Dynamic Stability Control 8Plus: Introduction

The xDrive  all-wheel drive system was introduced on the BMW 5-Series in 03/2005. From this time on, these vehicles are equipped as standard with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) 8Plus.

DSC 8Plus is an advanced development of DSC 8.

The DSC unit (comprising DSC control unit and hydraulic unit) is even more powerful.

The newly developed switchover valves allow a more precise regulation, especially at low brake pressure. DSC 8Plus is supplied by Bosch.

The principal new features of DSC 8Plus are:

• Additional functions:
  • Brake Standby through precautionary pre-tensioning of the brakes in an emergency
  • Brake disc drying on wet roads
  • Detection of fading and increase in brake pressure during fading
  • Start-off assistant
  • Soft stop when braking to standstill
• 2 additional brake pressure sensors, only in combination with Active Cruise Control (ACC)

New from 09/2005: 

• E60, E61, E63, E64

  Introduction of DSC 8Plus on the BMW 5-Series and 6-Series with rear-wheel drive  .

  From this point time on, the body gateway module (KGM) is the gateway to the PT-CAN.

• E90, E91

  Introduction of DSC 8Plus on the BMW 3-Series with all-wheel drive  .

  In these vehicles, the junction box electronics (JBE) is the gateway to the PT-CAN.

New from 06/2006: 

• E92

  Introduction of DSC 8Plus on BMW 3-Series Coupe with all-wheel drive  .

New from 09/2006: 

• E83

  Introduction of DSC 8Plus on E83.

DSC is a control system that maintains dynamic stability within physical limits when the car is being driven close to the limits of performance and handling.

It also improves traction.

DSC needs the following input signals in order to discharge its control functions:

• Rate of yaw (measure of movement of the car about its vertical axis)
• Lateral acceleration
• Wheel speeds (measure of the car's roadspeed)
• Steering angle
• Brake pressure

The measured values available are used to calculate how the car is moving at any given instant. The actual condition is compared with nominal values (values in stable driving conditions) that are calculated in the DSC control unit. If the actual condition differs from the nominal values, DSC is activated and initiates brake actions and/or engine control functions.

The advantages: 

The intervention of DSC in the engine control and brakes provides outstanding driving stability and traction in all driving situations.

DSC combats negative, dynamic driving forces. This means DSC brings about maximum active safety within the physical limits. DSC thus enhances driving comfort by allowing more relaxed driving.