BMW 1-Series Forum (F20) 135i - 1Addicts.com > Second Generation 1 Series Forum > 2012 BMW 1-Series Sporthatch (F20) Discussion > The 6 drive modes of the F20
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      06-22-2012, 03:20 AM   #1
iBeech
Captain
iBeech's Avatar
England
109
Rep
945
Posts

Drives: BMW 520D F11 2015
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Sandbach

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
Post The 6 drive modes of the F20

I'm not sure if most people are aware, but there are actually 6 drive modes on the F20, not the 4 most people realise.

On your standard rocker switch which says 'ECO PRO and 'SPORT' you can select from:

Sport+
Sport
Comfort
ECO PRO

They all do their own thing, and depending on which country you're from, they will operate differently, so i'll comment from a UK perspective.
  • ECO PRO: Throttle is managed by the computer to be as economic as possible- when you put your foot down, it works out the most economical way to accelrate, unless you floor it of course. Steering is also designed to be more sluggish. You also get what BMW like to call a 'game' where you can gain extra miles out of your tank, which is displayed on your dashboard. You also get nagging tips on your iDrive screen, and the context of the MPG on the full black display panel changes to indicate how 'foot heavy' you are, instead of traditional MPGs. It also backs off the A/C and heated mirrors. i.e. it takes longer to heat/cool the interior and clear the mirrors. (thanks sdk2007)
  • Comfort: You get more control over throttle, steering is tighter than eco pro
  • Sport: Makes the steering sharper, throttle response is greater than comfort mode and suspension is tightend
  • Sport+: Same as Sport, except DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) is enabled, replacing the default DSC (Dynamic Stabilization Control) which gives the driver some control over the cars traction on the road

The extra two modes are:

Traction
NO DSC
  • Traction mode can be enabled at any time by pressing the 'DTC' button, just above the 'SPORT / ECO PRO' rocker. In this mode, you are operating in 'Comfort' mode, but with DTC (dynamic traction control), this handing over some of the traction control to you.
  • NO DSC can be enabled at any time by pressing and holoding the 'DTC' button for a few seconds. This will flick you into Sport+ mode, with 'NO DSC'- which results in a lack of all traction control- the car is in your hands now; and you get an orange NO DSC on your full black panel. The car will also enable ADB (Automatic Differential Brake), using the rear brakes to transfer torque to the driven wheel with most grip. The previous generation of BMWs could not do this. (thanks ovekvam)

The order from tame, to fun would go like this:

ECO PRO
Comfort
Traction
Sport
Sport+
NO DSC

Enjoy, and drive responsibly!

Last edited by iBeech; 06-22-2012 at 10:36 AM..
Appreciate 0
      06-22-2012, 03:24 AM   #2
Brenyaman
Second Lieutenant
Brenyaman's Avatar
Spain
9
Rep
237
Posts

Drives: F20 120D Aut Urban
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Southern Spain

iTrader: (0)

Very useful, thank you!
Appreciate 0
      06-22-2012, 03:48 AM   #3
nilo
Enlisted Member
Belgium
1
Rep
44
Posts

Drives: BMW 118d F20 M Sport
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Antwerp, Belgium

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Great overview, thanks.

Not owning my F20 yet, a small question: does the suspension only tighten when you have Adaptive Sport Suspension?
Appreciate 0
      06-22-2012, 04:04 AM   #4
sdk2007
New Member
1
Rep
22
Posts

Drives: F20 M Sport - Estoril Blue
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Midlands

iTrader: (0)

ECO PRO also backs off the A/C and heated mirrors. i.e. it takes longer to heat/cool the interior and clear the mirrors.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      06-22-2012, 05:33 AM   #5
iBeech
Captain
iBeech's Avatar
England
109
Rep
945
Posts

Drives: BMW 520D F11 2015
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Sandbach

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by nilo View Post
Great overview, thanks.

Not owning my F20 yet, a small question: does the suspension only tighten when you have Adaptive Sport Suspension?
yes
Appreciate 0
      06-22-2012, 05:33 AM   #6
iBeech
Captain
iBeech's Avatar
England
109
Rep
945
Posts

Drives: BMW 520D F11 2015
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Sandbach

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by sdk2007 View Post
ECO PRO also backs off the A/C and heated mirrors. i.e. it takes longer to heat/cool the interior and clear the mirrors.
thanks, updated.
Appreciate 0
      06-22-2012, 05:55 AM   #7
dubman
Private
Australia
7
Rep
75
Posts

Drives: 125iM
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Sydney, Australia

iTrader: (0)

So are DSC & DTC mutually exclusive?
Appreciate 0
      06-22-2012, 06:23 AM   #8
will-w
'Captain Slow'
United Kingdom
6
Rep
164
Posts

Drives: F20 118d M Sport
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Kent, UK

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2012 F20 M Sport  [10.00]
You sir are a legend!
Appreciate 0
      06-22-2012, 07:13 AM   #9
ovekvam
Brigadier General
Norway
266
Rep
3,290
Posts

Drives: 2021 Galvanic Gold i3S
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Bryne, Norway

iTrader: (0)

Also note that when you switch DSC completely off, the car will enable ADB (Automatic Differential Brake), using the rear brakes to transfer torque to the driven wheel with most grip. The previous generation of BMWs could not do this.

It also seems like the change of steering behaviour between the modes depends on chosen equipment. My Norwegian 116i M Sport has the same steering setup all the time, no matter what mode you are in.
Appreciate 1
      06-22-2012, 07:41 AM   #10
iBeech
Captain
iBeech's Avatar
England
109
Rep
945
Posts

Drives: BMW 520D F11 2015
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Sandbach

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by dubman View Post
So are DSC & DTC mutually exclusive?
apologies,

DTC is on all the time, it provides the most traction control

Unless you press the DTC button, when it is replaced by DSC (dynamic stabilization control), which hands over some control to you

Unless you press and hold the DTC button, which turns both off
Appreciate 0
      06-22-2012, 07:42 AM   #11
iBeech
Captain
iBeech's Avatar
England
109
Rep
945
Posts

Drives: BMW 520D F11 2015
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Sandbach

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by ovekvam View Post
Also note that when you switch DSC completely off, the car will enable ADB (Automatic Differential Brake), using the rear brakes to transfer torque to the driven wheel with most grip. The previous generation of BMWs could not do this.

It also seems like the change of steering behaviour between the modes depends on chosen equipment. My Norwegian 116i M Sport has the same steering setup all the time, no matter what mode you are in.
thanks updated- and re chosen equipment, thats why i mentioned i'll keep it specific to UK
Appreciate 0
      06-22-2012, 07:51 AM   #12
JR
Private First Class
United Kingdom
17
Rep
134
Posts

Drives: f45 218i SE active tourer auto
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Leyland,Lancs

iTrader: (0)

So I would Assume no DSC is best for snow or ice?
Appreciate 0
      06-22-2012, 09:07 AM   #13
ovekvam
Brigadier General
Norway
266
Rep
3,290
Posts

Drives: 2021 Galvanic Gold i3S
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Bryne, Norway

iTrader: (0)

Actually DSC is on all the time, unless you press the button and enable DTC. If you hold the button for some seconds, both DSC and DTC are turned off, and ADB enabled.

For a rookie driver, DSC is best in winter conditions. For experienced drivers, DTC is better in snow. For advanced driving, ADB is even better.
Appreciate 1
      06-22-2012, 10:35 AM   #14
iBeech
Captain
iBeech's Avatar
England
109
Rep
945
Posts

Drives: BMW 520D F11 2015
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Sandbach

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by ovekvam View Post
Actually DSC is on all the time, unless you press the button and enable DTC. If you hold the button for some seconds, both DSC and DTC are turned off, and ADB enabled.

For a rookie driver, DSC is best in winter conditions. For experienced drivers, DTC is better in snow. For advanced driving, ADB is even better.
i always get them backwards- they really need to make it clearer
Appreciate 0
      06-22-2012, 10:55 AM   #15
ovekvam
Brigadier General
Norway
266
Rep
3,290
Posts

Drives: 2021 Galvanic Gold i3S
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Bryne, Norway

iTrader: (0)

BMW explains it rather well in this link:
http://www.bmw.com/com/en/insights/t...n_control.html
Appreciate 1
      06-22-2012, 10:59 AM   #16
iBeech
Captain
iBeech's Avatar
England
109
Rep
945
Posts

Drives: BMW 520D F11 2015
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Sandbach

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by ovekvam View Post
BMW explains it rather well in this link:
http://www.bmw.com/com/en/insights/t...n_control.html
nice one +1
Appreciate 0
      06-24-2012, 02:14 AM   #17
Gras
Private First Class
Greece
6
Rep
118
Posts

Drives: F20 116i, Urban, Auto
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Athens

iTrader: (0)

Also don't forget the two different modes selection for the gear box in case auto box is installed!! D, DS
Appreciate 0
      06-24-2012, 10:44 PM   #18
Remonster
Lieutenant Colonel
United_States
821
Rep
1,583
Posts

Drives: E90 M3
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: San Diego

iTrader: (0)

I don't know about other E8x generation cars, but my E82 135i definitely uses its brakes to simulate a limited slip diff, it was an advertised feature when I bought the car.
Appreciate 1
      06-25-2012, 04:38 AM   #19
iBeech
Captain
iBeech's Avatar
England
109
Rep
945
Posts

Drives: BMW 520D F11 2015
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Sandbach

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Remonster View Post
I don't know about other E8x generation cars, but my E82 135i definitely uses its brakes to simulate a limited slip diff, it was an advertised feature when I bought the car.
this wasnt advertised when i was buying the F20- so they either stopped it, or they dont do it in the f20
Appreciate 0
      06-25-2012, 07:17 AM   #20
dubman
Private
Australia
7
Rep
75
Posts

Drives: 125iM
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Sydney, Australia

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by iBeech View Post
this wasnt advertised when i was buying the F20- so they either stopped it, or they dont do it in the f20
According to P3 of the Australian spec guide:

http://www.bmw.com.au/com/en/newvehi...spec-guide.pdf

There is an electronic differential lock feature active when DSC is off. Perhaps this is what he's referring to?
Appreciate 1
      06-25-2012, 07:27 AM   #21
ovekvam
Brigadier General
Norway
266
Rep
3,290
Posts

Drives: 2021 Galvanic Gold i3S
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Bryne, Norway

iTrader: (0)

Yes, and the problem with the previous generation one series (E8X) was that this system was only active when you had DSC enabled. With the driving aids disabled, it is back to one wheel drive. On the F20, it works with DSC disabled.
Appreciate 1
      07-17-2012, 02:52 AM   #22
iBeech
Captain
iBeech's Avatar
England
109
Rep
945
Posts

Drives: BMW 520D F11 2015
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Sandbach

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
had some fun on friday at an industrial estate, with a nice concrete base in no dsc mode. the 116i can whip it around!
Appreciate 1
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:31 AM.




1addicts
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST