Quote:
Originally Posted by jdbretz
You are partially correct that the software update is not required, however you are wrong that the instructions don't mention it. I attached the instructions in an earlier post which at the bottom clearly state that programming is necessary. The programming also allows you to use the back-up camera to zoom in to facilitate lining up the hitch ball with the trailer. I would like to see instructions that state the TSC will function without the update. The software update specifically address how the stability control will react to compensate for trailer sway. Will DSC continue to function without the update, of course, it just won't work as optimal as possible. You are correct that TSC is part of the DSC programming, however it is not inherently active. I will have to find the article confirming this and post it so there is no confusion. If you plan on towing a light trailer, or just putting on a bike rack then I wouldn't bother with the update. If you are towing a boat or anything above 5000 lbs. I would strongly recommend it.
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I didn't say that the instructions don't mention it. I said that it wasn't required on my two vehicles, according to the instructions. The instructions mentioned it in both cases, and my year and serial number did not require reprogramming. Those instructions noted that I would have TSC. That is why I concluded that it is already programmed into the DSC. All that is missing is the flag that says there is a trailer back there, otherwise I don't think it will activate. If the vehicle doesn't recognize the trailer wiring module, then there would be no such flag.
My vehicles were not E70s. I find it hard to believe that BMW put TSC in the E83 and E53 DSC programming, but left it out of the E70 DSC programming. I guess it is possible.
I should note that I have towed for thousands of kilometers, and have never had TSC intervene to my knowledge. I believe that if it does intervene, it will allert me with a dash warning exactly the same as when DSC intervenes. On slippery roads I can get DSC to activate, and in snow it is easy to activate DSC. I towed one load 1500 km in winter storms through the Rockies, on snow-covered roads, and never had it come on. I pay attention to tongue load when towing, and so don't have much if any sway. I suspect it would take something approaching a jackknife to make it intervene. In that case it would be most welcome, but I don't think it plays much of a role in day to day towing.
No comment on the camera functionality, I suppose it would be easy to tell if it was working or not though.
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2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White
Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue
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