Help, when to activate DTC

[jammat]

I read the manual but it says activating DTC reduces driving stability. Why activate it then?

Quote, "the system assures maximal drive output, but with reduced driving stability". What am I missing. Thanks.

Do not reply if you will be saying search as I have already done that.

[SteveinBelAir]

Umm...no.

DTC is by default 'ON'.

Do a quick search but there are basically three levels.

You deactivate it by holding the button down for 5 seconds.

[Fast Bob]

Steve is correct.... DTC is automatically "ON" whenever the car is started. If you mean by "activate" to manually override (shut off) the DTC, then yes, you *can* reduce stability, however, "DTC off" gives YOU control over the car rather than letting the system decide what to do. Attempting to start on a slippery surface is another example of when you might want to override the DTC.

Regards,
Bob

[BmW745On19's]

Steve is correct.... DTC is automatically "ON" whenever the car is started. If you mean by "activate" to manually override (shut off) the DTC, then yes, you *can* reduce stability, however, "DTC off" gives YOU control over the car rather than letting the system decide what to do. Attempting to start on a slippery surface is another example of when you might want to override the DTC.

Regards,
Bob
Or if you want to get the back end out around a hairpin turn getting onto the interstate.:eeps:

[jammat]

Steve is correct.... DTC is automatically "ON" whenever the car is started. If you mean by "activate" to manually override (shut off) the DTC, then yes, you *can* reduce stability, however, "DTC off" gives YOU control over the car rather than letting the system decide what to do. Attempting to start on a slippery surface is another example of when you might want to override the DTC.

Regards,
Bob

I think the manual says DSC is always on and DTC is a component of DSC,however the manual also says to activate DTC, you press the DTC button briefly, and to deactivate DTC, press the DTC button again until the DTC indicator lamp goes out. You can also deactivate DTC and DSC together by holding the DTC button for no more than 10 seconds when the DSC indicator lights up.

This crap is so confusing. Again my question is why active DTC if it reduces driveability as is said in the manual? My car is '06 530i.

[chuck92103]

I think the manual says DSC is always on and DTC is a component of DSC,however the manual also says to activate DTC, you press the DTC button briefly, and to deactivate DTC, press the DTC button again until the DTC indicator lamp goes out. You can also deactivate DTC and DSC together by holding the DTC button for no more than 10 seconds when the DSC indicator lights up.

This crap is so confusing. Again my question is why active DTC if it reduces driveability as is said in the manual? My car is '06 530i.

It is all in the manual. Just read it. DSC/DTC are on by default. In some cases, like when using snow chains, or going up an icey grade, you may want traction control only. You are acknowledging the car is going to slip a little and do not want DSC interfering.

[jammat]

It is all in the manual. Just read it. DSC/DTC are on by default. In some cases, like when using snow chains, or going up an icey grade, you may want traction control only. You are acknowledging the car is going to slip a little and do not want DSC interfering.

Sir, as you can see I am quoting from the manual, meaning I have read it. I am just not a smart as you are to fully comprehend what is written there, hence my confusion and question. I appreciate your answer though, thanks.

[Fast Bob]

Sir, as you can see I am quoting from the manual, meaning I have read it. I am just not a smart as you are to fully comprehend what is written there, hence my confusion and question. I appreciate your answer though, thanks.

Let`s face it.... manuals translated from another language often leave some ambiguity as to certain details.... the best way to see what happens is to go find a big empty parking lot, shut off all electronic nannies, and execute a few "Dukes Of Hazard" maneuvers.... :-)

Regards,
Bob

[MJS]

I don't have a DTC button(I have a DSC button), but my understanding of it is as follows.
Sometimes you need a little wheelspin to get going in snowy/icy conditions. Pressing the DTC button alllows that. Without pressing it, traction control would intervene so much that the tires won't move.

[jammat]

Let`s face it.... manuals translated from another language often leave some ambiguity as to certain details.... the best way to see what happens is to go find a big empty parking lot, shut off all electronic nannies, and execute a few "Dukes Of Hazard" maneuvers.... :-)

Regards,
Bob

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: True

[jammat]

I don't have a DTC button(I have a DSC button), but my understanding of it is as follows.
Sometimes you need a little wheelspin to get going in snowy/icy conditions. Pressing the DTC button alllows that. Without pressing it, traction control would intervene so much that the tires won't move.

This is very logical. Thanks.

[cwsqbm]

I don't have a DTC button(I have a DSC button), but my understanding of it is as follows.
Sometimes you need a little wheelspin to get going in snowy/icy conditions. Pressing the DTC button alllows that. Without pressing it, traction control would intervene so much that the tires won't move.

:stupid: the one time I pulled my car with summer tires onto my driveway, with the DSC in its default state felt like a broken throttle cable - little zero power. With the DSC pressed briefly, I was able to spin the tires, but after a bit I smelled overheating brakes. Pressing and holding the button until the electronic nanny was completely disabled allowed me to get the car back in the garage.

[philippek]

What you see in the manual is lawyer-speak, and should be interpreted as such: "You can turn off traction control, but if you do, don't blame us when you drive beyond your abilities."

Dynamic Stability Control is the default traction control setting for all modern BMWs. This system will not allow any wheelspin, under any circumstances. If it senses a loss of traction it will deploy electronic countermeasures in milliseconds: braking any of the wheels independently or in concert, or cutting throttle. It is so smooth that most drivers won't even notice it.

DSC should remain on for 95% of drivers 95% of the time. This systems "knows" where you want the car to go, based on steering angle, vehicle speed and throttle position. Most people have a limited understanding of vehicle dynamics (Right pedal go, left pedal stop, turn the wheel where you want to go), and should really allow the car to make certain decisions for them. Certain actions performed by DSC are simply impossible for any driver to do (applying braking force to single wheel, for example).

Some drivers feel that DSC is too instrusive. Some drivers want to approach and/or slighty exceed the physical limits of traction before engaging an electronic aid. And in some limited-traction situations (snow, ice) a certain amount of wheelspin is desirable. For this and other reasons, BMW created Dynamic Traction Control, which is simply DSC with a more liberal algorithm. It allows more wheelspin under a greater variety of conditions.

And for some driving purists any amount of electronic interference is too much. These are the same people who would deactivate ABS if they could (and that was possible on some of our cars in the 80s and 90s). Most of these people understand and are comfortable with steering the car with their right foot, and rotating the car with a deft combination of thrust, braking and steering. On a racetrack, a talented driver will usually prefer little to no stability control. For this any many other reasons BMW gives us the option of turning off stability control entirely. They really should be lauded for this, as many other manufacturers don't trust their customers nearly as much. This is more a testament to the inherently unstable cars they build than anything else.

If you'd like a more in-depth and practical view of these concepts, I would highly recommend a day or two at one of BMW's High Performance Driving Events, or a BMWCCA sponsored autocross event. Professional drivers will be on hand to show you what these vehicles can do, the appropriate choice of your traction control options, and the many ways you can enjoy your BMW.

[Double-S]

What you see in the manual is lawyer-speak, and should be interpreted as such: "You can turn off traction control, but if you do, don't blame us when you drive beyond your abilities."

Dynamic Stability Control is the default traction control setting for all modern BMWs. This system will not allow any wheelspin, under any circumstances. If it senses a loss of traction it will deploy electronic countermeasures in milliseconds: braking any of the wheels independently or in concert, or cutting throttle. It is so smooth that most drivers won't even notice it.

DSC should remain on for 95% of drivers 95% of the time. This systems "knows" where you want the car to go, based on steering angle, vehicle speed and throttle position. Most people have a limited understanding of vehicle dynamics (Right pedal go, left pedal stop, turn the wheel where you want to go), and should really allow the car to make certain decisions for them. Certain actions performed by DSC are simply impossible for any driver to do (applying braking force to single wheel, for example).

Some drivers feel that DSC is too instrusive. Some drivers want to approach and/or slighty exceed the physical limits of traction before engaging an electronic aid. And in some limited-traction situations (snow, ice) a certain amount of wheelspin is desirable. For this and other reasons, BMW created Dynamic Traction Control, which is simply DSC with a more liberal algorithm. It allows more wheelspin under a greater variety of conditions.

And for some driving purists any amount of electronic interference is too much. These are the same people who would deactivate ABS if they could (and that was possible on some of our cars in the 80s and 90s). Most of these people understand and are comfortable with steering the car with their right foot, and rotating the car with a deft combination of thrust, braking and steering. On a racetrack, a talented driver will usually prefer little to no stability control. For this any many other reasons BMW gives us the option of turning off stability control entirely. They really should be lauded for this, as many other manufacturers don't trust their customers nearly as much. This is more a testament to the inherently unstable cars they build than anything else.

If you'd like a more in-depth and practical view of these concepts, I would highly recommend a day or two at one of BMW's High Performance Driving Events, or a BMWCCA sponsored autocross event. Professional drivers will be on hand to show you what these vehicles can do, the appropriate choice of your traction control options, and the many ways you can enjoy your BMW.

Wow, that about sums it up. I learned something today!:thumbup:

[Fast Bob]

EXCELLENT post, Philippek.... it should be stickied onto every SEARCH query regarding DSC, DTC, etc.

Regards,
Bob