F10 M5 Launch Control

[X5g05]

Is there a video that demonstrates how to active Launch Control Mode

also, how harmful is it to the car, is it covered under warranty, how many times can I use it in the lifetime of the car or clutch

Does it void the BMW Ultimate Service Package?

[cmhsam]

Originally Posted by RNH

Is there a video that demonstrates how to active Launch Control Mode

also, how harmful is it to the car, is it covered under warranty, how many times can I use it in the lifetime of the car or clutch

Does it void the BMW Ultimate Service Package?

I think the dealer activates it after the 1200 mile service

[whiteM5]

i'd also like to know about this feature, sounds like fun, anybody already taken delivery played with it?

[jphughan]

Does it not work the same way as the M3? On the M3, launch control isn't disabled until the 1200-mile service, it's just not recommended (neither is running in the harshest shift mode). But if you haven't already, try the M3's launch control sequence:

- DSC completely off
- Shift setting at most aggressive manual setting (there's a higher shift setting only available with DSC off on the M3)
- Bring car to a stop
- Hold shifter in the forward (downshift) position until you see a checkered flag in the cluster
- While continuing to hold shifter, floor the throttle
- Adjust launch revs if desired using the cruise control stalk
- Release the shifter to go. The car will handle shifting (despite being in manual mode) as long as you keep the accelerator floored.

To cancel launch control before you launch, release the throttle before the shifter.

As for the other questions, yes it does put a substantial amount of shock into the driveline, and BMWs aren't really meant to take that on a constant basis (unlike cars such as Mustangs, Camaros, Challengers, etc), which is why after you perform a launch you have to drive a few miles before you'll be allowed to do again. It definitely won't void your warranty since it's a feature of the car, but I can't speculate on how much wear it will add to the clutch and tranny in terms of specific mileage reduction before issues/required service.

[BMWM5]

Great, can't wait for my 1200 miles to finish so I can try

[jmh]

Just for completeness

During the first 5,000 km/3,000 miles the launch control should not be
used.The 2,000 km/1200 mile pre-delivery check must be performed
and reset/confirmed with ISTA (do not reset via the instrument panel
service function as the launch control is not released).

Preconditions
In order for the launch control to be activated the following pre conditions must be met:
1. The vehicle must be stationary, the engine running and be at operating
temperature (about 10 km/ 6 mile warm-up drive.).
2. The dynamic stability control is deactivated.
3. The sequential mode and the third Drivelogic driving program are selected.
4. The brake pedal is pressed gently using the left foot.
5. The M gear selector switch is pressed forwards in the direction of travel
and held there for steps 6-8.
6. In the M instrument panel a flag symbol must appear (if not, check steps 1-5).
7. The accelerator pedal is fully pressed and remains pressed. An engine speed
of about 3,500 rpm is set, which can be increased an additional 500 rpm's by
using the cruse control speed button.
8. The left foot is then removed off the brake.

Activation
Launch control can be activated by releasing the gear selector switch that was pressed
to the front. The vehicle is then accelerated.

Effect
• The launch control starts up automatically using the shortest possible shifting times,
up to 5th gear as long as the driver keeps the accelerator pedal fully depressed up to
a maximum time limit of 22 seconds.
• The start flag icon in the instrument panel remains active during launch control.
Automatic Deactivation
• The driver leaves vehicle or the accelerator pedal full load range during acceleration
or the acceleration phase reaches a duration of 22 seconds.
• If one of the preconditions are not met launch control is not possible.
• If the gearbox oil temperature is too high (e.g. repeated launch control or
start-up similar to a race), activation is blocked until the oil temperature is in
a acceptable range.
• For each deactivation the start flag goes out and the automatic start-up is cancelled.

[johnwu1125]

Thanks to jmh,
I have been looking for instructions in activating the launch control. I can't wait to try this on my car, although I need to wait for probably another month to reach 5000km.... (only has 3700km right now)!

[mainly]

Originally Posted by johnwu1125

Thanks to jmh,
I have been looking for instructions in activating the launch control. I can't wait to try this on my car, although I need to wait for probably another month to reach 5000km.... (only has 3700km right now)!

and after you try it, youl soon realize how completly useless it is. the worst launch control ever.

second worst is mercedes.

best is porsche.

[chudak18]

Originally Posted by mainly

and after you try it, youl soon realize how completly useless it is. the worst launch control ever.

second worst is mercedes.

best is porsche.

Useless? In what sense? Its a bit mental in the activation procedure department, but the effects are quite stunning!..... I would say.

[mindlessmark07]

Originally Posted by chudak18

Useless? In what sense? Its a bit mental in the activation procedure department, but the effects are quite stunning!..... I would say.

I agree! Launch control is almost scary! I have the procedure down and have done it many times with no problems. If you really want to smoke another car right out the gates, its the best way to put down the power.

[Poleposition]

Mark, Ive tried the procedure to the letter as stated in the manual but to no avail. I must be doing something wrong. I know its a bit different than I was used to from my M3 but I just cant get it. I only have 1700 miles on my car. Is it supposed to work after break in service or do I still have to wait for 3k miles or something? I think I read that 3k number somewhere. I feel moronic. Im usually quite savvy with this kinda stuff.

[mindlessmark07]

Originally Posted by Poleposition

Mark, Ive tried the procedure to the letter as stated in the manual but to no avail. I must be doing something wrong. I know its a bit different than I was used to from my M3 but I just cant get it. I only have 1700 miles on my car. Is it supposed to work after break in service or do I still have to wait for 3k miles or something? I think I read that 3k number somewhere. I feel moronic. Im usually quite savvy with this kinda stuff.

You should not have to wait until 3K. I was able to activate it right after the 1200Mi service. Keep in mind that engine and Trans temps must be high enough to engage. Another common mistake I have seen is don't fully depress the brake pedal. Just enough to activate the brake lights. Also, make sure you are in S3 mode.

I'll try to make a video this weekend and post.

[Poleposition]

Would be helpful.

Thx

[mainly]

Originally Posted by chudak18

Useless? In what sense? Its a bit mental in the activation procedure department, but the effects are quite stunning!..... I would say.

there you go the activation department!!

it just has too many damn steps!!!

8 steps! are you serious?

by the time you get it activated the other guy will be long gone. especially if you're at the drag strip. even if you have m mode set to eliminate steps 1-3. there's still 5 steps!!

i'm not saying it doesn't work, its just way too complicated.

then there's the owners manual stating "don't use launch control too many times"


its saying in a roundabout way that you are causing damage by using launch control.

at least the mercedes race start has no limit, you can use it over and over again, and it will not hold you out after a certain number of starts. still cumbersome as hell to use, but no risk of damaging your engine / transmission.

[Pazzo009]

I've had the checkered flag come on but did not execute. I tried to initiate it another day and could not make it happen. I met all the requirements. Unless the car was not warm enough due to it being winter. I was driving the car for over 30 miles. Maybe exterior temp?

[mainly]

Originally Posted by aculeg87

I've had the checkered flag come on but did not execute. I tried to initiate it another day and could not make it happen. I met all the requirements. Unless the car was not warm enough due to it being winter. I was driving the car for over 30 miles. Maybe exterior temp?

this is another issue with it.

even when you do everything right it just doesn't always work. its happened to me too.

its inconsistent and finicky that way, as i was saying just a very poorly executed design by BMW.

[ColdList]

Originally Posted by aculeg87

I've had the checkered flag come on but did not execute. I tried to initiate it another day and could not make it happen. I met all the requirements. Unless the car was not warm enough due to it being winter. I was driving the car for over 30 miles. Maybe exterior temp?

Same here. Can get the checkered flag on but it goes off. Once ended up burning the tires all the way up the street. It is WAY too complicated. Imagine pulling up to a Porsche at a light and then telling him to hold on for 5 minutes while you try to activate e LC!-lol :-)

Way easier on the E60.

[mainly]

Originally Posted by ColdList

Same here. Can get the checkered flag on but it goes off. Once ended up burning the tires all the way up the street. It is WAY too complicated. Imagine pulling up to a Porsche at a light and then telling him to hold on for 5 minutes while you try to activate e LC!-lol :-)

Way easier on the E60.

you're right, but im pretty sure it was nearly identical on the e60 smg

[ColdList]

Originally Posted by mainly

you're right, but im pretty sure it was nearly identical on the e60 smg

It was similar. DSC off, S6, hold shifter forward and press throttle and release to launch. Similar steps but on the E60 I could actually get it to work. :-) F10 so far no luck! BOTH cars way too many steps. Needs a stinking "launch" button.

[mainly]

Originally Posted by ColdList

It was similar. DSC off, S6, hold shifter forward and press throttle and release to launch. Similar steps but on the E60 I could actually get it to work. :-) F10 so far no luck! BOTH cars way too many steps. Needs a stinking "launch" button.

totally.

but really, since they flat out tell you in the owners manual to not use it too man times... its basically useless anyway. knowing this, are we really going to be going around "practicing the launch control" when we know it will be damaging the car?

its seems like they just put it in there as a gimmick, something for people to have and try it once or twice, just to say, "yeah i tried it". its there. but its essentially useless.

takes too long to activate. plain and simple.

anyway, i think you all know how i feel about it. so im done.

[ColdList]

Originally Posted by mainly

totally.

but really, since they flat out tell you in the owners manual to not use it too man times... its basically useless anyway. knowing this, are we really going to be going around "practicing the launch control" when we know it will be damaging the car?

its seems like they just put it in there as a gimmick, something for people to have and try it once or twice, just to say, "yeah i tried it". its there. but its essentially useless.

takes too long to activate. plain and simple.

anyway, i think you all know how i feel about it. so im done.

Agreed 100%. That is why I gave up. Tried 3-4 times then thought ruining my car was sort of not worth it. I never really used it on my E60. Tried it out to see it work then I was done with it.

[Rotorocious]

Fwiw, you can preset those settings for the M2 button so all you have to do is push M2 twice , hold the shifter and brake and your ready to go.
If you get used to it you can have it ready in a couple seconds.