[seenthelight!]

So do any of you use it ? I have only used it a couple of times, to see what it's like really. As an engineer, I have a lot of mechanical sympathy with the transmission/drivetrain/clutch when engaging from standstill at 3.5/4k revs !
It really can't be any good in the long term, as it's designed to only operate under strict conditions, and then not in quick succession. BMW must agree with me too - as it is programmed to alter the 'clutch bite' and start revs after it has done 200 starts. After 200 starts the new start is less harsh, more subdued, almost like a 'build up/slight delay' of power (and lower starting revs) until you are well under way. Other manufacturers must agree too - Audi n merc/amg stop working altogether after so many launches, tho you still get the notification - you are just getting a bit better start than standard, as the revs are limited on start to just over tickover. Btw, for any car with launch control/race start that has transmission/drivetrain problems whilst under warranty, the first thing the dealer does is check on how many race starts/launches the car has done ... Every one is logged !
Btw, I am only posting this in order to enlighten folk, maybe inform them of something they didn't know, and not to cause a debate as such.

[Lorcan]

Only on the dragbike. 8500rpm and 35psi boost at launch. 10,000rpm and 50psi in 1 second at which point it take 4000lbs of pressure to lock the clutch. Zero sympathy required!

[seenthelight!]

Originally Posted by Lorcan

Only on the dragbike. 8500rpm and 35psi boost at launch. 10,000rpm and 50psi in 1 second at which point it take 4000lbs of pressure to lock the clutch. Zero sympathy required!

You are a very hard or a very mad man !
Which, or both ? 😁

[Lorcan]

Neither

[JNW1]

In 5 years and 75k miles I've never used it once. To be honest if you're that way inclined the car's quick enough to leave most things from a standing start without even using Sport mode never mind launch control; however, personally I value the mid-range acceleration far more highly than the ability to sprint from rest......

[Russbmw]

I found I never seemed to fulfil the requirements for launch in the 435! Ie:have to be driving around for about 20-30 mins or so everything is up to temp. If I was driving that long, I'd inevitably be on a motorway by the time things had warmed up sufficiently, so never got round to trying it.

Same predicament with the 640 to be honest. I'd like to try it, but never seem to find an opportune moment to do so.

[Stainy]

I've done it 3 times in 3 years. Once for myself when I first got the car and the other times when asked about it by friends and family.

If you have X-Drive you just have to do it to experience the first 50ft of launch......it's mind blowing

But I have mechanical sympathy, so I won't be doing it very often (or unless everything is properly warmed up / cooled down after)

[Steces]

Launch control in my old F31 335d was a complete hoot

Totally awesome and addictive

The thing is it was a lease car which I ran for 2y and a lorra, lorra launches
Which is where the uncertainty sets in

Was it great - oh, yes with knobs on
Did it feel a bit brutal - hmmmmm, yes with knobs on
Would I buy a car which had been launched as much as mine - no way Jose

Number of launches must be logged somewhere on the ECU and be easily readable. If not by mortals than definitely by dealers and so as my next car is likely to be a S/H 340i or M340i I will be pretty careful before buying

Cheers

[Goneinsixtyseconds]

Originally Posted by JNW1

In 5 years and 75k miles I've never used it once. To be honest if you're that way inclined the car's quick enough to leave most things from a standing start without even using Sport mode never mind launch control; however, personally I value the mid-range acceleration far more highly than the ability to sprint from rest......

You should really give it a try. The initial shove off the line makes you laugh out loud, or more accurately, makes your passengers laugh out loud.

It can't be compared to a normal start, it's just too different, however much you try and floor it.

You don't have to value one thing over another. The mid range push will stay just as valued even if you give this a go.

My children still miss my old biturbo diesel and it's launches that made them giggle every time.

[aquazi]

Originally Posted by Russbmw

I found I never seemed to fulfil the requirements for launch in the 435! Ie:have to be driving around for about 20-30 mins or so everything is up to temp. If I was driving that long, I'd inevitably be on a motorway by the time things had warmed up sufficiently, so never got round to trying it.

Same predicament with the 640 to be honest. I'd like to try it, but never seem to find an opportune moment to do so.

I'm in the same predicament...

However I used it once.. after coming back from work (30miles) then pick my son up from nursery - went home the long way - a quiet country lane... gave it a go (first time i messed up and i didnt put the stick across to sport)

[RobUK]

Tried it a couple of times one evening after the car was run in, just to see what happened. Impressive turn of speed. Never used it since as the car is pretty damned brisk already

[RobUK]

Originally Posted by Lorcan

Only on the dragbike. 8500rpm and 35psi boost at launch. 10,000rpm and 50psi in 1 second at which point it take 4000lbs of pressure to lock the clutch. Zero sympathy required!

Spent the day up at Castle Combe earlier his week driving a Ginetta G40 GRDC. Chatting to instructor during break and subject got on to drag racing. From a man who's job it is to thrash a car around a track with zero mechanical sympathy, at the mention of drag bikes he just said "mental" and pointed to his temple making circular motions with his finger

[Lorcan]

Originally Posted by RobUK

Spent the day up at Castle Combe earlier his week driving a Ginetta G40 GRDC. Chatting to instructor during break and subject got on to drag racing. From a man who's job it is to thrash a car around a track with zero mechanical sympathy, at the mention of drag bikes he just said "mental" and pointed to his temple making circular motions with his finger

We have much the same opinion of Isle of Man TT racers. It's all relative!

[Abzynthe]

You mean using it everyday getting out of the office car park isn't good?



(Obviously, I know you cant do that anyway as the car wouldnt let you from a cold start )

[Skyhigh]

Originally Posted by seenthelight!

Btw, for any car with launch control/race start that has transmission/drivetrain problems whilst under warranty, the first thing the dealer does is check on how many race starts/launches the car has done ... Every one is logged !

I have only once sort of halfway managed to use it (since I have only tried like 3 times altogether). Or better said I saw it come on but didn't take (full) advantage of it.

But what I wanted to comment on is the part quoted above. The thought that comes to mind is "So what"? Launch Control is there to be used (otherwise why implement it as a feature). Warranty is not invalidated by using features of the car. The warranty is a guarantee that the product will withstend usage for a period of time (or miles driven). With or without Launch Control. Unless it is written somewhere that the warranty on the drivetrain is invalidated if Launch Control is used too often and the warranty on the audio is invalidated if it is listened too loud too often....... you get the point.

But as an engineer I also have full sympathy for the mechanics and stress put on all involved components. So, yes, I am sure I will use it (again) when a suitable opportunity presents itself, but no, I am not planning to make it my traditional Friday afternoon launch from the office.

[blueislander]

How do you even engage launch control in a 440? I should read the book or something right?

[aquazi]

I think its on any DCT box.... sport plus, stick to manual, stomp the brake down with your left foot, floor the accelerator with the right foot, till it clicks to the floor, the speedo will display a flag or something, then release the brake and hold on to the steering wheel tight!!!

[un1eash]

ZF auto has launch control

[Skyhigh]

Originally Posted by blueislander

How do you even engage launch control in a 440? I should read the book or something right?

Yes - described in the manual
Somehow I did not manage the first time I tried though.

[Goneinsixtyseconds]

Originally Posted by blueislander

How do you even engage launch control in a 440? I should read the book or something right?

Don't bother, in a 35d, or the equivalent diesel I had, it's great fun

In a 440i it's hugely underwhelming. Launch on the 40i holds the revs at a touch over 2000. It's not high enough. You let your foot off the brake and then there's a slow start until the revs build a bit higher and then it goes.

[225]

In my unofficial mlaptimer launches there was no difference in 0 to 60 using LC or sport plus, dial in revs with foot on the brake then release brake.

[lethbridge]

Is LC not just a way that manufacturers can limit you from abusing the car when it is too cold/too frequently/holding revs too long and most importantly enabling them to record it. At the end of the day it is no different to turning off TC, left foot on brake, right foot build revs to whatever you choose (as opposed to foot to the floor which engages LC) and release brake and floor it?