DSC use

[White05X3]

Originally Posted by AzNMpower32

Apparently, there was no visual distinction made between DTC only and both DSC/DTC off modes on the X3. Apparently, its there though. See one of the posts made:

http://www.x3world.com/x3-e83-forum/...appens-2.html?
If DSC never flashes, it means it was never needed. With xDrive, BMW made DSC even less intrusive, so that xDrive can do most of the traction and handling needs, with DSC stepping in only as a last resort. It is almost never needed on dry roads or even wet roads. Usually for me, the X3 is way out of line before DSC will step in.

I read that thread you referred me to. There was nothing in that post that says that DSC is able to be totally defeated. I know on the e46 it could be, but so far as I can tell it can not be disabled totally on the X3.

At the last auto-x here, I experimented with the different modes. One push on the button and the DSC light comes on. Traction control was defeated. The car is able to reach incredible slip angles, even spinning its tires in a straight line under acceleration. It did NOT intervene under braking, although dynamic brake control continued functioning (it is a different system). Holding the button until the DSC light went off returned the X3 to full DSC...under acceleration and cornering. I might even have a video of the test somewhere...

I have never seen anything in any official literature, or from any BMW tech, that supports that holding the DSC button futher deactivates DSC. In fact the shop foreman at South Bay BMW, who is an avid club racer, told me that holding the button does NOT shut the system down like it does in the e46. One of his co-workers confirmed. My personal experience further supports their opinions...Push DSC to shut it off and allow wheel spin. Hold the button and the system turns back on.

That being said, I personally think xdrive is absolutely unbelievable. It provides an unbelievable amount of traction and feels amazing during performance driving. It is hard to imagine buying another car without it.