E39 540iA ('00): 'Undocumented' DSC mode ?

Question

As stability control evolves, mfr's are providing more DSC modes for owners to choose. But on my 540, there appears to be a choice of either DSC on/DSC off.

1) In this application, when DSC is off, is just the traction control disabled or are both traction and stability control turned off?

2) On some earlier cars, it is possible for an owner to reduce intervention by holding the DSC button for an extended period. I've tried this (holding DSC button for 10+ sec) but don't sense any difference. Is there a different sequence I need to use or is it simply a binary feature (on/off - nothing else)

Regards, Ken R.

SharkmanBMW · Accepted Answer

on my e34 1994 540i, holding the button 10 secs de-activates the engine shutdown traction control and keeps ON traction control using the brakes.In your e39, when you hold the button, if the dash light does not flash or signal you someway, I doubt it is making a difference.

Ken R. · Answer

"SharkmanBMW"  wrote innews:5Ywhe.112299$     The DSC icon does not flash when I hold the button for anextended period.With DSC off (icon lit up on Driver Info Centre) the caris not restrained by engine/throttle regulation.  In a Solo II(AutoX) event today on a fast track, the rear tire(s) wouldspin on hard accel out of a tight gate through a sweepingturn to the next gate.  However, despite the drama, there wasnever a time when the rear felt like it was going to rotatearound.Under the circumstances, the DSC icon was already lit up soI wasn't seeing it blink as it will when DSC is enabled andtraction gets loose.  The M-Sport cars have a limited slipdiff so one would think that when loose tires are heard atthe rear - they are both spinning.  Still, since the carwas not trying to come around, I am wondering whether DSCwas intervening by actuating the brakes on one or more ofthe f/r corners..

E39 540iA ('00): 'Undocumented' DSC mode ?

Join the Discussion

Didn't find your answer?