M3 vs Merc S500

[HuskyBMW]

Had a little fun with a 2008/2009 S500 this morning. Two lane left turn entrance onto freeway with long ramp. He doesn't make any indication that he is wanting to play but as soon as the light turns green, he stomps on it. My car is in stock mode, traction control fully on. Now roads are wet and it is raining lightly. As soon as I push throttle to the floor and start to accelerate the rear end starts to slide out and MDM kicks in and cuts power. He is slowly pulling away and I try to ease the throttle again to avoid MDM but sure enough, rear end starts to get loose and power cut again. At this point he is pulling away and there's nothing I can do about it. I just can't keep rear end planted. So my question is, in dry weather I'm assuming I should have been able to take him but also, how did he keep things planted? Heavier car? Naturally aspirated car with smoother power delivery? I don't mind losing, just curious how he kept things in check in wet conditions.

[ASAP]

racing in the rain :

[joeyb26]

could possibly be 4matic

[TahoeM3]

This is definitely not the car for that. You're not going to win many stoplight races, especially in the rain.

To answer your question, it's probably a combination of the above...lower torque, more weight on the rear tires, possible AWD in the S500 vs you basically not being able to get any power to the ground in wet conditions. Is your car stock?

[HuskyBMW]

Originally Posted by TahoeM3

This is definitely not the car for that. You're not going to win many stoplight races, especially in the rain.

To answer your question, it's probably a combination of the above...lower torque, more weight on the rear tires, possible AWD in the S500 vs you basically not being able to get any power to the ground in wet conditions. Is your car stock?

yea, car is stock. I guess I've never really got on it in such wet conditions before. I think I definitely would have taken him if it was dry.

[Bahn360Photo]

even new s550 is no match for m3, closer than the one u ran but still.

and like others said, racing in the rain will end in trouble...don't do it

[TTG]

Reminder to OP that your car comes with summer tires.....

Most Mercs are stupid fast and planted off the line. It was always fun to pray on unexpected folks with my buddy's E55 AMG Wagon. The look on other drivers faces has always been priceless.

[dkhm3]

try practicing launching in the dry. you need to learn how this car applies the throttle.

then you will be able to better modulate the take off. Make sure the tires are warmed up.

but yes, never ever WOT in the rain or if the pavement is wet.

you can also code the tc to EURO MDM, which will allow a bit more play.

that guy in the s500 knew exactly what he was doing, especially if he is a 4 matic. awd is crazy fast vs a rwd in the wet.

[BuzzE46]

wpuld never race in the rain, lose traction and power anyway. s550 against the new m3? cmon.. on a good day you should have mopped him like curry shooting a 3

[damnitBobby]

So that was you that I dusted.

Just kidding I don't race people on wet roads. But to answer your question, if you floor the pedal in a '09 Mercedes S550, the back end won't go frenetic on you. It doesn't cut power drastically either, it will put the power down as effectively as the ECU thinks. It is also heavier and much less tail happy than the F8x.