meeknet.co.

uk

Table of Contents
Introduction to DSC
Subject

Page

Module Objectives................................................................................ 2
Overview of DSC Systems ................................................................. .3
Puspose of the System ..................................................................... ..4
DSC Components .................................................................................9
Control Module/Hydraulic Unit.............................................................. 10
Wheel Speed Sensors ......................................................................... 11
Hydraulic Pressure Sensor ................................................................... 12
Steering Angle Sensor ......................................................................... 13
Rotation Rate Sensor ...........................................................................14
Lateral Acceleration Sensor .................................................................16
Combined Rotation Rate/Lateral Acceleration Sensor ..........................17
DSC Switch ..........................................................................................18
Handbrake Switch ...............................................................................18
Brake Switch .......................................................................................18
Hydraulic System Components ............................................................19
Principle of Operation .................................................................... .....24
Diagnosis ......................................................................................... .....29
Review Questions ................................................................................ 31

1
Introduction to DSC

Model:

1995-1997 E38 750iL, E31 850Ci with DSC II

1998 E38 740i/iL and 750iL, E39 540i with DSC III 5.3
1999-Present E38 740i/iL and 750iL, E39 540i and 528i with DSC III 5.7

Production: All E38 and E39 with Bosch 5.7 DSC III
Objectives:
After completion of this module you should be able to:

Understand Basic DSC operation.

Identify Components within the DSC System (DSC 5.3 and DSC 5.7).

Locate Components within the DSC system.

Understand the differences between ASC and DSC.

Understand Differences between Bosch DSC 5.7 and 5.3.

2
Introduction to DSC

Overview of DSC Systems

Model
Year

E36

E36/7
Z3

E46

E39

E38

E53

E52

E65
E66

E85

1998

ASC+T

ASC +T
MK IV G

N/A

9/97
ASC +T5
S: 528i

9/97
DSC III
Bosch 5.3

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

DSC III 5.3

S: 540i
N/A 528i

S: 740i/iL
S: 750iL

9/98
ASC + T5
S: 528i

3/98
N/A
Bosch
DSC III 5.7

N/A

N/A

N/A

Bosch
DSC III 5.7
S: 540i
O: 528i
6/99
Bosch
DSC III 5.7
STD All

S: 740i/iL
S: 750iL

3/99
Bosch
DSC III 5.7
STD All

DSC III DSC III N/A

BoschBosch
5.7
5.7
9/99
1/00

N/A

DSC III
Bosch 5.7

DSC III
Bosch 5.7

DSC III DSC III N/A

BoschBosch
5.7
5.7

N/A

N/A

DSC III
Bosch
5.7

N/A

N/A

DSC III DSC III DSC III

B o s c h B o s c h Bosch
5.7
5.7
5.7

1999

ASC + T ASC + T
ASC
MK IV G MK 20 EI
Teves
328iC
(Except M) MK 20 EI
318ti
ASC + T
Mk IV G
(M Versions)

2000

N/A

from 4/99
Teves
MK 20
DSC III

DSC III
Teves
MK 20 EI
from 6/99

2001

N/A

From 9/00
Teves
MK 60
DSC III

DSC III
Teves
MK 60
from 9/00

M Versions
Teves
MK 20
DSC III

M3
Teves
MK 20

2002

N/A

2003

N/A

N/A

E46/16
AWD
Bosch
DSC III 5.7
Same
DSC III
as
Bosch 5.7
2001
Same
as
2001

DSC III
Bosch 5.7

DSC III
Bosch
5.7

DSC III
Teves
MK60

S = STANDARD EQUIPMENT
O = OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
STD All = Standard All Models

3
Introduction to DSC

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC II/DSCIII)

Purpose of the System
DSC adds a further dimension to the traction control system. DSC adds lateral control to
this already proven system. The traction control system was designed for longitudinal
stability and providing the optimum traction for driving off.
DSC II has the ability to mildly correct for lateral instability and only at the rear brakes
when braking control is necessary.
DSC III has the ability to brake any wheel during cornering maneuvers where the control
modules programmed limits for vehicle oversteer and understeer are exceeded.
The DSC II system monitors the input values from the two front wheel speed sensors and
the steering angle sensor. The rotational speeds of the front wheels for the given turning
angle are compared to the programmed values in the DSC control module. If the values
are outside the programmed limits, DSC regulation will be activated.
New sensors are added to the DSC III system to monitor the rotational rate of the vehicle
around its vertical axis and a lateral acceleration sensor to monitor the side to side forces
on the vehicle.
On DSC II or DSC III systems, the control regulation follows the same outputs as for traction control regulation with:
Throttle valve regulation
Engine intervention
Rear brake control
The control phases are brief and only occur long enough to correct the unstable condition.
The following text in this training manual will focus on Bosch DSC III 5.3 and 5.7. The
Bosch DSC II system is an enhancement to the existing ASC+T5 system already in use.
The DSC II system is identical to ASC+T5 with the addition of the steering angle sensor and
the DSC control unit.

4
Introduction to DSC

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC II)

Dynamic Stability Control II (DSC II) is a further development to the ABS/ASC+T5 traction
control system. DSC I was introduced in other markets on the E32 and E31 vehicles with
the M70 engine.
The DSC system is designed to improve the lateral stability of the vehicle in all driving situations. Whereby ASC+T is primarily designed for longitudinal stability and providing the
optimum traction for driving off, DSC adds lateral stability control to the already proven system.
For any given turning angle and speed of the vehicle, there is a set difference between the
rotational speeds of the front wheels. If the rotational speeds of the front wheels vary from
this set difference, it means the vehicle is understeering or oversteering through the turn.
This could lead to an unstable condition and possible loss of control.
The DSC system is designed to monitor this rotational difference and react to any changes
or deviations that might possibly occur. The DSC provides ASC control for the vehicle while
driving through corners or any time the vehicle is not moving straight ahead.
In essence, the ASC+T5 becomes a Dynamic Stability Control System with this added feature.

5
Introduction to DSC

DSC II

KL 30

ECM
MAIN
RELAY

ASC+T LAMP

ABS LAMP
KL 15

POWER SUPPLY

SOLENOID
RELAY

ASC SWITCH
GROUND CONTROL
POWER SUPPLY
LF

ABS
PUMP
RELAY

GROUND CONTROL
WHEEL

RF
SPEED
LR

INLET (4X)
SENSORS

RR

ASC +T 5
/ DSC

ASC+T/
DSC
HYDRAULIC
UNIT

OUTLET (4X)
INTAKE
PLUNGER

WHEEL SPEED X 4
AGS

PARK BRAKE
SWITCH

ABS PUMP
RELAY

6
Introduction to DSC

DIAGNOSIS

Bosch 5. 3 DSC III I-P-O

7
Introduction to DSC

DSC III (Bosch 5.7) IPO

8
Introduction to DSC

DSC III 5.3 Components

The Bosch DSC III 5.3 System consists of the following components:

DC III Control Module 83 Pin

Wheel Speed Sensors (Active Hall Effect)

Hydraulic Pressure Sensor

Steering Angle Sensor

Rotation Rate (Yaw Sensor)

Lateral Acceleration Sensor

DSC Switch

Hand Brake Switch

Brake Switch

Pre-Charging Pump

Hydraulic Unit

Charging Piston (750iL only)

BOSCH DSC III 5.7 COMPONENTS

With the exception of the following, all components of the DSC - 5.3 are carried over and
their functional operation remains the same.
Control Module/Hydraulic Unit - Control Module and hydraulic unit have been
combined into one assembly. The unit now includes the hydraulic unit, control
module and return pump.
Rotational Rate/Lateral Acceleration Sensor - These two sensors have been
combined into one housing located under the drivers seat (under carpet).

Brake Pressure Sensor - The brake pressure sensor is installed in the

hydraulic unit housing. This performs the same function as the previous hydraulic
pressure sensor.
9
Introduction to DSC

Control Module/ Hydraulic Unit

The control module used on the DSC III systems varies between models. The DSC III
5.3 system uses the same control module
configuration at the ASC+T5 system.
The control module is an 83 pin unit located
in the E-box.
The DSC III 5.7 system integrates the control
module into the hydraulic unit. This reduces
the size and wiring required for DSC operation. Additionally the motor relay and valve
relay have been replaced by solid state final
stages in the control module.

83 Pin Control Module Bosch DSC III 5.3

On E39 and E39 applications, the control module/hydraulic unit is located ahead of the
passenger side strut tower. The hydraulic unit contains the following components:
Two pre-charge solenoid valves
Two changeover solenoid valves
Four intake solenoid valves
Four outlet solenoid valves
One return pump

Control Module/Hydraulic Unit Bosch DSC III 5.7

10
Introduction to DSC

Wheel Speed Sensors

The wheel speed sensors used are the same as on previous E38 and E39 models. The
sensor is a hall effect type which sends a digital square wave to the DSC control unit.
Unique to this sensor is the two wire versus three wire configuration as on most hall effect
circuits.
The two wire hall effect wheel speed sensors receive a stabilized 8 volt power supply from
the control module through one wire. The ground path for the sensor is through the second wire back to the control module.
The signal is generated by a pulse wheel affecting the voltage flow through the hall element
in the sensor. The pulse wheel is integrated into the wheel bearing assembly, behind the
seal. This protects the trigger wheel from foreign substances which may affect the wheel
speed signal.
This creates a square wave signal with a low of .75 volts and a high of 2.5 volts.

DSC Control
Module

11
Introduction to DSC

Hydraulic Pressure Sensor (Brake Pressure)

The hydraulic system pressure sensor provides a 0-5 volt linear voltage signal to the DSC
III control module. The linear voltage is a proportionate indication of how hard the driver is
pressing on the brake pedal. The signal is provided as an additional determining factor for
the DSC III control module to monitor the hydraulic pressure present during all phases of
operation, including:
No Braking

Partial Braking

Near ABS regulation state.

The sensor has three pins, power, ground and the 0-5 volt signal. The sensor is capable
of monitoring pressure from 0-250bar. The sensor is located in the front brake hydraulic
circuit., the actual location varies by the following application:
DSC III 5.3 (740i/iL and 540i) - The brake pressure sensor is located in the charge
pump assembly.
DSC III 5.3 (750iL) - The sensor is located on the charge piston unit.
DSC III 5.7 (ALL) - The sensor is located on the hydraulic unit.

Pressure Sensor

Print

Change

End

Se

Pressure Sensor
BMW Coding/programming
SELE

1
2
3
4
5
6
Brake Pressure Sensor Location
Bosch DSC III 5.3 (740i/iL, 540i)

12
Introduction to DSC

CAR MEMORY
KEY MEMORY
ZCS CODING
PROGRAMMING
ALIGNMENT EWSALIGNMENT EWS-

Brake Pressure Sensor Location

Bosch DSC III 5.7 (All)

Steering Angle Sensor

The steering angle sensor is mounted at the bottom of the steering column near the flexible coupling.
The sensor is a new type which differs from the DSC II system. This sensor is equipped
with a processor and is directly linked to the CAN bus to communicate with the DSC module.
The sensor also contains the EDC III steering angle sensor in the same housing but it is not
on the CAN bus and the signal output to the EDC III control unit remains unchanged.
The sensor still utilizes two potentiometers to determine the steering angle and the rate of
steering angle change. These are the raw signals the CAN bus microprocessor utilizes to
create the steering angle signal for broadcast over the CAN bus.
As with DSCII, this sensor still requires calibration after repairs to the steering or suspension system. Once the calibration is completed, the sensor now also sends as identification number over the CAN bus to the DSC III module. The ID provides confirmation is the
DSC module that the steering angle sensor is properly calibrated.
If the ID differs due to component swapping, it will not be possible to enter the DSC system for diagnosis. The Diagnosis Program will request that the steering angle sensor be
recalibrated using Service Functions. Once complete, a new ID number is generated and
the DSC module and steering angle sensor are properly mated.
The DSC III logic checks the plausibility of the steering angle sensor against other DSC III
inputs (front wheel speeds, rotation rate and lateral acceleration sensors). If the battery
voltage is interrupted, the current steering wheel rotation is recalculated by the DSC module evaluating front wheel speeds.

13
Introduction to DSC

Rotation Rate Sensor (Bosch 5.3)

The new sensor is a major contributor of
the expanded capabilities of DSC III. When
the rotation rate sensor was introduced
with DSC III 5.3, the sensor was a stand
alone sensor located under the drivers
seat. On DSC III 5.7, the sensor is now a
combined sensor which also houses the
lateral acceleration sensor.
To access the sensor, the seat must be
removed, the door jamb interior trim pulled
out of the way and the carpet rolled back.
A sound insulating foam shell covers the
sensor, this too must be pulled upward off
of the sensor prior to removal.

5 Pin
Plug

Mounting
Nuts

Sensor Operation
The sensor is a sealed, self contained
microprocessor that monitors the vehicles
rate of rotational acceleration on its vertical
axis. This is referred to as the yaw angle.
The sensor contains an internal oscillating
cylinder which is excited by various piezo
elements to an oscillation frequency of
14KHz. This puts the cylinder in a free
floating neutral state. (zero point)
When driving, the cylinder is deflected
(rotated) by the effect of the forces from the
vehicle cornering - this produces the torsional twist on the cylinder.
The sensor counteracts the twist of the
cylinder by increasing the pulse frequency
of the piezo elements to deflect the cylinder
back to its zero point.

Components are not serviceable.

Photos are for reference only.

The pulse frequency increase in measured and represent the real

time vehicle rotation rate. Based on the measurement, the sensor
produces a linear DC voltage that the DSC III control module uses
to determine yaw angle.

14
Introduction to DSC

Oscillating
Cylinder

Rotation Rate Sensor Signals

The DSC III control module provides the rotation rate sensor with 12 volts operating power
and ground. In return, the sensor provides:

A standing 2.5 volt reference voltage signal (pin 4 of sensor)

A linear voltage signal ranging from 0.7 to 4.3 volts (pin 3 of sensor)

The linear voltage equates to a range of -50O (.7V) to +50O (4.3V) vehicle rotation rate
change per second. The DSC III control module monitors the signal voltage every 20ms.

DSC III
In conjunction with the steering angle, front wheel speeds and lateral forces, the rotation
rate signal provides confirmation of a vehicle pushing the limits of acceptable yaw. The
DSC III control module then regulates the torque output of the vehicle and manipulates the
brake system hydraulics as needed to correct for the under/oversteer condition.
For continual plausibility testing, the DSC control module send a predetermined test voltage signal to the rotation rate sensor (pin 5 of sensor). The sensor calculates the voltage
value and sends feedback to the DSC III control module over the signal line (pin 2) every
other 20ms signal cycle. If the feedback is out of plausible range the DSC III module sets
a fault.
The DSC III module also checks the actual signal for plausibility by comparing it to combined signals from the front wheel speed sensors, lateral acceleration sensor and the steering angle signal from the CAN bus.
Sensor Replacement
If the rotation rate sensor is replaced, the new sensor must be calibrated with the DSC III
control module through the Service Function Menu of the Diagnosis program using the
DISplus or GT-1.
15
Introduction to DSC

Lateral Acceleration Sensor (Bosch 5.3)

This new sensor is a major contributor of the expanded
capabilities of DSC III.
It is located under the drivers seat but mounted on the vertical surface of the inner rocker sill. (approximately 2 in
front of the B pillar).
The drivers seat and door jamb trim must be removed and
the floor coverings pulled out of the way to access the lateral acceleration sensor.
Sensor Operation
The lateral acceleration sensor is connected to the DSC III
1- Floor Covering 2 - 3 Pin Plug
control module by a 3 pin plug. The sensor receives oper- 2 - Mounting Screws
ating power and ground. It return, it provides a linear voltage signal which is a measurement of side to side G-force acceleration.

The voltage range is from 0.5 to 4.5 volts which corresponds to a G force range of
-1.5 to +3.5 g.

With the vehicle stationary on a level surface, approximately 1.7 volts is present on
the signal line. This is indicative of the nominal value of 0.0g.

The sensor is a capacitive type sensor. Under the effects of lateral acceleration, a moving
capacitor plate moves in relation to a fixed capacitor plate. The result is a signal proportional to the effect of lateral acceleration.
The signal provides additional information which enables the DSC III logic a higher level of
sensing the vehicles handling characteristics.
The DSC regulation is calculated from:

The steering input from the desired vehicle direction from the driver

The Rotation Rate sensor to determine the yaw of the vehicle

The left and right front wheel speed to verify the turning rate in the corner

These inputs allow the DSC logic to calculate the under/over steer while cornering, and the
rate of the vehicle speed entering the corner. For this calculation, the DSC can then compensate by reducing engine torque, and applying the appropriate braking to stabilize the
vehicle for safer handling.
16
Introduction to DSC

Combined Rotation Rate/Lateral Acceleration Sensor (Bosch DSC III 5.7)

On DSC III (Bosch 5.7) the Rotation Rate sensor and the Lateral Acceleration sensor have
been combined into one unit. The sensor is located under the drivers seat and it is smaller in size and weight and is isolated from chassis vibrations through its rubber mounting.
The sensor provides the same information as the two spearate sensors used on DSC 5.3.
It receives the same power and ground from the DSC control module.
For rotational speed, the sensor produces a refernece signal of 2.5 volts and a linear voltage from 0.7 to 4.3 volts. This linear voltage input signal is used by the DSC control module as the degree of rotational rate (yaw).
The sensor also produces a linear voltage signal from 0.5 to 4.5 volts. The DSC control
module used this input to determine the side forces acting on the vehicle for DSC regulation

17
Introduction to DSC

DSC Switch
The system is active whenever the ignition is switched
on. When pressed, the switch provides a momentary 12
volt signal to the DSC control module to switch the system off. The DSc indictator in the cluster will be illuminated to indicate that the system is off. When pressed
again, the system switches back on and the DSC indicator goes off.
Handbrake Switch
The handbrake switch is a ground
input the DSC module. MSR regulation is cancelled when there is a
Handbrake On signal present.

Brake Switch
The brake switch is used to activate the ABS
functions in the DSC III module. If the system
receives a brake switch signal when in ASC
mode and regulating, ASC regulation is cancelled.
The ABS regulating phase is also cancelled
when the brake switch signal is not present.

18
Introduction to DSC

DSC III (BOSCH 5.3) Hydraulic System Components

As mentioned at the beginning of this section, there are minor differences in the hydraulics
for the 750iL compared with the 740i/iL and 540iA. The following components are the same
for either variation of the system:
Hydraulic Unit:

VALVE
SOLENOIDS

Similar to DSC II hydraulic unit

Modulates brake pressure during ABS, CBC, ASC
and DSC control procedure.
Contains:
-

1
2
2
2
2
2
4
4

pump motor,
return reciprocating pumps
preload valves,
changeover valves
accumulator chambers
damper chambers
inlet valves
outlet valves

PUMP
MOTOR

Master Cylinder:
Master cylinder, fluid reservoir and level switch. All
new components.
P

CHANGEOVER
VALVE

PRELOAD
VALVE

CHANGEOVER
VALVE

PRELOAD
VALVE

PUMP

PUMP
P

INLET
VALVE

LEFT
REAR
BRAKE

OUTLET
VALVE

OUTLET
VALVE

RIGHT
REAR
BRAKE

INLET
VALVE

INLET
VALVE

OUTLET
VALVE

LEFT
FRONT
BRAKE

OUTLET
VALVE

INLET
VALVE

RIGHT
FRONT
BRAKE

19
Introduction to DSC

To ensure sufficient brake fluid supply is always available to the hydraulic unit during ASC/
DSC hydraulic regulation, the system requires an additional pumping system not equipped
on any previous ASC+T system.
The pumping systems are different on the 750iL compared with the 740i/iL & 540iA and are
as follows:

740i/iL & 540iA = Charge pump - located next to the master cylinder.

750iL = Pre-boost pump and separate charge piston. These components are also
mounted next to the brake fluid master cylinder and fluid reservoir.

CHANGEOVER
VALVE

PRELOAD
VALVE

CHANGEOVER
VALVE

PRELOAD
VALVE

PUMP

PUMP
P

INLET
VALVE

LEFT
REAR
BRAKE

20
Introduction to DSC

OUTLET
VALVE

OUTLET
VALVE

RIGHT
REAR
BRAKE

INLET
VALVE

INLET
VALVE

OUTLET
VALVE

LEFT
FRONT
BRAKE

OUTLET
VALVE

INLET
VALVE

RIGHT
FRONT
BRAKE

Hydraulic Charge
Existing ASC+T and DSC II systems already perform hydraulic control regulation but do not
require the additional charge pump systems. Why? The reason being those systems only
actuate the rear axle circuits. Obviously, the DSC III system has the capability to actuate
front and rear axle circuits together which requires additional hydraulic fluid supply.
For this reason, during an ASC or DSC regulation function requiring hydraulic intervention, the DSC III control module switches the electrical charge pump on to provide this additional fluid.
740i/iL & 540iA Vehicles:
When activated, the Charge Pump delivers a brake pressure of 10 - 15 bar to the front axle
circuit of the hydraulic unit and into the front axle circuit pressure chamber of of the master
cylinder. The master cylinder piston for the front axle circuit contains a notched restrictor
forward of the central valve which allows excess fluid to return to the reservoir under a
restriction.
The pressurized fluid also acts on the rear axle circuit of the master cylinder. This provides
the hydraulic charge to the rear axle circuit of the hydraulic unit as needed.

21
Introduction to DSC

750iL Vehicles:
The electric Pre-boost pump delivers a brake fluid pressure of 7-15 bar to the isolated
chamber of the charge piston. The pre-boost pump incorporates an integral pressure
relief valve which opens at 15 bar.
From the isolated chamber the fluid returns to the reservoir through a restriction. The
restriction causes pressure to build in the chamber which pushes the pistons outward. This
immediately acts on two valves which block the normal braking circuits that flow through
the charge piston ports.
The pressure in the isolated chamber
continues to push the pistons outward
delivering the required charge pressure.

CHARGE
PISTON

PRE-BOOST
PUMP

For ABS and CBC operation, the pump systems are not switched on, only during
ASC/DSC regulation requiring hydraulic intervention are the pre-boost pump or the charge
pump switched on. The balance of the hydraulic system functions operate in the same
familiar manor of all previous systems. The individual brake circuits can be isolated as
needed to restore lateral locating forces through pressure build, hold and release phases of
operation. During an ASC hydraulic intervention requiring only rear wheel brake application,
the inlet valves for the front wheels are closed preventing any pressure influence from the
charge pump systems.
22
Introduction to DSC

CHANGEOVER
VALVE

PRELOAD
VALVE

CHANGEOVER
VALVE

PRELOAD
VALVE

PUMP

PUMP
P

INLET
VALVE

LEFT
REAR
BRAKE

OUTLET
VALVE

OUTLET
VALVE

RIGHT
REAR
BRAKE

INLET
VALVE

INLET
VALVE

OUTLET
VALVE

LEFT
FRONT
BRAKE

OUTLET
VALVE

INLET
VALVE

RIGHT
FRONT
BRAKE

23
Introduction to DSC

Principle of Operation
Dynamic Stability Control Systems
Introduction
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC III version 5.3) was introduced on the 1998 Model Year E38
and E39 - 540 vehicles. For Model Year 1999, the system is enhanced with additional control functions and a new combined rotational rate/lateral acceleration sensor as version 5.7.
It continues to be offered as standard equipment in the E38 and E39 - 540 models. The
new functions are titled as the Dynamic Braking System and include the:
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
Maximum Brake Control (MBC)
DSC III adds a further dimension to the dynamic stability control system. DSC II has the
ability to mildly correct for lateral instability and only at the rear brakes when braking control is necessary. DSC III has the ability to brake any wheel during cornering maneuvers
where the control modules programmed limits for vehicle oversteer and understeer are
exceeded.
New sensors are added to the DSC III system to monitor the rotational rate of the vehicle
around its vertical axis and a lateral acceleration sensor to monitor the side to side forces
on the vehicle.
The hydraulic system of the DSC II has also been modified to allow brake regulation on
the front wheels and to ensure that the supply of brake fluid for DSC II regulation is maintained.
Two different hydraulic systems are used on the Bosch 5.3 DSC system as follows:
740i/iL & 540iA use a charge pump for the front brake circuit.
750iL uses a boost pump and separate charge piston for both the front and
rear brake circuits.
The hydraulic system used on the Bosch DSC III 5.7 has changed on the E38 and E39.
The 750iL now uses a similar hydraulic system tothe 740i/iL and 540i. The charge piston
and pre-boost pump have been eleminated. The brake pressure sensor is now located in
the hydraulic unit on all Bosch 5.7 systems.

24
Introduction to DSC

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC III)

All of the familiar braking and straight line traction control features and system communication carry over from DSC II. Based on select high/select low logic, the DSC III control
module selects a vehicle stabilizing strategy based on the specific input signal values it is
monitoring at the moment. For all DSC strategies this begins with engine intervention to
reduce torque:

For the 750iL this is handled via CAN communication, DSC III to EML to minimize
the throttle angle of the DK motors (750iL). For the 740i/iL and 540iA this is handled
by direct DSC III activation of the ADS II throttle housing.

If additional torque reduction is necessary, DSC III informs DME over CAN to:
a. Retard ignition timing
b. Shut down the fuel injection to individual cylinders

DSC III monitors under/oversteer conditions through the following components:

The drivers desired steering angle - steering angle signal over CAN bus.

Vehicle speed and speed differential at front wheels - wheel speed sensors

Dynamic forces of lateral acceleration and yaw placed on the vehicle. This is possible with these two new components. The results are as follows:

25
Introduction to DSC

The expanded hydraulic control of individual wheel circuits is apparent when stabilizing a
vehicle exhibiting an oversteer condition as follows:

Transmission system intervention also occurs during any ASC/DSC regulating phase.
Through CAN bus communication the AGS control module is informed to delay any gear
changes during regulation. This prevents any unwanted driveline dynamic changes during
DSC regulation.
Though DSC III provides state of the art, electronic correction of undesirable vehicle handling characteristics, it is important to remember vehicle stability is always subject to the
physical laws of centrifugal force and extreme road conditions. Good judgement and
common sense on the part of the driver are still required.

26
Introduction to DSC

DSC Features
Corner Braking Control (CBC)
CBC is a feature of dynamic stability control that is designed to improve the vehicles stability if the driver brakes while driving through a curve. If the vehicle is braked while driving
through a curve, an unequal braking force will be applied to the wheels due to the weight
shift of the vehicle to the outside of the turn. Based on the vehicle speed and the speed
differential of the two front wheel speed sensors, the control module can determine if CBC
needs to be activated when the driver applies the brakes. If CBC is activated, the regulation will pulse the wheel brakes on the outside of the vehicle to provide an equal braking
force on all four wheels.
Dynamic Braking System (DBS)
The dynamic braking system is designed to enhance the braking control of the DSC for the
driver of the vehicle. The dynamic braking control and maximum braking control are functions that are programmed into the control electronics of the DSC with no additional hardware changes. The Dynamic braing system features consist of DBC and MBC.
Dynamic Braking Control (DBC)
The DBC function is designed to provide the maximum braking force available during rapid
(panic) braking situations. The DSC control module looks at the inputs from the brake pedal
switch and the signal from the brake pressure sensor on the master cylinder. The criteria
for activation of DBC is how rapidly is the brake pressure built up with the brake pedal
depressed. The total criteria required for DBC activation includes:
Brake switch ON
Brake pressure build up > threshold value
Vehicle road speed > 5MPH
Vehicle not in reverse
Not all wheels in ABS regulation
If the threshold for DBC activation is achieved, the DSC control module will activate a pressure build up regulation phase through the hydraulic unit. The pressure at all wheels is
increased up to the ABS regulation point. This occurs even if the driver does not achieve
the ABS regulation point with the pedal.
The rear axle brakes are controlled with select-low regulation and the front axle brakes are
controlled individually. ABS regulation will continue until the driver releases the pedal and
the pressure in the master cylinder drops below the threshold value stored in the DSC control module.
27
Introduction to DSC

Maximum Brake Control

The MBC function is also designed to enhance a driver initiated braking procedure. The
MBC will build up the pressure in the rear brake circuit when the front brakes are already in
an ABS regulation cycle. The additional braking pressure at the rear wheels will shorten the
stopping distance. The following criteria must be met before the DSC control module will
activate MBC:
Both front wheel brakes in ABS regulation
Vehicle speed > 5 MPH
Vehicle not in reverse
DBC and pressure sensor initialization test OK
Rear wheels not in ABS regulation

28
Introduction to DSC

Diagnosis
The following diagnostic functions are available using the DISplus or GT-1.
Control Unit Functions:
Expert mode diagnosis available
at any time during troubleshooting. To enter: press the Control
Unit Functions button at the
right lower corner of the screen.
The contents are:
Identification
Delete Fault Memory
Read Fault Memory
Component Activation
Status queries (requests)

Service Functions:
Provides access to specialized test modules
used as post repair procedures. To enter:
Function Selection
Service Functions
Chassis
Dynamic Stability Control
The contents are:
Connection Speed Sensor: A test to
verify the proper wiring to the wheel
speed sensors
Connection Brake Lines: A test to
verify the proper brake pipe connections
to the hydraulic unit.
Adjustment Functions: Test modules
to initialize certain components after
repair work is performed
Steering Angle Sensor
Lateral Acceleration Sensor
Pressure Sensors

Test Modules: Faults with the DSC III system can be diagnosed using fault or symptom driven test
modules. To begin diagnosis:
Perform the Quick Test.
Select Vehicle Symptom from the Symptom Selection page.
Select Test Module from Test Plan page.
Press the Test Schedule Button.

29
Introduction to DSC

Coding

Print

Coding must be performed after replacement of the DSC III control module or the
steering angle sensor. ZCS coding is found
in the Coding and Programming selection
from the start screen or when pressing the
Change button. Follow on-screen instructions for initialization of components after
completing the coding process.

Change

End

Services

BMW Coding/programming SELECTION

1
2
3
4
5
6

CAR MEMORY
KEY MEMORY
ZCS CODING
PROGRAMMING
ALIGNMENT EWS-DME
ALIGNMENT EWS-DDE

Note

Adjustment Functions
Adjustment (initialization) is required when:

Replacing the DSC III Control Unit.

Replacing/Re-coding the Steering Angle Sensor.

Replacing one or both Brake Pressure Sensors.

Replacing Lateral Acceleration Sensor.

Steering Angle Sensor

The steering angle sensor requires an offset adjustment after the sensor has been replaced,
coded or after repairs to the steering or suspension system. The offset adjustment informs
the steering angle sensor processor of the straight ahead position of the front wheels.
The adjustment is performed by completing the Test Module found in Service Functions.
Once the adjustment is complete the sensor sends an identification number over the CAN
bus to the DSC control unit. The ID provides confirmation that the steering angle sensor is
coded and has successfully completed the adjustment procedure.
Special Tools
Special Tools available for the DSC III system consist of:
Tool #

Description

Purpose

34 5 240

42 Pin V-Cable

For B.O.B. 61 4 390

61 4 390

60 Pin B.O.B.

For pin by pin diagnosis

34 5 160

Pressure Sensor Socket

For installation and removal of hydraulic brake

pressure sensor.

61 4 420

83 Pin B.O.B.

For pin by pin diagnosis of Bosch DSC III 5.3

and ASC +T5

30
Introduction to DSC

Review Questions
1. What are the primary differences between Bosch 5.3 and 5.7?

2. What is the nominal voltage output of the Rotation Rate sensor when the vehicle is at
rest?

3. What type of wheel speed sensors are used on the Bosch DSC III system on the E38
and E39?

4. List the required activation criteria for DBC activation:

5. List the required activation criteria for MBC activation:

31
Introduction to DSC

Review Questions
6. What hydraulic components are unique to the 750il with DSC 5.3?

7. What 2 DSC component are responsible for the increased dynamic control of DSC III
over DSC II?

8. List the locations of the hydraulic pressure sensor on the following DSC systems:
DSC 5.3 (740i/iL and 540i)
DSC 5.3 (750iL)
DSC 5.7 (All)
9. Briefly explain Corner Braking Control (CBC):

10. What is the handbrake signal input used for on DSC III?

32
Introduction to DSC