F82 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Mid-Atlantic iTrader: (11)	DSC fully off
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09-14-2017, 08:17 PM	#14
wigaster First Lieutenant 235 Rep 390 Posts Drives: 2016 M3 AW 6MT Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: North Carolina iTrader: (0)	Fully off. MDM absolutely kills your power tracking out of corners.
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07-17-2018, 05:37 AM	#15
The Choosey begger Libertarian 71934 Rep 4,035 Posts Drives: M4 Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Sanctuary City iTrader: (0)	With the throttle on Sport Plus, the power is not linear very hard to come with the power early! Throttle in Sport is so linear and predictable, you don't need MDM!
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07-17-2018, 12:39 PM	#16
Kbueno Lieutenant Colonel 99 Rep 1,712 Posts Drives: F82 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: California iTrader: (5)	If you are on the track...always fully off. The only reasoning to keep traction control on is if it's raining or maybe during warmup? Kinda defeats the purpose of tracking.
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