Principle of Operation: DSC: Notes

When the lateral cornering forces acting on the vehicle overcome the available grip on the road, understeer or oversteer will occur.

If the DSC system senses that understeer is occurring, it will apply brake force to the rear wheel that follows the inside radius of the curve thus applying a counter force which helps to bring the vehicle back onto its original course. (A much lower braking force may also be applied to the front wheel on the inside of the curve.)

If the DSC system senses that oversteer is occurring, it will apply brake pressure to the front wheel that follows the outside radius of the curve. (A much lower braking force may also be applied to the rear wheel on the outside of the curve.)

Fig 1: Understeer Without DSC

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Fig 2: Understeer With DSC

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Fig 3: Oversteer Without DSC

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Fig 4: Oversteer With DSC

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

At the same time as with ASC, engine torque reduction will be applied.

DSC operates whether or not the driver applies the brakes and, if necessary, during ABS controlled braking.

The DSC warning lamp in the tachometer (or center mounted speedometer for USA vehicles) will flash when the system is operating. This is the same lamp and symbol as that of a vehicle equipped with the ASC system. The warning lamp is illuminated permanently if the DSC control unit has detected a fault with the system. The driver through the switch panel may disable the DCS system. When DSC is disabled, the DSC warning light is illuminated.