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Launch control

Discussing the current generation Z4
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handymanuk
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Launch control

Post by handymanuk » Mon May 10, 2021 6:35 pm

Has anyone tried it? I can’t seem to get it to work. It just spins the rear wheels rather.

I put the car into sport plus, set the gear selector to the left, pressed the traction control button so it showed dynamic traction. Foot hard on the brake and then when I touch the accelerator all that happens is the wheels spin.

The car is at temperature and has been run in.

Any ideas?
2020-now: G29 Z4 M40i, Frozen Grey with Cognac, Tech Pack, Visibility Pack and Wind Deflector
2017-2020: Audi TTS
2015-2017: BMW M235i
2014-2015: BMW E89 Z4 23i sDrive Highline

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Swiftly
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Launch control

Post by Swiftly » Mon May 10, 2021 7:29 pm

Not sure why it's not working for you. I use Sport+, sport shift (to left), press DSC (but don’t hold), dash should say “Sport+ Traction”. Then brake to floor, then accelerator to floor, dash should say “Launch Control Active” then release brake and hold on tight :lol: .

“Traction” can also be activated in any of the 4 driving modes.

Comfort with Traction allows minimal wheel spin and minimal angle of slide.
Sport with Traction allows little more wheel spin
Sport+ with Traction will allow about 10-15 degree of angle.
Sport+ with DSC off (hold button) and sport shift (again pushed to the left) will give you a nice Smokey burnout, as well as donuts.
Last edited by Swiftly on Mon May 10, 2021 7:30 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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handymanuk
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Launch control

Post by handymanuk » Mon May 10, 2021 7:30 pm

Well I had another go after my supermarket run. The trick is to really mash the brake as hard as you can, then it will activate.
2020-now: G29 Z4 M40i, Frozen Grey with Cognac, Tech Pack, Visibility Pack and Wind Deflector
2017-2020: Audi TTS
2015-2017: BMW M235i
2014-2015: BMW E89 Z4 23i sDrive Highline

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handymanuk
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Launch control

Post by handymanuk » Mon May 10, 2021 7:34 pm

Thank you. I saw your post after I replied to my own.

I do wish it was a bit more forceful though. I had a TTS before and that really did knock you back in your seat!
2020-now: G29 Z4 M40i, Frozen Grey with Cognac, Tech Pack, Visibility Pack and Wind Deflector
2017-2020: Audi TTS
2015-2017: BMW M235i
2014-2015: BMW E89 Z4 23i sDrive Highline

ori
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Launch control

Post by ori » Mon May 10, 2021 10:02 pm

Swiftly wrote: Mon May 10, 2021 7:29 pm Not sure why it's not working for you. I use Sport+, sport shift (to left), press DSC (but don’t hold), dash should say “Sport+ Traction”. Then brake to floor, then accelerator to floor, dash should say “Launch Control Active” then release brake and hold on tight :lol: .

“Traction” can also be activated in any of the 4 driving modes.

Comfort with Traction allows minimal wheel spin and minimal angle of slide.
Sport with Traction allows little more wheel spin
Sport+ with Traction will allow about 10-15 degree of angle.
Sport+ with DSC off (hold button) and sport shift (again pushed to the left) will give you a nice Smokey burnout, as well as donuts.
I haven’t tried it yet, but it doesn’t need to be in sports plus?

Just move gear to left and press traction button?

ori
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Launch control

Post by ori » Mon May 10, 2021 10:22 pm

Am I the only one that worries about the strain launch control puts on the car?

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Argyll Andy
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Launch control

Post by Argyll Andy » Mon May 10, 2021 10:49 pm

ori wrote: Mon May 10, 2021 10:22 pm Am I the only one that worries about the strain launch control puts on the car?
Ori, I was just going post asking if this puts any additional strain or causes and damage to the cars components

    G29 M40i Thundernight with Ivory interior, all option packs (here for a while, hopefully :oops:)
    G29 M40i Misano Blue all option packs (Gone 26k of fun)
    E89 35iS, Valencia Orange, Design Pure Traction pack (Gone)
    E89 23i sDrive, Silver (Gone)

    ori
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    Launch control

    Post by ori » Tue May 11, 2021 6:51 am

    Andy, I think it must do. How much is the question though?

    If you’re leasing or pcp and plan to change your car then who cares, but if your keeping it longer then it worries you.
    Reality is I enjoy the pull of the car in the mid range more than flooring it off the lights.
    Still want to launch it….at least once. ;)

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    Wyldie85
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    Launch control

    Post by Wyldie85 » Tue May 11, 2021 7:03 am

    Once isn’t going to kill it. Look at the YouTube car review guys. They’re forever using the launch control function on cars.
    I’m sure a couple of times isn’t going to upset it too much. I’m still to try it on mine.
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    Launch control

    Post by Obs-Com » Tue May 11, 2021 9:17 am

    Never used it and probably never will TBH. M40i more than quick enough for me without it. Plus, I like looking after my tyres and cherish my old paper driving licence :roll:
    2011-14: E89 2.3sDrive
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    Darkangelv2
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    Launch control

    Post by Darkangelv2 » Tue May 11, 2021 10:26 am

    Using this in friend's TTRS and an R8 V10 made me want to throw up in not too much time :rofl: :sick:
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    Launch control

    Post by ronk » Mon May 17, 2021 12:03 am

    I tried it in a friends company car and it’s wild - a real hoot. The engineer in me says no, no, no!

    However as Wyldie85 says, a couple of times isn’t going to upset it much.
    You don't stop playing when you get old - You get old when you stop playing!
    So I bought a 35is with all the toys to play with. :thumbsup:

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    Zed Baron
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    Launch control

    Post by Zed Baron » Mon May 17, 2021 2:19 am

    I wonder if launch control effects your warranty if something goes wrong? The car must store thats its been activated and if there's a limit on how many times it can be activated before BMW say you've had too much fun!
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    Argyll Andy
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    Launch control

    Post by Argyll Andy » Mon May 17, 2021 8:46 am

    Zed Baron wrote: Mon May 17, 2021 2:19 am I wonder if launch control effects your warranty if something goes wrong? The car must store thats its been activated and if there's a limit on how many times it can be activated before BMW say you've had too much fun!
    I know a different marque obviously but when I was looking at a newish GTR recently in the sales blurb it said “launch control only used once and can be backed up by car’s computer system”

    So obviously Nissan has a way of recording so would imagine BMW will have the same. In the event of something going wrong I’m not sure if they could say anything unless there’s some sort of disclaimer buried in the small print saying it’s only for occasional use or something like that
    Last edited by Argyll Andy on Mon May 17, 2021 9:54 am, edited 1 time in total.

      G29 M40i Thundernight with Ivory interior, all option packs (here for a while, hopefully :oops:)
      G29 M40i Misano Blue all option packs (Gone 26k of fun)
      E89 35iS, Valencia Orange, Design Pure Traction pack (Gone)
      E89 23i sDrive, Silver (Gone)

      Pbondar

      Launch control

      Post by Pbondar » Mon May 17, 2021 9:12 am

      For the F48 launch control was limited to 100 events over the life of the car..

      https://f48.bimmerpost.com/forums/attac ... 1443221524

      Not the same box but still can’t see that it’s a recommended practice…

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