differential BMW X5 2002 E53 DSC System Workshop Manual
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DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL (DSC III)
DSC FOR THE X5
INTRODUCTION
The  X5  is    equipped  with  DSC  III  for  its  stability  control  system.  The  components  are  the
same  as  the  DSC  III  system  (version  5.7)  currently  installed  in  the  E38/E39  vehicles.
However the software and programming are changed to allow for new functions associat-
ed with all wheel drive and off-road use.
New/changed functions of the DSC III include:
• New Hill Decent Control (HDC) function
• New Differential Brake Control (ABD) function
• Changed traction control function
• Changed ABS function
DSC - X5 OVERVIEW
The DSC system for the X5 provides all of the functions and features of the DSC III system
currently in the E38/E39 vehicles. these functions/features include:
• Maintaining traction under all driving conditions
• Maintaining the directional Control (Longitudinal Stability)
• Providing Lateral Stability (Correction for oversteer/understeer)
• Providing Corner Braking Control (CBC)
• Providing Dynamic Braking System features of - Dynamic Braking Control and 
Maximum Braking Control (DBC and MBC)
• Providing Electronic Brake Proportioning (EBV) 
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DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL (DSC III)
All  of  the  familiar  braking  and  straight  line  traction  control  features  and  system  communi-
cation  carry  over  from  DSC  II.    Based  on  select  high/select  low  logic,  the  DSC  III  control
module  selects  a  vehicle  stabilizing  strategy  based  on  the  specific  input  signal  values  it  is
monitoring  at  the  moment.    For  all  DSC  strategies  this  begins  with  engine  intervention  to
reduce torque:
•For  the  750iL  this  is  handled  via  CAN  communication,  DSC  III  to  EML  to  minimize  the
throttle  angle  of  the  DK motors  (750iL).  For  the  740i/iL  and  540iA  this  is  handled  by
direct DSC III activation of the ADS II throttle housing.
• If additional torque reduction is necessary, DSC III informs DME over CAN to:
• Retard ignition timing
• Shut down the fuel injection to individual cylinders
DSC III monitors under/oversteer conditions through the following components:
• The driver’s desired steering angle - steering angle signal over CAN bus.
• Vehicle speed and speed differential at front wheels - wheel speed sensors
• Dynamic  forces  of  lateral  acceleration  and  yaw  placed  on  the  vehicle.  This  is  possible
with two new components which are discussed further on. The results are as follows: 
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DSC - NEW FUNCTIONS
AUTOMATIC DIFFERENTIAL BRAKE (ADB)
On dry pavement with no wheel slip, the vehicle’s driving torque is split 68% rear and 32%
front through the planetary gear differential transfer case.
If one or more wheels spin or slip, the DSC will activate a regulation process and the brakes
on the effected wheel(s) will be pulsed. The driving torque will be distributed through the dif-
ferential to the remaining wheels with a good coefficient of friction
The driving torque will be applied through the differential as follows:
• Three wheels - with one wheel spinning.
• On two diagonal wheels with two wheels spinning on different axles.
• One axle only with two wheels spinning on the same axle.
Once the spin or slip is under control, the drive torque will again be applied to all wheels.