[MattUK]

Hi..

I've yet to try Sports Plus mode because I'm a little unsure as to what it enables or disables from a stability control angle.

Enabling it shows up a yellow symbol which suggests DSC or similar has been disabled, yet I have read various comments that suggest it doesn't, but just alters the limits.

The manual doesn't really give much away.. so the question is, when you enable Sports Plus what is it actually doing? Is it a mode that allows you to drive it even more sportier, but if the X3 actually looses traction on a corner or you push it a little too far it will still step in a attempt to correct the infraction.

Thanks

[E92LNGCGY]

I believe sport + like you mention turns of DTC which allows for some slip but if the computer sense it's getting out of hand it will react and assist and try to regain stability. At least this is my understanding.

[bren]

Actually, the way it reads, DTC is active, it's DSC that is turned off - whether it is fully and completely "off" I don't know.

If indeed DSC is fully disabled, there should be no correction in the case of taking a corner too hot.

[MattUK]

I think they need to disconnect TMA (Too many acronyms!) too confusing now!

[sfax]

Some of this was covered by Lotus7 and Nahoa in another thread - may help

http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showpo...15&postcount=2

http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showpo...69&postcount=7

I thought that Sport to Sport+ only switched off DSC activating DTC. No other changes

[MattUK]

Thanks all I'm still no more comfortable enabling it on wet roads in case I end up in a ditch

[sfax]

Originally Posted by MattUK

Thanks all I'm still no more comfortable enabling it on wet roads in case I end up in a ditch

There's always that SOS button if that happens

[paul386]

I don't think the name implies what is going on. When you go to Sport+, or otherwise enable DTC it allows the vehicle to spin the wheels with less interference from the computer. However, the computer still fully interferes when it detects excessive yaw (spinning).

[Dr Stig 2]

I have always considered Sports+ to be like the MDM button on an M car.
It sharpens the steering / throttle/suspension responses (depending on the options you have fitted obviously) and loosens the nanny controls to let you have more fun, but doesn't leave you totally nanny free.
(as you get when you press and hold down the DSC button - When you get flashing DSC warnings and a big banner ont he iDRive display)

[bren]

Originally Posted by sfax

There's always that SOS button if that happens

I looked into this a little further and it's pretty clear that there is still "some" intervention in SP+.

[greg2step]

you can turn off DSC and DTC by holding down the DTC button for 10 seconds I think - which turns all traction control off, which is what will lead you to a ditch

most of the time I use sport not sport+

[Ural]

I use sport+ when I want some fun. Otherwise normal mode serves me just fine.
Know your limits and your car's, and you will be on the road, not in a ditch even if you have none of those electronics.

[xDrive35i]

When SPORT+ is selected, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), which activates variable torque split allowing for more spirited driving, is turned on. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) remains on unless you turn it off by holding the DSC button just north of the shifter for a number of seconds. SPORT+ will always offer some assistance should it sense an impending loss of control, unless DSC has otherwise been deactivated.

[Razel]

Originally Posted by juddholland

When SPORT+ is selected, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), which activates variable torque split allowing for more spirited driving, is turned on. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) remains on unless you turn it off by holding the DSC button just north of the shifter for a number of seconds. SPORT+ will always offer some assistance should it sense an impending loss of control, unless DSC has otherwise been deactivated.

When I select Sport+, DSC appears to be turned off as the warning icon shows up on the drivers display. Sport doesn't turn off DSC.
If my reading comprehension hasn't failed, DTC and DSC are both on by default until specifically turned off.

[Nahoa]

For what it's worth I can confirm, after tonight's commute, that Sport+ allows some wheel spin and the 35i goes like a bat outta hell at red line . . .

[Razel]

Originally Posted by Nahoa

For what it's worth I can confirm, after tonight's commute, that Sport+ allows some wheel spin and the 35i goes like a bat outta hell at red line . . .

Closed course, professional driver I take it.

[Nahoa]

Ummmmm, yes, that . . . .

[fedinand]

Originally Posted by Nahoa

Ummmmm, yes, that . . . .

[xDrive35i]

Originally Posted by Razel

When I select Sport+, DSC appears to be turned off as the warning icon shows up on the drivers display. Sport doesn't turn off DSC.
If my reading comprehension hasn't failed, DTC and DSC are both on by default until specifically turned off.

SPORT+ activates DTC, which is a less restrictive traction control system. Pressing (not holding) the DSC OFF button will activate DTC no matter which driving mode you've otherwise selected; DTC is not on unless you are in SPORT+ or you have pressed the DSC OFF button. SPORT+ does not deactivate DSC; it remains active, as always, unless you hold the DSC OFF button for some number of seconds--I've not counted.

The warning icon is misleading because BMW uses it for both DTC ON and DSC OFF. BMW does this because where DTC ON makes for less stability (but more loose-surface traction) in corners and under acceleration, DSC OFF deactivates all driving dynamics assists, making for even less stability in corners and under acceleration.

Your reading comprehension hasn't failed you. BMW would sooner declare a reintegration of the aeronautic technologies they produced under contract with Hitler for the German Nazi Regime than provide an actually comprehensive owners' manual.

[Razel]

Originally Posted by juddholland

SPORT+ activates DTC, which is a less restrictive traction control system. Pressing (not holding) the DSC OFF button will activate DTC no matter which driving mode you've otherwise selected; DTC is not on unless you are in SPORT+ or you have pressed the DSC OFF button. SPORT+ does not deactivate DSC; it remains active, as always, unless you hold the DSC OFF button for some number of seconds--I've not counted.

The warning icon is misleading because BMW uses it for both DTC ON and DSC OFF. BMW does this because where DTC ON makes for less stability (but more loose-surface traction) in corners and under acceleration, DSC OFF deactivates all driving dynamics assists, making for even less stability in corners and under acceleration.

Your reading comprehension hasn't failed you. BMW would sooner declare a reintegration of the aeronautic technologies they produced under contract with Hitler for the German Nazi Regime than provide an actually comprehensive owners' manual.

Ok, I take it that DTC is a mode of DSC then. Big brother is turned off when in Sport+ mode and little brother is active. After you hold the button to disable DSC for x seconds, the brothers have left the building and you're truly on your own.

[bren]

From the manual:

DSC Dynamic Stability Control
The system prevents traction loss in the driving
wheels when starting off and accelerating. DSC
also detects unstable driving conditions such
as a fishtailing rear end or sliding of the front
wheels. In these cases, DSC helps the vehicle
maintain a safe course within physical limits by
reducing engine output and through braking
actions in the individual wheels.
The DSC is operational every time you start the
engine.

DTC Dynamic Traction Control
DTC is a version of DSC in which the drive output
is optimized for particular road conditions,
e.g. unplowed snow-covered roads. The system
assures the maximal drive output, but with
reduced driving stability. It is therefore necessary
to drive with appropriate caution.
You may find it useful to briefly activate DTC
under the following special circumstances:
> When driving on snowy inclines, in slush, or
on unplowed, snow-covered road surfaces
> When rocking a stuck vehicle free or starting
off in deep snow or on loose ground
> When driving with snow chains

[Nahoa]

Originally Posted by Razel

Ok, I take it that DTC is a mode of DSC then. Big brother is turned off when in Sport+ mode and little brother is active. After you hold the button to disable DSC for x seconds, the brothers have left the building and you're truly on your own.

Matches my understanding and what I understood from juddholland's posts.