BMW 7 Series: DSC Displays And Controls

New DSC symbols

There is a new set of symbols for Dynamic Stability Control displays and controls. Starting on the F01/F02, this new DSC symbol set replaces the symbols previously used.

Previously there were two different symbols displayed on the instrument cluster for the statuses "DTC mode" and "DTC off".

As of launch of the F01/F02, there is now only one symbol for both statuses. However, the drive can distinguish between the two statuses by means of additional information in text form.

The new DSC symbol set relates not only to the display but also the labeling of the DTC button.

Fig. 54: Identifying DSC Indicator And Warning Lamp On Instrument Cluster

Fig. 55: Identifying DSC Symbols

INDEX REFERENCE CHART

1. DTC button
2. DSC indicator and warning lamp on the instrument cluster:
   • DSC switched off or
   • DSC in DTC mode
3. DSC indicator and warning lamp on the instrument cluster:
   • DSC control sequence active (flashing)
   • DSC failure (permanently lit)

The new symbols will gradually be introduced on all new vehicles as they are phased in. The reason for the change of symbols are the new legal requirements which oblige all car manufacturers to use standardized display symbols. That will enable motorists to immediately recognize the controls and displays of a DSC system as such regardless of the brand of car they are driving.

The regulations also require that even merely limited DSC function must result in display of the word "off".

That is the case in "DTC mode", in which the stabilizing interventions take place at a later stage.

DSC modes

As familiar from previous vehicles, the Dynamic Stability Control on F01/F02 incorporates the following function modes:

• DSC on
• DTC (Dynamic Traction Control)
• DSC off

In the "DSC on" mode, all DSC functions are fully active. The stabilizing interventions in brake and engine function take place at an early stage. That makes it easier for less expert drivers to regain control of a vehicle that is becoming unstable.

In "DTC mode" the stabilizing interventions take place at a slightly later stage.

The Automatic Stability Control and Automatic Differential Brake functions allow a greater degree of wheelspin. That improves traction when pulling away on loose surfaces such as uncompacted snow. The dynamic handling control function does not come into action until a larger sideslip angle is reached than in "DSC on" mode.

In "DSC off" mode, the stabilizing interventions by:

•  the dynamic handling controller,
•  the Automatic Stability Control and

are switched off.

Especially safety-critical DSC functions such as ABS remain fully active in all DSC modes, however.

The mode "DSC off" is aimed at the undiluted driving experience, the direct connection between the driver, vehicle and the road.

Integration in dynamic handling control

A new feature of the DSC modes on the F01/F02 is that they are integrated in the dynamic handling control function. Dynamic handling control is activated by means of the handling setting switch and the DTC button.

Dynamic handling control enables the driver to choose one of six possible vehicle handing modes. The dynamic handling controller then controls all drivetrain and dynamic handling systems simultaneously and in coordination with one another. The result is totally harmonious handling in all modes.

Fig. 56: Identifying DTC Button And Handling Setting Switch

The vehicle handling modes are called:

• Comfort
• Normal
• Sport
• Sport+
• Traction
• DSC off

When the vehicle is first started, the dynamic handling controller is always in "Normal" mode.

The table below shows what mode the Dynamic Stability Control is in for each of the vehicle handling modes.

The other dynamic handling systems and drivetrain control systems are switched in and out as appropriate to the vehicle handling mode selected.

INDEX REFERENCE CHART

1. DTC button
2. Handling setting switch

VEHICLE HANDLING MODE REFERENCE CHART

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