I am so confused with DTC and DSC
 

HI folks
I have been a BMW owner for quite some time. In the old days, we used to have DSC: Don't touch it and you have all the goodies to help you maintain control of the road. Pres the button once to turn it off in order to generate wheelspin, during track days or trying to push the car out of the snow

Now, with the E70 X5, I am utterly confused. If I press the DSC once, it says DTC active. Currently, we have 14 inches of snow in the Northeast. If I just want to drive around in the snow, do I get better traction and control by leaving the button untouched, or do I get better control and traction by pressing the DSC button once, in order to activate DTC.
Now, I am not talking snow chains or trying to get the car out of a ditch. I am just talking about driving around the streets that are covered in snow

Thank you

RezF

Don't touch the button.

Think of Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) as including traction control (DTC). When you push the button, you lose DSC but retain DTC, with higher thresholds for wheelspin.

The reason the DTC light is amber is that it is telling you that "you only have DTC now", ie be cautious.

The only time you would want to push the button (other than to purposely spin it in a parking lot) is if you are on a slick surface, and can't get going. In that case, with no traction, the engine computer backs off the throttle so you have no throttle response, it won't go over idle. Then, when you push the button the wheels will spin more, and you can churn your way out. Once you are moving, turn DTC off again (DSC back on) so that you have the benefits of stability control.

Thank u for your response. Makes sense