ABS Disengagement

[modifiede30]

Anyone know how to safely disengage the ABS for track purposes? I'm beyond its usefulness.

[Jordan]

either pull the relay, or install a switch that disconnects the main power to the relay.

[Charlie]

Disconnect the white ABS relay above the driver's front fender. The plastic will be a little brittle, but it pulls apart with a little work.

Easy to reconnect if you want to get ABS back.

-Charlie

[modifiede30]

Have either of you done this for track purposes? If so, have you ever experienced a solid pedal after doing so?

[TIATO]

Re: ABS Disengagement

Anyone know how to safely disengage the ABS for track purposes? I'm beyond its usefulness.

ModifiedE30, please elaborate. Your ABS is generally NOT working properly? Your track driving style is such that you no longer find it to be an advantage? What do you think you will gain by disabling it?

Even under my heaviest of track braking, I very seldomly actuate ABS.

[modifiede30]

ModifiedE30, please elaborate. Your ABS is generally NOT working properly? Your track driving style is such that you no longer find it to be an advantage? What do you think you will gain by disabling it?

Even under my heaviest of track braking, I very seldomly actuate ABS.

The ABS works fine. However, I don't believe it presents any advantages over threshold braking at all, and would prefer to have it disengaged to avoid the unpredictable results in a spin (and I hope not to jinx myself since its never happened). My experience with ABS in skid pad sessions have proven that its less effective than threshold braking in almost any situation.

[UNHCLL]

My experience with ABS in skid pad sessions have proven that its less effective than threshold braking in almost any situation.

AMEN! You dont know how hard that is to convey to students during a driving school.

[TIATO]

modE30 - Thanks for elaborating. Makes sense.

[e9nine]

My experience with ABS in skid pad sessions have proven that its less effective than threshold braking in almost any situation.

AMEN! You dont know how hard that is to convey to students during a driving school.

UNHCLL is this with regards to the e30s ABS only ( I know its antique) or even newer systems?

[lodac]

NAy one ever remove there ABS pump on a 1991 318is, I believe my pump is sezied.. I would like to remove it. Anyone have problems with removing it, anything I should avoid?

[UNHCLL]

My experience with ABS in skid pad sessions have proven that its less effective than threshold braking in almost any situation.

AMEN! You dont know how hard that is to convey to students during a driving school.

UNHCLL is this with regards to the e30s ABS only ( I know its antique) or even newer systems?

Even newer systems.
To break it down to the parts of braking...(Ultra simplified)
Threshold Braking is the MAXIMUM pressure that can be applied to the brakes before lock-up occurs.
Once ABS kicks in, you have passed this optimal level, and the brakes are "cycling"
The cycling is very quick on newer cars, but for that split second, the brakes are still releasing pressure on the rotors and allowing more "slip"

This is overly exagerated on the E30 as it is an antiquiated system. The pause while pressure is released is long. Threshold will always stop you faster than full ABS Lock-up braking. Stressing this point is the essence of our Saftey Schools when teaching Panic Stops. Throw into the equation, turning, weight transfer, and the speed the mind must process that.... students can very quickly fall into the "Stomp the pedal and stand on it" mentality.

I personally cant speak for newer systems with independent brake monitors and split second bias control.

Overly computerized systems will *USUALLY* beat a non computerized system. (New 5er vs. E30) But comparisions like that arent valid given the changes over time.

[TIATO]

This is turning into a great thread.

....students can very quickly fall into the "Stomp the pedal and stand on it" mentality..

Yep, I can see that hapenning especially with novices. Then again Ive seen experienced drivers do that. One of my driving friends not only uses ABS all the time but also DSC. Says it makes him faster??

Im of the opinion, that the more you can do without drivers assistance (ABS, DSC or whatever) the better a driver you will become and also develop a much better and consistent feel for a cars limits. Performance driving is always about feedback and feel. Drivers aids take that away.

Out of all the instructors that I have ever had, ONLY 1 has ever suggested that I should brake using full ABS. I tried it, but my driving style made it hard.

[UNHCLL]

Yep, I can see that hapenning especially with novices. Then again Ive seen experienced drivers do that. One of my driving friends not only uses ABS all the time but also DSC. Says it makes him faster??

People can often times believe that the computer modulated "buffer" zone is "ON THE EDGE." They think BMW designed the cars to operate right on that line and thats where the ABS/DSC/AYC holds the car. I've seen comparisons with DSC & ABS on and off in an E36 M3. It is proven that a smooth driver without the assistance of the DSC/ABS is much quicker around the track.

Its faster to let the back end "slip/slide" a TINY amount through a corner, and DSC tries to prevent that as much as possible by cutting power. This clearly inhibits track times and exit speed.

Im of the opinion, that the more you can do without drivers assistance (ABS, DSC or whatever) the better a driver you will become and also develop a much better and consistent feel for a cars limits. Performance driving is always about feedback and feel. Drivers aids take that away.

This is very true. Again it comes to the buffer zone. With those systems activated the driver feedback is SEVERLY hampered and prevents the student/driver from learning the limits of the car. Drivers can also become "desensitized" by the feeling of saftey these systems offer. They come under the impression BMW wont let the car get TOOOOO far out of control. I'll be fine! WRONG!

Out of all the instructors that I have ever had, ONLY 1 has ever suggested that I should brake using full ABS. I tried it, but my driving style made it hard.

That is a very odd request from an instructor. Given someone of your age (meaning older than most members on here) and your length of being involved with track auto-x switching to driving with an automated system would be most intrusive and peculiar. Now the other member base, (15-20) have spent most time driving overly complicated cars, so adapting to driving with ABS and DSC would be much easier for them.

Personally I'll stick to the non automated system setup. One of the first things I do when I drive my mothers 325i, is switch off the DSC, not because I beat on it and slide like crazy, but the feeling of hving power cut while I'm trying to accelerate due to a small amount of wheelspin is VERY unerving.

[TIATO]

Given someone of your age (meaning older than most members on here)...

Turned 34 in August. But when it comes to cars, I feel like Im 18. :D
[/quote]

[65Matt]

Since the consensus is that the E30's ABS is inadequate under performance driving, how hard is it to remove the ABS unit? Has anyone done it?

Or more importantly, how much weight is saved when removing it?