BMW M Electronic Damper Control (EDC) Explained

[Jason]

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BMW M Electronic Damper Control (EDC) Explained

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In this video, race car driver Scott Pruett and BMW Product & Technology Communications Manager Matt Russell explain the BMW M Electronic Damper Control (EDC) system and how the Comfort, Sport and Sport+ suspension settings make a difference in the F10 M5 and F12/F13 M6.

Although the M5 and M6 use an M tuned version of the BMW EDC, here is a general summary of EDC technology
from BMW:

Electronic Damper Control (EDC) automatically or manually adjusts each damper to suit the driving conditions meaning you enjoy outstanding comfort along with the best in BMW on-road safety. EDC reduces variations in wheel load, ensures tyres have excellent traction and counteracts bodyshell movement regardless of the weight your automobile may be carrying or the state of the road's surface.

Sensors constantly monitor all factors influencing the vehicle's behaviour and occupants' comfort, in order to precisely adjust the damper control. In a fraction of a second, the signals are analysed by the EDC microprocessor and orders are sent to the actuators on the shock absorbers, which, with the help of magnetic valves, are variably adjusted to provide optimal suspension. Thanks to Electronic Damper Control, the tendency for the nose to dip when braking is practically eliminated. The influence of potholes and unevenness on the road surface is reduced to minimum.

In addition to increased driving comfort and improved roll characteristics on the tyres, EDC also contributes to vehicle stability and safety. By reducing the nose's tendency to dip when braking and improving the tyre traction, EDC shortens the braking distance when braking heavily. The damper adjustment means that even when braking with ABS the vehicle chassis remains upright on the road and all four wheels have the largest possible contact to the surface.

The Driving Experience Control switch with ECO PRO lets the driver choose between various programs (like COMFORT, NORMAL, SPORT or SPORT+) and adjust the suspension to suit his individual needs.

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[InTheNightKitchen]

Cool, now would this be considered BMW's version of or an off shoot of Magne-ride?

[SamS]

Nice vid.

Seems like this info would also be applicable to the Adaptive M-suspension option available as part of the Dynamic Handling Packaging for the F30?

Originally Posted by bbkg79

Cool, now would this be considered BMW's version of or an off shoot of Magne-ride?

Yeah, it's the closest they've got. I've driven the CTS-V, and their suspension is quite good for city driving. Never been on a track with it.

[Silververtu]

Now I am confused with the magnetic valve, is it similar to what VW/Audi is doing by changing the fluid density or does the magnetic valve control the reservoir?

[mlhj83]

Originally Posted by Silververtu

Now I am confused with the magnetic valve, is it similar to what VW/Audi is doing by changing the fluid density or does the magnetic valve control the reservoir?

Magnetorheological dampers use electricity to vary the viscosity of the damper fluid, thus the damping characteristics; valving does not change. EDC valving does change.

[bimmer ///man]

So, am I correct in assuming that this is only changing the rebound settings on the dampers?

[///Mperative]

Hasn't the M3 had this for a few years now?

[mlhj83]

Originally Posted by bimmer ///man

So, am I correct in assuming that this is only changing the rebound settings on the dampers?

It changes both compression and rebound, and each setting has its own variable map. If you search for the EDC technical document, it explains EDC in extreme detail; everything from wiring diagrams to the location of all the sensors used for EDC control.

[MPower10s]

is this similar to Agility Control from mercedes?

[Remonster]

Originally Posted by SamS

Nice vid.

Seems like this info would also be applicable to the Adaptive M-suspension option available as part of the Dynamic Handling Packaging for the F30?



Yeah, it's the closest they've got. I've driven the CTS-V, and their suspension is quite good for city driving. Never been on a track with it.

I've been wondering the same thing, it seems like M Adaptive suspension on the F30 should be the same thing but BMW seems reluctant to confirm (they did rename the system to EDC on the M cars so maybe they're trying to protect its prestige and make it seem like a more advanced system?

Also, I briefly drove a friend's CTS-V in its "track" suspension mode and felt it to be too soft and a little underdamped. It was superb for cruising around but didn't tighten up enough when we were really attacking a bumpy back road, it was a little too floaty and bouncy. That car had 20,000 miles on it so maybe the suspension is a little worn out, I don't know. In my opinion, comparing that CTS-V to the E90 M3 my brother had with 35,000 miles on it I vastly prefer EDC. It's not as comfortable, but it's so much better for the track or for bumpy back roads.

[kmarei]

Originally Posted by andrewlef

Hasn't the M3 had this for a few years now?

Actually the E30 M3 had it
Not sure why Cadillac makes it sound like they invented it
As far as I know it was lotus that first did testing on it
Unless they took it with them during the time they owned lotus, then sold lotus and kept it

[Fraggy]

Cadillac has licensed the technology to several brands.

For BMW, I just thought that EDC simply meant the shocks can be adjusted for comfort and sport but still were traditional shocks like in the bilstein kit with the in cockpit button.

I didn't think they are magnetic where the fluid viscosity is adjusted electricly.

[ManiacGT]

Certainly explains the stability of my e89 under braking. No nose dive in mine vs other models without the adaptive suspension.

[///Mperative]

Originally Posted by kmarei

Actually the E30 M3 had it
Not sure why Cadillac makes it sound like they invented it
As far as I know it was lotus that first did testing on it
Unless they took it with them during the time they owned lotus, then sold lotus and kept it

Is this different than the EDC that comes with the Competition Package on the E90/92/93 M3?

[kmarei]

Originally Posted by andrewlef

Is this different than the EDC that comes with the Competition Package on the E90/92/93 M3?

not sure
i've never seen one with EDC
and this option was only offered on the M3 Sport Evolutions
which were never offered for sale in the US
the one i own is an EVO II, close but not close enough

but i've seen pictures

[surewin]

Originally Posted by ///Mperative

Hasn't the M3 had this for a few years now?

Yup. It is an option, but the E9X M3s equipped with the option also have the 3 settings for EDC.

[NordicBob]

I have the DHP with VSS on my 2013 335 M Sport. While I love the car in almost every other way, it can't hold a candle to the road feel of my previous beloved 330ci. Just my 2 cents on this topic.