Remember 'Snow Mode' is available

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Sat Feb 04, 2012 1:13 pm

I had forgotten about this, and I'm not sure exactly which versions of the BMWs this applies to, but it definitely operates on both our E71 and Mini Countryman. I'm assuming this will apply to the E70 too, but no idea about the E53 or the X1/X3 ( might be on the F25 version though)

To activate Snow Mode, mode simply press the 'DSC Off' (the one with the skidding car symbol) button. Don't hold it as that shuts the entire DSC system down - you get a very large warning symbol and aloud 'bong'

The word 'Traction' will appear in the driver display panel and the skidding car symbol will start to flash showing that both power and braking is being additionally controlled by the DTC System. This is for use on slushy roads or 'loose sand' according to the book. Drive carefully, and turn it back off by pushing the button again when safe to do so.

Checked it on mine and it definitely works.

IvanG · Post by **IvanG** » Sat Feb 04, 2012 5:44 pm

Thanks for the tip. Will give it a try tomorrow as it's snowing now

dirtymonkey29 · Post by **dirtymonkey29** » Sat Feb 04, 2012 7:53 pm

My manual destructions below. I have a facelift e53 so looks same.

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Sat Feb 04, 2012 9:14 pm

The only difference - and I don't understand the subtlety in the operation - is that the DSC remains active on the next gen version. A quick press turns DTC on, but leaves the DSC on. To turn the DSC off completely needs a longer press of the button. Reading the description, the two look similar, but not quite. Like I say, it must be a subtle difference. Strangely though, it does tell you to turn the DSC off to 'rock the vehicle' out of snow or deep sand, as it does for the E53.

These machines are getting way too smart for my level of electronic engineering (I was trained back in the days of valves - vacuum tubes - and stand alone transistors in sweet corn sized packages. Not in billions to the square inch!!

MJim · Post by **MJim** » Sat Feb 04, 2012 10:31 pm

Just been looking into the DTC button. Seems that in snow it's safer to leave DTC off and DSC on, with the DTC to be temporarily turned on if you get stuck. Wish I'd known that when I got stuck in deep snow in a car park in the Alps this Christmas! Might have saved the embarrassment of asking for help to push the car out!

Other than that one instance of getting stuck, with winter wheels, DSC on (DTC off) the car was brilliant whilst driving along snow and ice packed roads. Very stable and trustworthy.

storminmike · Post by **storminmike** » Sun Feb 05, 2012 12:47 pm

[quote=""MJim""]Just been looking into the DTC button. Seems that in snow it's safer to leave DTC off and DSC on, with the DTC to be temporarily turned on if you get stuck. Wish I'd known that when I got stuck in deep snow in a car park in the Alps this Christmas! Might have saved the embarrassment of asking for help to push the car out!

Other than that one instance of getting stuck, with winter wheels, DSC on (DTC off) the car was brilliant whilst driving along snow and ice packed roads. Very stable and trustworthy.[/quote]

DTC DSC.............errr

I'm sure I only have a DSC button

Is this the way you're meant to use it?

Normal Road Driving (inc light snow): Light is of but whole system is active
Deeep snow and or stuck in snow: Quick dab and light comes on
HOLD Button a long time....light comes on an it BINGS......madness in snow....call an undertaker

PS if the car is so clever why have a button in the first place....isn't that why xdrive was invented....I don't want to choose I just want it to be magnificant

535dboy · Post by **535dboy** » Sun Feb 05, 2012 1:16 pm

Mine doesn't say anything about snow mode?

jaynana · Post by **jaynana** » Sun Feb 05, 2012 2:41 pm

[quote=""storminmike""][quote=""MJim""]Just been looking into the DTC button. Seems that in snow it's safer to leave DTC off and DSC on, with the DTC to be temporarily turned on if you get stuck. Wish I'd known that when I got stuck in deep snow in a car park in the Alps this Christmas! Might have saved the embarrassment of asking for help to push the car out!

Other than that one instance of getting stuck, with winter wheels, DSC on (DTC off) the car was brilliant whilst driving along snow and ice packed roads. Very stable and trustworthy.[/quote]

DTC DSC.............errr

I'm sure I only have a DSC button

Is this the way you're meant to use it?

Normal Road Driving (inc light snow): Light is of but whole system is active
Deeep snow and or stuck in snow: Quick dab and light comes on
HOLD Button a long time....light comes on an it BINGS......madness in snow....call an undertaker

PS if the car is so clever why have a button in the first place....isn't that why xdrive was invented....I don't want to choose I just want it to be magnificant

[/quote]

interesting..

http://www.bmw.com/com/en/insights/tech ... ntrol.html

E53 doesn't seem to have DTC

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Sun Feb 05, 2012 3:10 pm

[quote=""535dboy""]Mine doesn't say anything about snow mode?[/quote]

What happens if you just press and release the DSC (skiddy car symbol) button as per my first post? If the word 'Traction' appears in your display window in the instrument binnacle then you have the function available. I don't know exactly when BMW modified the DSC systems to make DTC available as an added function.

535dboy · Post by **535dboy** » Sun Feb 05, 2012 3:14 pm

Mine I think is a dtc button

One push says dtc off dsc on

That's all I think

535dboy · Post by **535dboy** » Sun Feb 05, 2012 3:15 pm

Had a full on opposite lock coming in to my road earlier -good thing it is a private road

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Sun Feb 05, 2012 3:49 pm

[quote=""storminmike""]

DTC DSC.............errr
I'm sure I only have a DSC button

Is this the way you're meant to use it?
Normal Road Driving (inc light snow): Light is of but whole system is active
Deeep snow and or stuck in snow: Quick dab and light comes on
HOLD Button a long time....light comes on an it BINGS......madness in snow....call an undertaker
PS if the car is so clever why have a button in the first place....isn't that why xdrive was invented....I don't want to choose I just want it to be magnificant

[/quote]

Yes that's how it works.

Prior to 'X-drive' 4WD BMWs had a permanent 38%/62% front-rear power split.

X-drive is still a permanent 4WD system but provides a variable power distribution system within the 4-wheel drive transmission system that can very quickly adjust the percentage of power delivered to each pair of wheels - front or rear - between 0% and 100% thanks to a servo controlled wet clutch unit. The DSC uses a combination of the X-drive and ABS to maintain stability within limits by shifting the power balance - but will still allow you to go into the ditch if you're 'outside the envelope'.

The E70 has an updated X-drive (faster and smarter I guess?) and the E71 also the further added function (Dynamic Performance Control) in that it has an active torque distribution system on the rear axle differential only too which can shift the torque to one or other wheel via electronically controlled clutches - or even provide some form of diff lock if needed.

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Sun Feb 05, 2012 3:58 pm

[quote=""535dboy""]Had a full on opposite lock coming in to my road earlier -good thing it is a private road[/quote]

Sounds like fun!! Not.............well maybe just a bit. As long as it wasn't a 'brown trousers moment'.

We were out on the A14 last night just as it started to get...........'interesting'..

And there were still drivers belting down the uncleared outside lane at 70mph!! Some were Range Rovers and Land Cruisers of course - they're immortal apparently. Most drivers were at 45-50 mph or below and well spaced apart in the clear wheel tracks in Lane 1.

pvr · Post by **pvr** » Sun Feb 05, 2012 4:29 pm

My timing was great as I dropped the X5 off yesterday, so took the Polo to Reigate from where it took me two hours to get home as taking hills required sideways actions to avoid stranded cars which Mrs PVR did not appreciate too much ...

dirtymonkey29 · Post by **dirtymonkey29** » Sun Feb 05, 2012 4:30 pm

I went out to tesco for diesel earlier but the queue was massive so went to turn around on the car park. It handled very well. A little skiddy but not uncontrollable. My previous e39 touring was interesting in snow. Current motor is a facelift e53.

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