As for the traction system, yes it is a big pain in the ass in the winter time but BMW has now fixed the problem. Traction control does not have the ability to increase traction; it just attempts to prevent a vehicle's wheels from spinning. If you are in a situation where you're in deep snow and are trying to slog out / through, want some wheelspin, and don't want traction control pulling the power off just as you get going, then you want to press DTC one time and have the DTC light on. BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system is one of the most sophisticated and effective on the market. Its the first run of E46's (I think its ASC but can't remember). xDrive transfer box and actuator motor. If traction control is so good, why is there a switch to turn it off? For drivers who routinely drive in snowy and icy conditions, traction control, antilock brakes, and snow tires are must-have safety features. xDrive transfer box and actuator motor. Surely it would be best left on to help traction ??? The new BMW i3 made its U.S. debut this past Spring, therefore many i3 owners are wondering how the electric-vehicle will handle in the snowy winters of the Midwest or Northeast. You step on the gas and the wheels start to turn, but they can't get much traction in the snow. When I push the button no lights flick on as a warning and the TC light in the centre of the dash still flashes when losing grip on the rear end. Benefits of Turning Off Traction Control. Related HowStuffWorks Articles Change the channel. Support Us | Join US . DPC isn't something you'd find on an off road four wheel drive system, it's benefits are for road driving. However, there are a few exceptions for why you would want to turn traction control off. Traction control on or off in snow? But will have to at some point as its my only car - help ! There are 3 settings: 1. Loss of traction commonly occurs in either snow or ice when a moving wheel hits a patch of ice and begins to slip. DTC button controls the 3 BMW’s traction control settings. There are some situations where traction control might not be desirable, such as when you are stuck in snow or mud. I think this shows that BMW's reasons for proving four wheel drive are purely to enhance traction and safety for normal driving. DPC isn't something you'd find on an off road four wheel drive system, it's benefits are for road driving. Here’s how it works. The car fishtailed quite a bit but steering corrections kept it all under control. DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) 2. It also interfaces with the DSC dynamic stability control. It's counter intuitive, but it works. It also interfaces with the DSC dynamic stability control. … Continue reading "Traction Control Warning Light" Same here. BMW 328i xDrive Traction Control Light is on Inspection at your home or office. For drivers who routinely drive in snowy and icy conditions, traction control, antilock brakes, and snow tires are must-have safety features. Related HowStuffWorks Articles You might want to consider turning traction control off when the system fails to do its job and no longer maintains traction. Had my Z 16 months and not had to drive it in any snow yet ? Honest John has previously advised that ESP/ESC should turned off when driving in snowy or icy conditions. This couldn't be further from the truth. My previous WRX was a little bit looser and more fun. Traction Control. My Skoda has ASR (anti-skid regulation) but not full blown ESP. M3 AWD with snow tires in Quebec City, a lot of snow and ice. The traction control does what it's supposed to do; it uses the brakes to stop the wheels from spinning. The problem is, now you can't get out of the parking space. A front wheel drive car though is pure scary, it doesn’t give you any feedback about the poor traction until it just keeps going straight in a situation way harder to do anything about. So well in fact, that you … I wouldn't go over about 5mph with traction control off, but at speeds lower than that it's the solution for hills in snow.