Dynamic Stability Control: Notes

The MINI is equipped as standard with an antilock braking system (ABS). An Anti-lock Brake System with Automatic Stability Control (ABS+T) is offered as optional equipment. The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is also optional equipment. System supplier for the DSC is TRW.

NOTE: DSC standard equipment starting 03/2009.

Starting 03/2009, Dynamic Stability Control is standard equipment.

The DSC differs from ABS or ASC+T in that it has the following functions:

DSC control unit with integrated brake pressure sensor
Steering angle sensor in the steering column switch cluster (SZL)
DSC sensor

DSC is a driving dynamics system that maintains driving stability. DSC optimizes:

driving stability on driving off, accelerating and braking
traction

The DSC also detects unstable driving conditions such as understeer or oversteer. DSC helps to maintain the vehicle on a safe course within the physical boundaries.

To do so, the DSC must be aware of the following dynamic handling characteristics parameters:

the yaw rate as a measure for the rotational movement of the vehicle around the vertical axis
the lateral acceleration as a measure of the coefficient of friction of the roadway
the driving speed

In addition, the driver's choice is detected from the steering angle and the brake pressure the driver applies to the pedal. Furthermore, wheel speed sensors deliver information on the speed of the individual wheels. The available measured values are used to determine the actual condition in which the vehicle is moving at the moment. The actual condition is compared with setpoint values calculated in the DSC control unit. If the current actual values deviate from the desired state, DSC becomes active and actively intervenes in the brake system or in the engine control, as the case may be.