Trailer stability control

chrisn7 · Post by **chrisn7** » Tue Aug 04, 2015 11:03 pm

I noticed a short reference to this in the handbook, and as a caravanner I would like to find out more. I do have a BMW trailer module fitted - does this work in conjunction with DSC? How does it work?

TimX5 · Post by **TimX5** » Tue Aug 04, 2015 11:25 pm

When going down hill with the dsc active that's the default mode , the gear box will assist with engine braking ( like changing down gear in a manual )and if your towing a caravan the down change can be rather harsh and seems to over rev the engine , it sometimes changes down two gears if your going too fast .

If you turn the dsc off this allows the car to go down hill with less harsh gear changes but doesn't hold the car back as much and if towing you have to use the brakes a little more to control your speed , I turn the dsc off every time I drive the car because I don't like how the gearbox drops 2 gears sometimes down hill , you think the engine is gonna blow lol , not always a good idea turning it off as your relying more on the brakes.

Hope this helps , if im wrong in my explanation someone else may correct me .

Tim

Steamyrotter · Post by **Steamyrotter** » Wed Aug 05, 2015 12:59 am

No idea...

Personally I paddle shift when I tow..

chrisn7 · Post by **chrisn7** » Wed Aug 05, 2015 10:29 am

Thanks Tim. The downshifts you describe seem to be normal downhill behaviour though. Its very hilly in this part of W Yorks, so I have this all the time.

The TSC seems to be an anti-snaking control, but I'm not clear if this is just a normal function of the DSC, or if its an additional function that is activated when a trailer module is added, or if it something that has to be coded in.

In the handbook, the text has an asterisk by it, suggesting that it is an option, but DSC is standard.

TimX5 · Post by **TimX5** » Wed Aug 05, 2015 11:02 am

[quote="chrisn7"]
Thanks Tim. The downshifts you describe seem to be normal downhill behaviour though. Its very hilly in this part of W Yorks, so I have this all the time.

The TSC seems to be an anti-snaking control, but I'm not clear if this is just a normal function of the DSC, or if its an additional function that is activated when a trailer module is added, or if it something that has to be coded in.

In the handbook, the text has an asterisk by it, suggesting that it is an option, but DSC is standard.
[/quote]

I've misunderstood the original post oops as for the trailer stability I'm not sure , my caravan has the alko atc control fitted which is fab.

Tim

chrisn7 · Post by **chrisn7** » Wed Aug 05, 2015 12:56 pm

I believe at the moment that in connecting to the trailer socket, the BMW trailer module senses this, and allows some different parameters to apply within the DSC - in other words I think the feature is built in to the DSC but requires the trailer connection to become functional. Dealer visit due at the weekend, so will try to confirm this then....

I wonder if this complements, or fights with, the ALKO ATC system

Steamyrotter · Post by **Steamyrotter** » Wed Aug 05, 2015 10:28 pm

The Alko ATC is standalone and only worries about movement of the caravan.
Limited to the applying of the caravan brakes to provided a retardation force to pull the caravan back in line

This shouldn't affect the operation or stability of any of the cars systems

muz740 · Post by **muz740** » Mon Mar 07, 2022 10:56 am

how do you switch trailer mode off I have never towed but just bought the X5 and having gearbox problems and I hate when it down shifts to much on a hill any help welcome.... muz

sapphireblack · Post by **sapphireblack** » Mon Mar 07, 2022 12:55 pm

Err, this thead is nearly seven years old

muz740 · Post by **muz740** » Mon Mar 07, 2022 4:02 pm

Yes sorry I have been searching for input I never. Looked at the age off the post….

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Mon Mar 07, 2022 7:12 pm

The answer to your question is unplug the trailer. It’s only active when a trailer is plugged in. The downhill gearshifts are part of engine braking. This is normal behaviour on modern automatics and I don’t think you can turn it off. If you trail the brakes going downhill the box will shift down in order to prevent loss of braking.

The later versions F15 etc with ‘eco’ mode will idle the engine and disconnect the drive but earlier versions won’t. You can get the box to upshift again just by tapping the throttle.

muz740 · Post by **muz740** » Tue Mar 08, 2022 9:22 am

Ah I did notice if you are light on the brakes it is fine ... I knew it driver error again I need lighter boots thankyou so much for putting up with me am only 54 but every day is a school day and I do like the X5 it is easy to get in and out off I can't bend like I used to.....

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