Brakes and Traction Control: Description and Operation

Purpose of The System

The brake power is designed for the weight and the driving performance of the E65/E66. The E65/E66 features a vacuum boosted dual-circuit hydraulic brake system with "front/back" distribution. The brake system offers the high safety reserve characteristic of BMW. The service life of the brake pads and discs as well as the noise characteristics have been improved. The front brake calipers are aluminum 10 reduce the unsprung weight. The 2- phase brake pad sensors on the left front and right rear convey signals to the DSC control module making it possible to calculate the total brake pad service life (Condition Based Service).

The electro-mechanical parking brake is automated and functions with the DSC hydraulic system. The stopping function is controlled by the DSC hydraulics when the engine is running and by the electro-mechanical drum brakes (integral in the rear rotors) when the engine is switched off. The parking brake is actuated by a push button. The driver has the opportunity to activate the "Automatic Hold" function which automatically applies and releases the brake. This prevents "creeping" in stop and go traffic and "roll back" before pulling away on an incline (Hill Hold).

The parking brake can only be released when the ignition is switched "ON" (childproof safety benefit). When the engine is switched off with the Automatic Hold function active, the electro-mechanical parking brake will be applied. In addition, the parking brake control module provides automatic wear compensation (adjustments are not necessary) and is diagnosable. The control module is located under the luggage compartment and has a manual emergency function in the event of a system failure.