How about a smarter DSC? - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Steve Morling · 12th April 2002, 03:25

With all the smarts we have the beast, why can't BMW make the DSC a whole lot smarter????

We've had many, many comments that our DSC is just too intrusive. It struck me that it would be fairly straightforward to program it to the stay the heck out of my way when I’m trying to pull away from the line in a hurry. I’d like to leave the DSC on for its safety value in case I get myself crossways e.g. on an unexpected slick patch but I usually kill it if the roads are dry because I hate what it does to even a mildly spirited launch.

My program would say: with Sport on, if the steering wheels are straight ahead (or within 5 degrees of straight) and the throttle is >80% open then kill the DSC – let me slip while I’m looking for traction or snatching second gear.

I’d take this as a feature in a heartbeat. BMW can you do it??? How about Dinan or Powerchip????.

Any comments?

VanCooper · 12th April 2002, 09:39

Isn't it the Corvette's and Porsche's stability system that is less intrusive than the DSC and allows for higher treshold of skidding before cutting in?

I find way too intrusive on dry roads but in the wet, it's appreciated because it would certainly be dangerous without it in the wet...

Fedde · 12th April 2002, 09:43

Another option would be to have the DSC button on the
steering wheel so that it would be THAT much easier to turn
it off and on. There are a heck lot of buttons there most don't
use anyway. An option would be to have one or two
programable buttons that you through the OBC could program
to perform customized actions.

Just a thought...

Fedde

tfung · 12th April 2002, 09:51

The porsches and corvettes are sports car.. the M5 is still afterall a sedan first and foremost... that's why it has a much more agressive DSC....

HotRod · 13th April 2002, 07:02

Why not just turn off the DSC?? It's one of the few automobiles that allow you to completely turn it off!! Vette's and other "sport cars" don't allow the system to be completely turned off do they?? I thought I read that somewhere??? I love driving with the DSC off when I feel like romping around...

HotRod

atomic80 · 13th April 2002, 07:15

Quote:

Originally posted by HotRod
Why not just turn off the DSC?? It's one of the few automobiles that allow you to completely turn it off!! Vette's and other "sport cars" don't allow the system to be completely turned off do they?? I thought I read that somewhere??? I love driving with the DSC off when I feel like romping around...

HotRod

Actually when you hit the DSC button it doesn't completely turn it off! Just thought you should know!

greg · 13th April 2002, 08:01

Jason, I'm 99.8%v certainyou are incorrect. Whenm you turn DSC off, it is NOT partially active. You still have ABS, so you can't lock a wheel up with brakes - but it will NOT activate the brakes without you touching the brake pedal, and it will NOT retard the throttle. I have personally tested this on the track. When you turn DSC off, it is 100% OFF.

As to the original topic - yeah, I would love to see less intrusion on straight-ahead wheelspin, as well as throttle-on corner exit. On the other hand when you turn it off, it is very easy to get the rear loose in a hurry on corner-exit. The Porsche system most definitely lets you get closer to the edge - however, as said, the Porsche is a sports car. Not only is the expectation about the driver different, the car has much firmer suspension and therefore less "pendulum effect". As a result, it is possible to program the system to wait longer before it intervenes and still give it a strong chance of recovering if the driver isn't doing the right thing. The M5 is heavier and can't be pulled back from disaster at the last microsecond. The DSC has to be a little more intrusive to accomplish the same goal.

atomic80 · 13th April 2002, 16:57

Oh well..I stand corrected. I consider ABS to be part of the "traction" control system which is why I said that. When I think of a traction control system being completely off, there should be ZERO computer intervention including ABS. I should have pointed that out.