[zenmaster]

Launch Control: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Launch_...8automotive%29

[DMafia46]

Im sorry but is there a source to this? I want to check if this is true where are you getting this information from.

[Jason]

Originally Posted by DMafia46

Im sorry but is there a source to this? I want to check if this is true where are you getting this information from.

You're reading an official BMW press release.

[bimmerjph]

Originally Posted by RPM90

I can do LC antics with my sport AT anyway, just have to learn the proper launch RPM and you're good to go.

What I wanted to see and can greatly use is better control over the "driver modes".
I'd like to see the ability to set all the functions independently and then store them as something like "Driver Mode 1", "Driver mode 2" and have that be the default.

As it is now "eco pro", comfort, sport, etc... lock us in to presets.
And if you have the dynamic handling pkg. there isn't independent control of the
M adaptive dampers.
Audi gives individual control of driver settings I'm sure BMW can do it as it's just a matter of programming.

Like this:
1 - Steering- Eco, comfort, sport
2 - Throttle- Eco, comfort, sport
3 - Trans - Eco, comfort, sport
4 - M adaptive- Eco, comfort, sport
5 - DTC/DSC- sport, sport+

Custom Driver 1
Custom Driver 2
Etc...

"Sailing"? I, and I'm sure plenty of others, could use customized driver settings more than 'sailing'. Got nothing against it, but damn if BMW is going to make the effort and time to create that, the surely we can get individual driver settings.

BMW used to do it like that on the old M5. But then you have ass clowns like Jeremy Clarkson, who hates anything he doesn't understand within 2 minute, bitching about how complicated it is. I agree though, I would rather be able to customize what I define as sport, comfort, eco ect...

[matt_435xi]

Originally Posted by SamS

Zero chance these updates will be able to be updated via software to older models.

+1, thats why you gotta learn how to code!

[SoCali E36]

Just more reason to only lease a BMW. I don't know of 1 mechanic that would dare touch these new cars with all the electronic crap they pump it with.

[JonoNZ]

Originally Posted by RPM90

I can do LC antics with my sport AT anyway, just have to learn the proper launch RPM and you're good to go.

What I wanted to see and can greatly use is better control over the "driver modes".
I'd like to see the ability to set all the functions independently and then store them as something like "Driver Mode 1", "Driver mode 2" and have that be the default.

As it is now "eco pro", comfort, sport, etc... lock us in to presets.
And if you have the dynamic handling pkg. there isn't independent control of the
M adaptive dampers.
Audi gives individual control of driver settings I'm sure BMW can do it as it's just a matter of programming.

Like this:
1 - Steering- Eco, comfort, sport
2 - Throttle- Eco, comfort, sport
3 - Trans - Eco, comfort, sport
4 - M adaptive- Eco, comfort, sport
5 - DTC/DSC- sport, sport+

Custom Driver 1
Custom Driver 2
Etc...

"Sailing"? I, and I'm sure plenty of others, could use customized driver settings more than 'sailing'. Got nothing against it, but damn if BMW is going to make the effort and time to create that, the surely we can get individual driver settings.

+1.

This is what I want!

[singularity]

It's funny how regular lineup owners are expecting a "free update for MY2012/2013" or thinking of these news as a letdown otherwise. M5 2012/2013 owners got screwed much more and not only are those updates 'not free' but many of them aren't even compatible with 'older 2012/2013' models either.

Time to deal with updates. I'm waiting when they will announced xDrive M5/M6/M6GC models by 2015, screwing over 2012/2013/2014 altogether to squeeze out more sales before the next generation. That said, I hope these are actually free and compatible with regular cars, maybe some light at the end of tunnel.

[shivaswrath]

The update HUD looks promising...

[clbmw]

Cool updates - I'm more excited about sail mode than launch control but hey I drive an ED not an //M

Interesting that they've confirmed the 335d, finally gets the power of the 5 series version! Will be awesome.

I think we can now expect the M performance model sometime after the M3 with a 40 somewhere on the badge, god knows what will be under the bonnet.

[ShaneV78]

If my understanding of the mechanics of these changes are correct, the sail mode and launch control are actually linked together by the use of an extra clutch in addition to the torque converter. The clutch is used to de-couple the transmission from the engine, allowing the revs to drop to idle while sailing... it's the same clutch which could therefore be used to allow the engine to rev up freely for launches as opposed to just using brake torquing as a pseudo-LC system.

If BMW have engineered it this way, then there is practically no chance it can be retrofitted to cars already built as you would have to swap out the TC/Clutch assembly and a few other bits and pieces plus the software would need totally different control strategies to manage this new hardware...

[JonoNZ]

Originally Posted by shivaswrath

The update HUD looks promising...

Doesn't the HUD already show telephone and media information? Mine does.

[ORIGIN M.]

Good question..

Originally Posted by pokerface

"sail mode"? Is that not the same as shifting to neutral?

[Benf]

Typical, just as I collect my new 330d next week they announce a faster one with more kit on it!

[SamS]

Originally Posted by shivaswrath

The update HUD looks promising...

All those HUD features are already available on US models, nothing new here.

[F30AM]

So a 335d will only be available in xDrive I presume?

[bananachipz]

Originally Posted by DMafia46

Im sorry but is there a source to this? I want to check if this is true where are you getting this information from.

Originally Posted by Jason

You're reading an official BMW press release.

doh! lol

[300hp]

Good to know the 2014s will have these improvements. Launch control is a big plus, if I were in the mkt I would wait for launch control alone. The sailing mode sounds good too, if the car can be activated to switch off when stopped its only logical that they can do the same when cruising.

[1230vani]

Originally Posted by SamS

All those HUD features are already available on US models, nothing new here.

Interesting, had no clue these were already available in US.

[ft1338]

Originally Posted by 3s-a-charm

"In order to use Launch Control, the driver has to activate the DTC mode of the driving stability control function DSC, shift the gear selection lever to the position S, depress the brake pedal firmly and simultaneously press the accelerator pedal all the way down. After the brake pedal has been released, the vehicle accelerates whilst avoiding drive slip, consequently making highest possible use of engine power."

Is this really Launch Control or just holding down the brakes, flooring it, then releasing the brakes? Or does the car recognize you are doing this and change some of the characteristics? Can't you just do this on any AT car?

I thought the same thing, not sure what the difference is. Maybe it prevents you from messing up your drive train because flooring the accelerator while holding the brake is not very good for your car.

[JK479]

No where on that release did it say the 14 335i/xdrive- 320i/xdrive range are getting the newer Nav... What gives!

[ft1338]

Originally Posted by ShaneV78

If my understanding of the mechanics of these changes are correct, the sail mode and launch control are actually linked together by the use of an extra clutch in addition to the torque converter. The clutch is used to de-couple the transmission from the engine, allowing the revs to drop to idle while sailing... it's the same clutch which could therefore be used to allow the engine to rev up freely for launches as opposed to just using brake torquing as a pseudo-LC system.

If BMW have engineered it this way, then there is practically no chance it can be retrofitted to cars already built as you would have to swap out the TC/Clutch assembly and a few other bits and pieces plus the software would need totally different control strategies to manage this new hardware...

This is too big a change I think, it's got to be software related.