BMW 3-Series - DSC on or off?

503bmw

I HAVE A 2001 325I AND JUST WONDERING IF OTHER BMW DRIVERS OUT THERE DRIVE W/THEIR DSC ON OR OFF?
I'VE SEEN SOME OF MY FRIENDS TURN THEIR OFF SO I'VE ALSO BEEN DOING SO.
DO YOU GET BETTER GAS MILEAGE W/DSC ON OR OFF, OR DO U LOOSE SOME HORSE POWER W/DSC ON?
I ALSO HEARD THAT ITS BETTER TO TURN DSC OFF WHEN GOING HIGH SPEEDS OVER 100?

kdshapiro

The DSC is a safety feature that will *help* prevent the car from going in unintended directions and possibly save your hide. You will not save gas mileage nor lose horsepower, but in the winter in deep snow, turning if off may help you out of the drifts. The DSC works by cutting power to the engine as necessary and potentially applying the brakes.

IMO, unless you're on a track, have a death wish or know what you are doing, I would keep the DSC on at all times.

jalal

I think I might have to respectfully disagree here.

Although it is true that DSC is meant to prevent spinouts and loss of control driving events, ultimately I think the decision to drive with/without DSC is a personal one.

How long have DSC/Traction Control/Stability Management systems been standard on vehicles... not long. If you've been driving longer than say 5-10 years, you should be perfectly capable of driving without DSC without getting into too much trouble.

Truth is, swicthing DSC off will give you a more visceral and raw driving experience. You'll be able to hang the tail with greater ease and execute faster lane change maneuvers (i.e. slalom and the like).

I'd liken switching DSC off more akin to playing football without a cup or basketball without a mouthpiece. Just because you don't wear one doesn't assume you'll get hurt, but it does increase the likelihood (no matter how small that increase may be).

End of the day, just be careful.

Mr_Shiftright

I think it also depends on the type of car. If the car is inherently large and clumsy you'd be wise to think about the siutation you're in. But in a sports car, and if you're an experienced driver, I don't see that much of a risk.

Also depends on your training and your accident record

kdshapiro

We certainly are entitled to our opinions, but DSC saved my hide in my BMW on the street about 35 mph, so I have a frame of reference.

In an emergency situation, within the physical limits of traction it will prevent a spin-out and keep the front of the car pointing where you want it to be. Whether or not you are a risk taker and want to risk an accident and/or collision with another car when you and your car possibly could be saved is up to you.

I personally don't need a more visceral experience at the expense of less safety in rush hour and ordinary street traffic.

Don't forget not all DSCs are created equal. BMWs DSC is very non-intrusive so I never had a problem with it.

Your mileage may vary.

kyfdx

.. If you are on public roads, and you get in any situation where the DSC kicks in, you are most likely already beyond where you should be, experienced driver or not...

Especially on a BMW, where the threshold is rather high... maybe a Lexus would be a different story..

Now, if you are hitting the twisties in a remote area, with the intent of hanging the tail out, then maybe that is a different story... as you are intentionally putting the car in that position. But, I can't imagine a time in everyday commuting/traveling where you shouldn't have it on.. By the time you realize you need it, it is too late..

I've driven cars without seatbelts, but I don't leave mine off now, just because I was okay without them before...

regards,
kyfdx
(not the host here)

pod3

HELLO DONT NO IF SOMEONE CAN HELP ME. I OWN A BMW 320CI 2002 . MY DSC LIGHT HAS COME ON AND THE HANDBRAKE AS WELL.WHEN I LET THE HAND BRAKE OF THE LIGHT GOES FROM RED TO ORANGE BUT STAY LIT. THE DSC IS SWITCHED OF AND I CANT NOT TURN IT BACK ON. ANY ANSWER.?????????????????????????

pat

Since this discussion is about DSC, I moved some posts to a more likely place. Here's the link: 503bmw, "BMW 3-Series Sedans 2005 and earlier" #29781, 30 Apr 2007 7:09 pm.

marie06

I have a 2006 352xi with 29850 miles on it...my warranty expired 12/26/10. Is it wise to get extended warranty coverage? I will be keeping the car for 5 more yrs. and dealer is offering 5yr/60,000mi policy for $2090w/ $100 deductable. Is this a good deal? Thanks.