Driving Dynamics Control: History

Control elements are already installed in a number of BMW vehicles that the driver can use to switch individual systems to a sporting mode. This includes the sports setting of the automatic selector lever. In this case, only the shift characteristics of the automatic gearbox are influenced.

The system behaves in a similar manner when the SPORT button for the Electronic Damping Control or Vertical Dynamics Control (shown below) is used. This only changes the characteristic (hardness) of the shock absorber.

Fig 1: Identifying SPORT Button, E70/ E71

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

All other drive and dynamic driving systems therefore be found as it would need to remain in their basic setting. A suitable harmonize the damping action in both sporting compromise for this basic setting must mode and standard mode.

A SPORT button that influences several systems was introduced for the first time in the E85/E86. The corresponding "driving dynamics control" function effects a changeover between a standard mode and a sporting mode in the steering, automatic gearbox and accelerator pedal. This meant it was now possible to coordinate these three systems far more effectively in both modes with the result that the customer now experiences a car that is uncompromisingly tailored to "Sport" in every sense.

Fig 2: Identifying SPORT Button, E85/E86

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

The new driving dynamics control in the F01/F02 contains two groundbreaking new features when compared to the E85/E86:

1. All drive and dynamic driving systems installed in the vehicle are comprehensively switched over.
2. Four settings are available. The status of the Dynamic Stability Control is also taken into account thus ensuring that two additional settings are possible.

The driving dynamics control is operated via a new driving dynamics switch and the DTC button positioned directly in front of it.

The changeover operations for many drive and driving dynamics functions are therefore bundled in the driving dynamics control of the F01/F02. The vehicle as a whole then behaves as the driver would expect in accordance with his/her chosen setting.

This bundling can make the handling characteristics of the vehicle considerably more distinctive and less compromising.

Conversely, many individual, and also sometimes meaningless, combinations are avoided (example: sports steering combined with comfort-oriented damping).

Fig 3: Identifying DTC Button And Driving Dynamics Switch

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.