F80 M3 Launch Control.....it works!

[Hobbination]

my LC didnt work right either, Just got off the Ring, empty road off the F1 track....Did the ultra simple steps, checkered flag, bang...nothing but wheel spin, straight to red line, she didnt shift...i slapped in 2nd, spun to redline (im doing a crazy fish tale at this point) slam in 3rd, wheels are spinning and i lift....worthless, First thing outa my mouth was F Launch Control! I left about 100ft and 100Euros worth of rear tire on the ground....SO i think i found Smoky Burnout Mode by mistake? idk....

[M4TW]

I got a LC FAIL too. I did everything right. The checkered flag came on. Revs were at 3K. I let the brakes go and it hesitated almost a second and then all hell broke loose. The most spin actually seemed to happen shifting into third and the car still wanted to sideways.

I would never use something like that at the track. If the delay off the line didn't make you look like a clown, nearly sticking your car into the cement barrier surely would.

When I used MDM by contrast the car stayed straight and true with hardly any spin and bullet acceleration.

Am I triggering the smokey burnout feature instead? There didn't seem to be any control at all.

[Andrew115]

I read an article somewhere that claimed how you depressed the gas pedal was the key. If I recall it stated that if you push the pedal to the floor quickly it was smokey burn out. If you slowly pressed the pedal down it would activate launch control. Maybe some of you can validate this.

[M4TW]

When launch control works, does it hesitate for a second after you take your foot off the brake before it launches?

[ss134]

Originally Posted by M4TW

When launch control works, does it hesitate for a second after you take your foot off the brake before it launches?

Yes mine does- then grips and goes. All I can think of is poor road surface or tyres not at correct pressure? No idea why people are getting these smokey , sliding launches. I must have done at least 7 now and they've all been perfect.

[M4TW]

Originally Posted by ss134

Yes mine does- then grips and goes. All I can think of is poor road surface or tyres not at correct pressure? No idea why people are getting these smokey , sliding launches. I must have done at least 7 now and they've all been perfect.

I've only tried it twice, but I'll try it on a different road next time (and will see if the tires are over-inflated).

For those that might want to use LC at the drag strip, that hesitation would be embarrassing. The only way around it would be taking your foot off the brake two yellows from green on the start tree.

Do you think LC is faster/different than simply hammering it in MDM? At least you can time your launch properly.

[ss134]

Originally Posted by M4TW

I've only tried it twice, but I'll try it on a different road next time (and will see if the tires are over-inflated).

For those that might want to use LC at the drag strip, that hesitation would be embarrassing. The only way around it would be taking your foot off the brake two yellows from green on the start tree.

Do you think LC is faster/different than simply hammering it in MDM? At least you can time your launch properly.

I tried MDM and LC- LC was much quicker, after the pause on releasing the brake it just catapulted away with almost zero wheel spin, a couple of chirps and it threw me back in the seat and kept changing gear at optimum revs until I was well into triple digits.

Like I said my guess is that the road surface wasn't great or tyre pressure is not correct- but that's only a guess.

After a few successful launches it should get easier to time the brake release to allow for the delay.

I wonder if there has been a DCT software update that some cars haven't got?? Mine was a week 23 build and the car was serviced at the end of July in Germany.

[M4TW]

Originally Posted by ss134

I tried MDM and LC- LC was much quicker, after the pause on releasing the brake it just catapulted away with almost zero wheel spin, a couple of chirps and it threw me back in the seat and kept changing gear at optimum revs until I was well into triple digits.

Like I said my guess is that the road surface wasn't great or tyre pressure is not correct- but that's only a guess.

After a few successful launches it should get easier to time the brake release to allow for the delay.

Thanks. I hope you're right and that works. Maybe the tires need a certain amount of grip for the system to settle things down enough to work, because there was nothing controlled about the launches I tried. In fact those were some of the wildest rides I've ever had in a car, much like trying to ride a steer after its been driven insane with rage with cattle prods.

[ss134]

Originally Posted by M4TW

Thanks. I hope you're right and that works. Maybe the tires need a certain amount of grip for the system to settle things down enough to work, because there was nothing controlled about the launches I tried. In fact those were some of the wildest rides I've ever had in a car, much like trying to ride a steer after its been driven insane with rage with cattle prods.

Hopefully if you adjust your pressures to 2.2 bar and find a decent surface you will get a good launch, put the suspension in comfort as well for better traction off the line. Fingers crossed !! Report back how it goes

[SOM3]

I just tried LC for the first time today. It launched like a bat out of hell surprisingly to me with no loss of traction. I did lower lunch RPMs to 2800.

Also there is indeed a delay when you take your foot of the brake. I almost thought it didn't work and then BAM!

[Sir Loin]

Hum, I still can't get LC to work. My mechanic told me yesterday that he re-did the computer work and that he tested it himself to see the LC flag in the instrument display. But I still can't do it myself. Here is how I do it:

- Drive around enough to get the car warmed up, up to 6 miles
- DSC off (not just MDM), fastest shift program (3 bars on the display)
- Left foot on brake (both lightly touching and fully depressed) and right foot on gas
- Tried LC in both Drive mode and manual mode

Every time, the rev doesn't hold steady at 3000RPM, and the car tries to lurch forward only being held back by the brakes. I see not checkered flag in the instrument display.

What am I doing wrong?

[M4TW]

Originally Posted by Sir Loin

Hum, I still can't get LC to work. My mechanic told me yesterday that he re-did the computer work and that he tested it himself to see the LC flag in the instrument display. But I still can't do it myself. Here is how I do it:

- Drive around enough to get the car warmed up, up to 6 miles
- DSC off (not just MDM), fastest shift program (3 bars on the display)
- Left foot on brake (both lightly touching and fully depressed) and right foot on gas
- Tried LC in both Drive mode and manual mode

Every time, the rev doesn't hold steady at 3000RPM, and the car tries to lurch forward only being held back by the brakes. I see not checkered flag in the instrument display.

What am I doing wrong?

That all looks like SOP to me, apart from it having to be in sequential mode - which you tried. This isn't part of the SOP, but perhaps the engine should be in sport or sport plus too?

Hopefully once you finally get the checkered flag to appear it actually exerts some control. These cars have a lot of horses. Bucking Bronco horses, if launch control does not work.

[Sir Loin]

OK, I figured it out. I might call it user error due to bad user interface design . Everything was set right. DSC full off, fastest shift program, left foot on brake, then,

wait for it...

wait for it...

You HAVE to floor it to get the RPM to hold at 3,000. If you floor it, the car doesn't move, RPM is held at 3K, and you can use the cruise control flipper switch to adjust the launch RPM +- 500 RPM (haven't actually tried this part). If you release the brake, it launches. The problem with procedure is that you have to go through the beginning range of throttle input before you get to WOT. If you don't just floor it and "gently" press down the throttle, the car lurches but being held by the brakes. Also, you don't actually have to drive 6 miles in between launches. You just need to drive about a mile to have to able to launch again, if the engine and transmission temp are within the safe range.

Yep, user error due to bad user interface design. That's the story I am sticking to.

Many thanks to my dealer's foreman for taking the time to work with me to figure the procedure out together.

[M4TW]

Originally Posted by Sir Loin

OK, I figured it out. I might call it user error due to bad user interface design . Everything was set right. DSC full off, fastest shift program, left foot on brake, then,

wait for it...

wait for it...

You HAVE to floor it to get the RPM to hold at 3,000. If you floor it, the car doesn't move, RPM is held at 3K, and you can use the cruise control flipper switch to adjust the launch RPM +- 500 RPM (haven't actually tried this part). If you release the brake, it launches. The problem with procedure is that you have to go through the beginning range of throttle input before you get to WOT. If you don't just floor it and "gently" press down the throttle, the car lurches but being held by the brakes. Also, you don't actually have to drive 6 miles in between launches. You just need to drive about a mile to have to able to launch again, if the engine and transmission temp are within the safe range.

Yep, user error due to bad user interface design. That's the story I am sticking to.

Many thanks to my dealer's foreman for taking the time to work with me to figure the procedure out together.

did it hesitate after you took your foot off the brake and for how long would you estimate? How did the launch go?

[Sir Loin]

Originally Posted by M4TW

did it hesitate after you took your foot off the brake and for how long would you estimate? How did the launch go?

I actually didn't launch it. I only had time to try it at my work's garage. Once I saw the checkered flag and the words "Launch Control Active", I let go of the throttle. I will find time to really launch it later and will report back.

[joe black]

I had the exact same problem and was blaming my BMW dealer for screwing up the 1200 mile service. After reading many posts and my manual about 5 times, I read your post. Went out tonight and did what you said, and it worked perfectly. Now, thanks to you, I have lots of crow to eat; but it is a good problem. They should put the text in your message in the M4 manual. It would save lots of anguish in the future.

[M4TW]

Much better on a different road. Slight squirrel but manageable. This car means business though. It flies. I brought my G-Tech along but I didn't have it set up.

One thing I think might be a big factor is that my tank was nearly empty. This used to help my xi but with this beast at least a 1/2 tank might be needed for extra weight.

[Brady1984]

Originally Posted by Sir Loin

Sigh...

Meanwhile, a Porsche 911 Turbo S can be launched 50 times in a row with no problem.

THIS. This 1000 times. I am not a Porsche guy but they have the transmission, drivetrain and the whole deal figured out. The Porsche PDK is light years ahead of the BMW DSG. I don't care how good the magazine you read says the BMW DCT is, Porsche, Audi and others have this transmission business figured out. Shift speeds, around town driving and performance launches are all handled, no questions asked. Over and over and over. Why can't BMW do that? Why do so many feel the need to defend the DCT I don't know, to me it's just the automatic transmission in the BMW volume sports car. Once BMW really figures out the DCT or whatever they decide to call the next iteration maybe it will be a big deal but I think this transmission is going to be like the SMG transmissions of old...forgettable. If you want a sports car get the manual. Let those balls drop, tell your wife to drive a Kia. If she cant figure out that third pedal or you just can't stand the idea of stop-and-go traffic get a Kia. If you are into tech and love the idea of a quick shifting easy to live with automatic transmission get something else. Otherwise get the manual. Nothing disappoints a real enthusiast like looking in the window and seeing an automatic...keep those kids in the parking lot at Costco happy; get the manual.

[Sir Loin]

Originally Posted by drmacole

I had the exact same problem and was blaming my BMW dealer for screwing up the 1200 mile service. After reading many posts and my manual about 5 times, I read your post. Went out tonight and did what you said, and it worked perfectly. Now, thanks to you, I have lots of crow to eat; but it is a good problem. They should put the text in your message in the M4 manual. It would save lots of anguish in the future.

If you mean my post, you are welcome. Glad it was helpful to someone.

[19x]

Originally Posted by ss134

the car accelerates and changes gear by itself

I stopped reading there

[ss134]

Originally Posted by camber

I stopped reading there

I drove MT exclusively for 20 years , Everyone here in Europe can drive MT , it's no big deal- DCT is awesome but I don't miss MT at all. I also have a MT ford ST which is fun but DCT gives me just as much interaction and pleasure.

[ss134]

Originally Posted by Sir Loin

OK, I figured it out. I might call it user error due to bad user interface design . Everything was set right. DSC full off, fastest shift program, left foot on brake, then,

wait for it...

wait for it...

You HAVE to floor it to get the RPM to hold at 3,000. If you floor it, the car doesn't move, RPM is held at 3K, and you can use the cruise control flipper switch to adjust the launch RPM +- 500 RPM (haven't actually tried this part). If you release the brake, it launches. The problem with procedure is that you have to go through the beginning range of throttle input before you get to WOT. If you don't just floor it and "gently" press down the throttle, the car lurches but being held by the brakes. Also, you don't actually have to drive 6 miles in between launches. You just need to drive about a mile to have to able to launch again, if the engine and transmission temp are within the safe range.

Yep, user error due to bad user interface design. That's the story I am sticking to.

Many thanks to my dealer's foreman for taking the time to work with me to figure the procedure out together.

That's true.......so basically do exactly as it says in the manual......Depress the accelerator FULLY