The 2011 BMW 335i Coupe has five systems that help maintain vehicle stability in adverse driving conditions. Learn the differences between them, and how they work.
Definitions
| Button | Name | Action |
| ABS | Antilock Brake System | Prevents locking of the wheels during braking. |
| EBV | Electronic Brake-Force Distribution | Controls brake pressure in rear wheels to ensure stable braking behavior. |
| DBC | Dynamic Brake Control | Applies maximum brake force boost when braking rapidly (the maximum application of ABS). |
| DSC | Dynamic Stability Control | Prevents drive wheels from losing traction when accelerating. |
| DTC | Dynamic Traction Control | A version of DSC in which the drive output is optimized for particular road conditions. Provides maximum drive output, but with reduced driving stability. |
Modes
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC): ON
- The default mode when you start the car.
- Full DSC is active.
- The car has full stability and traction control.
- The engine power will be cut if the driving wheels start to spin.
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC): OFF
- Press and hold DTC button for at least 3 seconds.
- DSC indicator lamp lights up.
- Both DSC and DTC have been deactivated.
- Driver has full control.
- Engine power will not be reduced and stabilizing actions are no longer executed.
- To reactivate DSC, press DTC button again.
Dynamic Traction Control (DTC): ON
- Briefly press DTC button.
- DTC indicator lamp lights up.
- DTC has been activated.
- DSC remains active, but the limits at which it will intervene are increased. May be useful on snow-covered roads.
- To deactivate DTC, press DTC button again.
Note
Officially, BMW state that DTC is for low traction situations such as snow, mud, gravel or ice. However, it’s pretty clear that it’s also designed to allow for a more sporting drive. Motoring journalists often describe it as emulating an electronic limited-slip differential.
Sources
- 2011 BMW Coupe: Driving stability control systems (PDF)
