motopokep

I gotta 2004 530i. How do I know if I have dynamic drive or not? I have active steering, and I have DTC Dynamic Traction Control...that little button below navigation that I push to activate it, in like slippery weather or something... but is that the same as dynamic drive? I'm asking because I need to buy shocks and there are two categories of Bilstein shocks, for cars with Dynamic drive, and for ones without...thanks.

Bigjule111

I don't have it either. So not really sure how to tell. But what I can tell u is to call ure local BMW dealer and give them ure vin number. They'll b able to tet u know all the options u have. There's also a websight that u put in ure vin info and it'll giv u all the options aswell. Can't remember it though

H F

Here is the 411 on Dynamic Drive , I cut and pasted from one of my files. I tried to up load the whole chassis controll systems pdf file for you guys .. But its 499 MB and the limit is 1.9 MB .. If you guys have ARS you have it ...


DynamicDrive is a suspension control system
that counteracts rolling forces. DynamicDrive
is also known as ARS. This stands for Active
Roll Stabilization. DynamicDrive prevents
vehicle roll (= turning motion around
longitudinal axis during cornering). When a
vehicle is cornering, a centrifugal force acts on
the centre of gravity which builds up a rolling
moment via the vehicle longitudinal axis. This
force tilts the vehicle body towards the wheel
on the outside of the bend and the vehicle
rapidly approaches its dynamic limits.
Stabilizer bars are used to counteract the
varying forces which act on the wheels as a
result of the body angle. During cornering, the
wheel suspension on the outside of the bend
is compressed and the wheel suspension on
the inside of the bend rebounds. This causes
the spine of the stabilizer bar to turn. The
forces occurring at the mounting points of the
stabilizer bar produce a moment. The moment
counteracts the tilt of the body, thus achieving
more effective distribution of the load over
both wheels. DynamicDrive therefore
enhances driving stability. Vertically divided
stabilizer bars on both axles are the basic
elements of this system. Both halves of the
stabilizer bars are connected by a hydraulic
oscillating motor which adapts the suspension
to the road situation within milliseconds.
DynamicDrive also improves driving comfort -
especially ride comfort - when travelling
straight ahead. If potholes are present on one
side of the road, in vehicles with conventional
stabilizer bars this has a negative effect on the
suspension on the other side. Not so with
DynamicDrive.

motopokep

I think I found my answer. The manual refers to a sport button next to the gear shifter, to activate dynamic drive, and I don't have that button, although I do have the sport package. I do have the Dynamic Stability Control and Dynamic Traction Control, which can be activated or deactivated with a single DTC button in the center right below the navigation, but that's not Dynamic Drive though... I called the dealer, they looked me up and didn't see a Dynamic Drive option either...

turboawd

no button for dynamic drive. its on all time. it mainly consists of the active roll bar system.

take the last 7 digits of your vin and see what options your car has.
this site will tell you.
BMW Model Archive · BMW VIN Decoder · bmwarchive.org

Gangplank

I was gonna post the same vin decode. That will tell you everythiing you want to know.

Gangplank

I believe what you are looking for is:

S229A Dynamic Drive

motopokep

Thanks, great link, here's what I have: S226A Sports suspension setting and S229A Dynamic Drive. I wonder why I don't have the sports button for it like it says in the manual. I guess I know which shocks to buy now...

turboawd

bmw left out the sports button in all cars i believe. you get the same effect by moving auto shifter to the left. but some argue that the button does more. there is a big thread on here and some youtube videos on a how-to add a button.

DavidF

I always thought that the "sport" button is only present if you have electronic shock absorbers. I don't believe in '04 you could get electronic shocks. My car has dynamic drive (I.e. active roll stabilization and dynamic steering) and no sport button. Moving the shift lever to the left simply changes transmission programming and throttle response. My '04 545i is a sport model (no electronic shocks).

My '08 X5 has dynamic drive with active roll stabilization, dynamic steering, and electronic shocks. It has the "sport" button and the shifter moves to the left. The "sport" button firms up the shocks/ride only.