M5 Brakes are AWESOME!!

I think it was the ABS not the DSC. The DSC would cut power and apply the brake if needed. The foot is off the gas and already on the brakes.

You are probably right about ABS kicking in Can someone explain how the DSC controls (or doesn't) the ABS system?

DSC and ABS are independent - you cannot switch the ABS off. When you switch the DSC off, it does NOT come on in any situation.

To be technically accurate, they aren't completely independent in that both systems interact with the brakes - therefore they share some common mechanical components.

/G

I should add that ABS is what will protect your ability to steer in a panic stop situation, and yes, the M5 has awesome brakes. The entire package - handling, excellent brakes, ABS, and your proper reactions saved your bacon.

The "CBC" is what applies the brakes with extra force during a panic stop. The car never felt out of control because the suspension is so good. I found the suspension very unflappable at my one track day.

What you guys are referring to is DBC- Dynamic Brake Control. Applies full brake pressure when it senses a panic stop. It will invoke the ABS, by definition.

The first day that I got mine I was driving it around with a friend in downtown portland (oregon). This tricked out (exhaust, wheels, etc.) honda civic hatchback came up next to me and started revving. The lights were timed such that if you blew off the line you would just get very fast to the next red light. I decided to make a go of it anyway, keeping in mihd the 5500 rpm redkine and the no full throttle rules. I took off and got a little ahead of him and ran it up pretty far to the light and then slammed on the brakes. The m5 stopped like crazy, and the civic skidded out into the middle of the intersection. I thought that was even more fun than if I had blown him off the line.

Originally posted by greg:
DSC and ABS are independent - you cannot switch the ABS off. When you switch the DSC off, it does NOT come on in any situation.

To be technically accurate, they aren't completely independent in that both systems interact with the brakes - therefore they share some common mechanical components.

/G

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just to let you know, BMW uses a Bosch system for the DSC. This system cannot be completely disabled. Turning off the DSC results in allowing wheelspin in the rear wheels, but not disabling the braking intervention during cornering. Basically the same system used in Porches and Mercs.

Vapour.

Originally posted by vapour:
just to let you know, BMW uses a Bosch system for the DSC. This system cannot be completely disabled.Vapour.

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Not sure I agree that the system is not completely disabled. Any supporting info or other persons input? No flames just disagree.

It's my understanding that when you turn off the DSC, it's off completely. Until now, I've never heard anything to the contrary.

It's been my experience that when you turn the DSC off, you can slide the car around with no interference from the stability control.

I haven't been yet, but don't they demonstrate this on the skid-pad at the M5 experience?

Rick W

I'm curious... If the DSC is staying on in some fashion when you turn it off, what is it's intended function in this mode?

I've shown off the DSC in a wet parking lot and have no trouble spinning the car all over the place with the DSC turned off. I'm not just talking about wheel-spin, but everything from mild fish-tails to complete 360's. If the DSC is really still on when I turn it off, what's it supposed to be doing?

With the DSC on, it's nearly impossible to get the car out-of-sorts (at least at low speed in a wet parking lot). Mostly it does this by taking away all your power, but it is very noticable when the system invokes some single-wheel braking to control yaw.

Rick

m5 breaks are good.
they fade, however, after multiple successive stops.
this really only comes out at the track.

the dsc is COMPLETELY off when its off. i also have had the car doing backward 360s, figure eights and every other conceivable contortion with it off. but, the abs, dsc and everythings else related to electronic stability/break/emergency breaking is all being directed by a singe microprocessor, so technically, it is always on, but the abs functionality is seperate logic. at least that is my understanding and experience.