How do I properly use the launch control feature in my 2002 BMW m3 with SMG?

March 13th, 2009 phort6n2 Posted in BMW M3 News |

Bob S asked:


I just purchased a bmw m3 with smg.
I heard that this car has launch control, a bit limited in US, but its still there. Does anyone know how to use this? I have the sport button, smg control, and a dsc button. Also have the paddle shifters, and am driving pretty good with them now.
Also, I understand that this may be bad for the tranny, but I still want to know how to do it.
Thanks to all!

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3 Responses to “How do I properly use the launch control feature in my 2002 BMW m3 with SMG?”

  1. Phillip S Says:
    March 16th, 2009 at 12:05 am

    Kansieo.com

    There are several ways to initiate “launch control” on the older M-3 cars with SMG. One way is to sit in a wide open parking lot with lots of space and no traffic. With the engine runnning, clutch disengaged, first gear selected via manual gearshift, press gearshift forward against detent, rev engine to about 5000 RPM, release gearshift and give full gas simultaneously, then hold on for the launch of your life. Transmission failure, or any driveline component, (clutch, U-joints, or driveshaft) may be on your next inspection and repair bill. BMW does not warrant their vehicles against these kinds of activities.

  2. brod Says:
    March 18th, 2009 at 10:24 am

    Caffeinated Content

    There are 2 drive programs for your particular car’s SMG.
    1) A-Mode, automated, from A1 (starts in 2nd gear for
    snowy roads) to A5 (sporty)
    2) S-Mode, sequential shifting, from S1 (relaxed dynamic)
    to S5 (sporty), and as a special feature, S6 (super
    sporty).
    I think you are interested in knowing about S6 which is also called “acceleration boost”. To use S6, DSC must be turned off, and the S6 program must be active. The shift lever must now be pushed forward and the accelerator pedal depressed. The acceleration boost is performed as soon as the shift lever is released. Further gear shifts are done manually.
    Furthermore, there are 2 types of S6 boost. The “racing start”
    and the “burnout” mode, both of which are extremely harmful to the clutch and to the whole drivetrain.
    Depressing the accelerator slowly to the floor activates racing start. This means fastest acceleration without wheelspin (due to the computer comparing front and rear wheel speeds). Depressing the pedal quickly to the floor activates burnout mode after the shift lever is released. This can be dangerous since the rear of the car can made unstable due to extreme wheelspin.
    Burnout mode can be bad not only for the car but also for the driver. Implement the same at your own risk (perhaps in a race track, or an empty rural airport?).

  3. luxthor Says:
    March 18th, 2009 at 11:19 am

    Create a video blog

    The best way to use it, is any way that does not include a sudden stop at the end. Remember driving does not kill. It’s that sudden stop.

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