Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

Operating principle: The DSC system maintains vehicle stability at an appropriate level even in critical situations.

The DSC system is ready for operation after every engine start.

The system improves vehicle stability during acceleration and when starting off. It also detects critical situations such as understeer or oversteer and, by reducing engine output and applying braking force to individual wheels, helps keep the vehicle on course within the physical limits.

DSC does not override the laws of physics. Therefore, the driver is fully responsible for choosing an appropriate driving style.

The presence of an additional safety system should not encourage you to take unjustified risks.

Do not make any modifications to the DSC system. Work on DSC should be entrusted only to authorized service centers.

Indicator lamps: The indicator lamps in the instrument cluster light up and go out almost immediately after the ignition is switched on.

The indicator lamp flashes:

the DSC system is active and regulating engine torque and brake line pressure.

The indicator lamp is on continuously:

the DSC system is switched off with the button and has no stabilizing effect.

Switching off DSC: Press the button – the indicator lamp lights up.

In this case, the DSC system has no stabilizing effect. However, it still affects the brakes, similar to a differential lock.

Temporarily switching off DSC may be advisable in the following non-standard situations:

► when rocking the vehicle free from deep snow or loose ground;
► on sand;
► on roads with deep ruts;
► when driving through deep mud;
► when driving with snow chains.

Braking with the system switched off may place an additional load on the brakes.

Therefore, to prevent the brakes from overheating, the braking effect may be automatically suppressed for a short time.

In general, to maintain vehicle stability at an appropriate level, it is recommended to drive only with DSC switched on.

Switching on DSC: Press the button again – the indicator lamp goes out. DSC is now switched on.

Malfunctions: Be sure to also refer to the information on the DSC/xDrive indicator lamp on page 19 and on the various indicator lamp combinations on page 18.