BMW 5 - Manual (Page 26)

BMW
Media
Information
11/2009
Page 26
The driver is able to set the suspension configuration he prefers simply by
pressing a button on the centre console, using a toggle switch to choose
among the NORMAL, SPORT and SPORT+ modes. In conjunction with
Dynamic Damper Control and, respectively, Adaptive Drive, there is also
the COMFORT mode for a particularly smooth style of motoring.
All this enables the driver to activate a pre-configured, fully harmonised set-up
put together individually through appropriate adjustment of the car’s drivetrain
and suspension components. On the road the differences between
the individual modes come out very clearly indeed. The SPORT mode,
for example, provides far more direct steering behaviour and a more
spontaneous, direct response to the gas pedal. In addition, Dynamic Drive
Control enables the driver to choose an individual configuration for the
SPORT mode to meet his particular requirements.
Through the iDrive control system, therefore, the driver is able to choose
either the normal or the sporting set-up for both the drivetrain and suspension
components. Hence, he may if he wishes use the sporting set-up on the
drivetrain components even if road conditions would not suggest a harder
damper configuration.
Another button clearly recognisable by a pictogram symbolising the reduction
of stability enables the driver to choose the appropriate DSC setting. As an
example, he may activate a special traction mode for starting off and driving
more easily on loose sand or in deep snow. This is done by DTC Dynamic
Traction Control, a special mode of DSC, raising the response thresholds in
Driving Stability Control. The DTC function for Driving Stability Control is also
activated in the SPORT+ mode, intentionally allowing slight slip on the drive
wheels in order to take bends in a controlled power slide.
Keeping the additional button pressed down, the driver is able to fully
deactivate Driving Stability Control. This DSC-Off mode activates an
electronic locking function on the rear axle differential for a more sporting
and ambitious style of motoring, for example when accelerating out of a
bend or hairpin.
To optimise traction a drive wheel spinning when accelerating out of a
tight bend is slowed down appropriately, with pulling forces being maintained
through the other, opposite wheel on the axle.