BangleBox_530d

Autoexpress this week announces that the new light 6 cyl engines are in production in the 5. Not sure if that's exactly true, as I'm not sure when production begins. But is does confirm there will be 3 engines using the same light alloy block. 523i, 525i, and 530i.

OK, the light engine is not new news.

The small article does also mention

So my questions are:

1) what is DSC+ (is this exciting and important)
2) when was it introduced (does my MY05 have this already, or is it very very new)

Maybe waiting for the new light engine has more benefits that just the engine.

BangleBox_530d

Hmmm, I've found some answers. A bit disappointing for all those just taken delivery of their car. And devastating news for those about to take delivery, but not got the new light engine.

Quote from carpages

So, this does sound like a lot of changes have happened. Odd for this to happen mid-year. New engine, new braking system, servotronic added, and different pricing. Sounds like BMW are either hurting from the current US exhcange rate, and need good reason to revise it, or sales of the 5 are poor and need an urgent injection of excitement.

colejl

From TuningNews:

Ensuring that the power and torque remain in check is the responsibility of the new DSC+ system (on six-cylinder models - standard DSC on four-cylinder models). Effectively an evolution of the familiar DSC traction control system, DSC+ offers a range of benefits, including Brake Standby that pre-tensions the brakes when the driver quickly removes the pressure from the accelerator pedal. Soft Stop is also incorporated which modulates the brake application to prevent the nose of the car from 'diving' when travelling slowly. Also included in DSC+ is a Start-Off Assistant that uses the clutch to prevent the car from rolling back on a hill-start and a brake detector that ensures the discs are kept dry and responsive on wet roads.

And TopGear:

Brake Standby - primes brakes for emergencies
Rain Brake Support - keeps brake discs dry
Hill Start Assist - prevents rolling on gradients
Fading Compensation - counteracts overheating
Soft Stop - brings the car to a gentle halt

EBMCS03

Disappointing indeed! :'(

brent

The Maybach does this.

paasan

"Soft Stop" - preventing the front of the car from "dipping" - is IMHO a really lame feature. If you've driven a car for more than a month, you should be very able to stop the car without letting the front dip!

My guess is that MAYBE the DSC system will be improved with a very weak "force feedback" engine that is added to the steering to prevent over- and understeer. It is supposed to be easily overridden by the driver, but should be powerful enough to lead the driver into moving the steering wheel correctly to prevent "skidding" on slippery surfaces. At least I've read in AMS (auto motor und sport) that this is supposedly being introduced on the E90 and the new VW Passat.

Is it just me - or are these cars becoming a little bit over-protective? Sure sounds like a good security measure - but it better be possible to switch everything off, as it is today.

Iceman

The Maybach does this.
[/quote]
It better does for that price!

colejl

The Maybach does this.
[/quote]
It better does for that price!
[/quote]
Indeed. It's a car you want to be a passenger in, not drive

The big question is whether DSC+ is a software controlled thing or there's some physical differences? Perhaps V17 has it...

BangleBox_530d

Sounds like the new 3 series has these functions too. Along with the steering. And keyless ignition.

So unless BMW update now, the 5 will be the "poor mans" BMW, in terms of standard features.

Anyway, these braking enhancements sould very much like what my brain aleady does. So not a lot of real benefit. But if a software update will do this, great.

530E60NL

I hope they can do it with a software update.. But I think it is a new DSC computer if you want to have it updated..