New proud owner '98 M Roadster

Recently purchased a '98 M Roadster in remarkably good shape. No mods that I am aware of, and I'll likely keep it OEM, at least for the foreseeable future. It's a big step up from the '71 SuperBeetle that I formerly drove, but I really appreciate the increased power, safety features, and quick driving response, all notably lacking in the VW. I'll post pics as soon as available, and likely need advice on issues that might arise in the meantime.

Congratulations, they're great cars. The 98 lacks traction control, and that combined with a short wheelbase and a high torque engine can very quickly change the car's direction of travel__damp pavement, old (or cold) tires just make things worse.

My advice is to work up to its performance potential gradually, and ideally, enter an autocross or two, where you can explore the car's limits in a controlled environment__besides, they're a lot of fun!

I'm just below Tampa, outside of Parrish, if you're ever down this way.

Originally Posted by Randy Forbes

... The 98 lacks traction control...

My 97 has a button on the console for ASC, which is described in the Owners Manual as:

Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC).
The DSC enhances the benefits of the
ASC+T. In addition to optimizing vehicle
stability and traction during acceleration
or when starting from a standstill,
a further benefit is realized in cornering...
Indicator lamp flashes:
The system is actively regulating drive
torque in response to monitored vehicle
operating conditions.

Is this traction control, or is traction control something else?

Thanks, Randy, for your comments and words of advice. I've truly enjoyed driving and getting to know more about my 98 M Roadster, over the past month or so, and was pleased to hear that your shop is within range. I look forward to meeting you and. saying hello the next time I'm down your way, Alan Davis.

I love my 2.5 though i wish i had an M, but mods for these cars are very easy to do. Personally i like the look of my after market housings over the stock. They shine farther too.

AustinZ3, that's a really nice color on that car, what is it? Sahara?

Originally Posted by vintage42

My 97 has a button on the console for ASC, which is described in the Owners Manual as:

Is this traction control, or is traction control something else?

The ///Ms didn't have ASC until the 1999 model year.

post some pics!

I noticed the color, too. Very attractive! The headlights are a good suggestion and a good place to start. Thanks, Austin. Pics are my first priority!!

Originally Posted by marty505

AustinZ3, that's a really nice color on that car, what is it? Sahara?

The color is Impala Brown Metallic. Ive never seen another one.

Welcome aboard! I've been a 98 M Roadster owner for 13 years now, and I think you'll become very attached to it. (and, having owned air-cooled Beetles, YES, you may notice a bit more performance in the M Roadie!)