HadE55NowM5

Call me crazy, but I noticed something fairly fundamental the other day.

Usually when I drive the M5, I disengage the DSC and employ the Sport Mode as soon as I start the car. However, I decided to drive my M5 in Non-Sport Mode to compare the steering feel and feedback.

Guess what? The same wonderful steering that I experienced when I test drove a M5 for the first time, returned. I remember that day well. That was the day that I decided that I had to have an M5. The steering feel and feedback is what really stood out as compared to my then-current E55.

Is there any way that the mapping in the Sport Mode can be modified so that I can have the incredible Sport Mode throttle response combined with the vastly better steering of the Non-Sports Mode?

I find myself constantly disengaging the Sport Mode when I'm driving on a curvy road, and re-engaging Sport Mode when I want ultra-fast throttle response when I'm accelerating hard through the gears, or when I'm doing my double clutch heel-and-toe downshifts.

While the steering is quicker in Sport Mode, it just seems to lack the crisp turn-in, feel and feedback that it has in abundance in the Non-Sport mode. This difference is especially apparent when correcting your line mid-turn.

PLEASE HELP!!! Hopefully the next-generation M5 (and the upcoming M3 V8 4.0 or 5.0 Liter roadcar) will both have BMW's phenomenol rack and pinion steering).

[This message has been edited by HadE55NowM5 (edited 06 February 2001).]

MarcK

You can move a step towards the combination you want (sport mode throttle response with non sport mode steering feel) with the Dinan software upgrade. It doesn't change the steering feel, but changes the throttle response in non sport mode to be closer to sport mode.

HadE55NowM5

I currently have the Dinan software (the CAI version). I agree that the Dinan software improves throttle response / throttle "tip-in" (especially in the Sport Mode). However, in my Dinan-software M5, the throttle in the Sport Mode is hugely more responsive than in the Non-Sport Mode. That's why I hunger for Sport Mode throttle (in combination with Non-Sport Mode steering).

As far as how Dinan-software Non-Sport Mode throttle compares with its OEM Sport Mode counterpart, I can't really comment as I can no longer remember the feel of the OEM throttle software. Nonetheless, I've become spoiled by the tremendous throttle response I now experience as a result of my CAI Dinan software package!



[This message has been edited by HadE55NowM5 (edited 06 February 2001).]

Need4Spd

You might even be able to talk Dinan into giving you a custom package. Since it's just a software download, it seems to me there's no reason why you couldn't have what you want. For example, I don't like the idea of raising the rev limit no matter what people say, but I would like the increased throttle response on normal mode and the removal of the top speed limiter. There are probably too many buttons already, but there's no reason why they couldn't have allowed for selecting only the different throttle tip in curve by using a separate button for the steering and throttle, or achieved the same thing w/software. Talk to Dinan and see if they'll do a *custom* software download for you.

greg

HadE55 -

Just a thought. Why disengage DSC every time? If you drive smoothly you can keep an M5 very near its limits without DSC intervening. And yes, it can be driven harder with it off, and I turn it off some times. But not every moment is hard driving. Lots of it is monotonous freeway miles in traffic when some bozo might suddenly yank the wheel for a lane change right into you. The DSC absolutely can and will save your life. I strongly encourage you to turn it off ONLY when you ARE driving hard, and switch it back on again any other time.

HadE55NowM5

greg,

You make a valid point which I will take under advisement. The reason that I always disengage DSC is that I don't know always know in advance when I will
want to drive hard. There is nothing more frustrating than accelerating hard and having the DSC intervene (applying the rear brakes, cutting off power, etc.). Also, I like to be able to be able to change the attitude of the car at will (i.e. "rotate" it in setting up for, or exiting a turn, etc.). I usually only keep DSC engaged when it is raining.

I'll try using my DSC sometimes.

Thanks for the advice -- I'm just a little old-fashioned about over-relying on too many of these electronic driver aids/gizmos. I try as much as possible to adhere to the simple purity of the driving experience....




[This message has been edited by HadE55NowM5 (edited 08 February 2001).]

HadE55NowM5

HadE55NowM5