Anyone not tried launch control yet?

[Maniac]

While I've not tried LC as it needs a standing start, my car does get plenty of use from the WOT, seeing off all but super-cars when I want to make progress... Its in the manual somewhere, plenty of WOT = clean injectors therefore to WOT regularly is desirable... I'm sure its in the manual (in my head at least)... :rofl:

 

[Bing]

Definitely in the manual - but printed in ink that is only visible at night under the orange submarine lights

 

[Maniac]

I knew I should do more driving at night while reading the manual... :lol:

 

[ewwimbledon]

Wow, you lot need to play with your buttons more... If only once ! It'd be one of the first things I would try - albeit very early in the morning on a long straight road with no other traffic :evil:

+1 sounds like most nanny about and should have stuck with the 2.0 :roll:

Tim.

+1 all this talk of bigger engines but most people seem to drive around like the district nurse in Open All Hours. At least us 2.0 owners use our engines... oke:

 

[ronk]

At least us 2.0 owners use our engines... oke:

Because you have to so you can keep up with mondeo man at the traffic lights grand prix!!!! :rofl:

 

[bigdog]

I can understand a limit - sort of - but can't understand why you would put a function in a car that either voided the warranty or could break it mechanically ?

Because it looks good in the brochure. BMW makes money from selling you the feature. And everyone "thinks" they are (insert your favorite F-1 driver here) and will need it. When truth be told. You need launch control on a street car about as much as one needs a hole in the head or the AIDS virus.

 

[Maniac]

I can understand a limit - sort of - but can't understand why you would put a function in a car that either voided the warranty or could break it mechanically ?

Because it looks good in the brochure. BMW makes money from selling you the feature. And everyone "thinks" they are (insert your favorite F-1 driver here) and will need it. When truth be told. You need launch control on a street car about as much as one needs a hole in the head or the AIDS virus.

Wow.. Anything positive to add?

 

[original guvnor]

Can I ask what WOT is? Genuine question, seen it used a few times recently. Is it "wide open throttle"?

 

[bigdog]

I can understand a limit - sort of - but can't understand why you would put a function in a car that either voided the warranty or could break it mechanically ?

Because it looks good in the brochure. BMW makes money from selling you the feature. And everyone "thinks" they are (insert your favorite F-1 driver here) and will need it. When truth be told. You need launch control on a street car about as much as one needs a hole in the head or the AIDS virus.

Wow.. Anything positive to add?

Sorry maniac. Just being honest. Please convince me that I'm wrong. LC doesn't seem to be used by most that have it. Not sure of the process to activate it. But I recall that on most cars. One just doesn't pull up and casually flick a single switch. My vision is that you are sitting at a light pushing buttons to activate LC to show the GTI next to you a thing or two. But. Right in the middle of setting up the LC the light turns green and the GTI is gone. There you sit now trying to figure out how to deactivate it without using it. Meanwhile the GTI driver is laughing and bragging to his mates. On the track however when one is racing to make money. LC makes all the sense in the world.

Therefore, I think LC is right up there with the rubbish rock hard run flat tyres that created dangerous handling issues. Why did BMW do that? It wasn't about safety nor good handling. It's Because it suited BMW's pocket book by saving the cost of a spare. The bigger boot, lighter weight also looks good in the brochure.

 

[bigdog]

Can I ask what WOT is? Genuine question, seen it used a few times recently. Is it "wide open throttle"?

You sir are correct.

Another slang for WOT is WFO. Wide (insert naughty word) Open. Heard that one quite often in the motorcycle shop I worked at.

 

[miln0039]

Launch Control in DCT equipped vehicles is a completely different beast to the old SMG launch control systems fitted to the E46 M3 and the E60(ish?) M5. They were robotic manuals rather than DCT autos. Therefore you can abuse the LC in the E89 and E9X 3ers significantly more without worry of lunching something.. However, I don't think it'll maximise rear tyre life!!!

 

[Quadracer]

I've used it a number of times following the run in period. Its quick and simple, I'm already in Sports+ when the roads are dry so I just click the paddle for manual, left foot on the brake, foot to the floor and away you go. No messing about. Getting the hang of the wiper controls is more complicated. I think a lot of people may be scared to give it a go after watching YouTube videos going all the way to 155mph. You can of course back off when you want but it's still a great thrill up to the legal limit for drivers with smaller testicles

 

[Quadracer]

Launch Control in DCT equipped vehicles is a completely different beast to the old SMG launch control systems fitted to the E46 M3 and the E60(ish?) M5. They were robotic manuals rather than DCT autos. Therefore you can abuse the LC in the E89 and E9X 3ers significantly more without worry of lunching something.. However, I don't think it'll maximise rear tyre life!!!

2,200 miles on the clock and my tyres already showing good signs of wear. However if I'm changing the run flats I'm having a bit of fun with them in the meantime