[Danfordman]

So I have a dumb newbie question. My owners manual says DTC is always ON , so when I push DTC button and DTC light is on does it mean i have turned OFF my DTC?

[Mr.335]

Yes pushing it makes it limited control. Holding it for 3seconds completely deactivates it.

[JS-NA.E92]

Mr. 335 is wrong, the manual says DTC is always on when it's really DSC that's always on. DTC only turns on when you press the DTC Button and it lights up on the dash.

When you hold it for about 5 seconds it'll deactivate DSC and DTC.

Dynamic Stability Control
Dynamic Traction Control

[Danfordman]

Cool thanks Mr335. seemed to help turning it off in the rain, gave the car an ol school driving feel. Are our cars Limited Slip differentials? Oh Yeah, I know its suppose to be safer to keep DTC on in wet weather. Just a matter of driving style for me.

[Danfordman]

Originally Posted by JS-NA.E92

Mr. 335 is wrong, the manual says DTC is always on when it's really DSC that's always on. DTC only turns on when you press the DTC Button and it lights up on the dash.

When you hold it for about 5 seconds it'll deactivate DSC and DTC.

Dynamic Stability Control
Dynamic Traction Control

Got it, light on dash DTC means "Dynamic Traction Control" is ON.
thanks

[Dark_Knight_335]

This topic has been beat into the ground. This thread about sums it up:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=333944

[JS-NA.E92]

Also I forgot, when you turn on DTC it turns off DSC which is why that little triangle with an exclamation mark pops up when turning on DTC.

[Dark_Knight_335]

Originally Posted by JS-NA.E92

Also I forgot, when you turn on DTC it turns off DSC which is why that little triangle with an exclamation mark pops up when turning on DTC.

Thanks for this. End of thread

[Dark_Knight_335]

Albeit from a MINI site, this function is identical in our BMWs. OK NOW I'm done

http://www.motoringfile.com/2010/11/...rol-explained/

[accel]

Originally Posted by Dark_Knight_335

Albeit from a MINI site, this function is identical in our BMWs. OK NOW I'm done

http://www.motoringfile.com/2010/11/...rol-explained/

Except, after some tests I don't believe BMW actually have e-diff or e-LSD.

[abhishriv]

the only bmws now that have LSDs are the "M" models. all other bmws have open differentials which uses the rear brakes to limit the slip on the rear wheel with the less traction.

you can buy an aftermarket LSD to add to your non-M car.

[Dark_Knight_335]

Ah yes, beside the LSD / e-diff, the other stuff is explained well.

[PAMidge]

Incorrect. Unfortunately everyone thinks they know what it is, but they really don't. Here's the scoop:

This is the way it works. DSC is on when you start the car. That's Dynamic Stability Control. That will limit the engine power, and apply breaks to certain wheels if any wheelspin is detected, or if the car is getting out of control.

When you press the DTC button, you are engaging Dynamic Traction Control. Dynamic traction control is a limited form of DSC. It will allow some wheelspin up to 40mph in order to gain better traction in slick conditions such as heavy snow. It will still save you if you get out of control, but there will need to be a bit more loss of control before it happens.

When you press and hold the DTC button you are shutting off DSC. There is no traction control to help you at all. You're on your own.

The owners manual is available online via PDF and goes over it more thoroughly

[Dark_Knight_335]

Exactamundo!

[Danfordman]

Originally Posted by PAMidge

Incorrect. Unfortunately everyone thinks they know what it is, but they really don't. Here's the scoop:

This is the way it works. DSC is on when you start the car. That's Dynamic Stability Control. That will limit the engine power, and apply breaks to certain wheels if any wheelspin is detected, or if the car is getting out of control.

When you press the DTC button, you are engaging Dynamic Traction Control. Dynamic traction control is a limited form of DSC. It will allow some wheelspin up to 40mph in order to gain better traction in slick conditions such as heavy snow. It will still save you if you get out of control, but there will need to be a bit more loss of control before it happens.

When you press and hold the DTC button you are shutting off DSC. There is no traction control to help you at all. You're on your own.

The owners manual is available online via PDF and goes over it more thoroughly

Awsome detailed explanation!
Thanks helps me a lot.
Dan

[apeyuen]

Thank you very much. So should I push the button when i drive on snow?

[Dark_Knight_335]

Originally Posted by apeyuen

Thank you very much. So should I push the button when i drive on snow?

Only when having difficulty (IE no wheelspin to get out of snow etc.)
NEVER leave it on all the time.

[PAMidge]

Originally Posted by apeyuen

Thank you very much. So should I push the button when i drive on snow?

Only when you think you will need a little bit of wheelspin to "find" traction in snow - or if you find that DSC is interfering too much with snow driving.

Safest is to keep DSC on all the time.

[junkie90]

I apologize for grave digging/jacking but I don't think my problem warrants a new thread.

Driving to work I hit a slight dip on a turn, slight couple rubs were heard and after that the DTC light flashed and stayed flashing. Any ideas?

[Freki371]

PAMidge, you explained that better than the short description in the manual, now i truly understand the difference. Thanks

[Mr.335]

So basically pushing the button gives you limited traction until 40mph?

[rorkor]

unless you truly know how to handle your car, and I mean power wise as well as steering, I don't suggest anyone disable the DSC/DTC completely. Most people are not aware of how much power their cars have or how to handle the sheer mass of a 3600+ lb car.

That said, when I track my cars, i disable it all together. This is also he practice for launch assist in some vehicles and known to burn up ignition coils at a faster rate when used that way.

In the snow, unless you are on ice as well, enabling DTC to get moving is all you should need it for the re enable DSC. Disabling the system all together will resemble Mr. Toad's wild ride.