[DECVING]

Well I've got past the 'run-in' period of 2200KMs (have hit 2400KMs) so thought i would give 'Launch Control' a go.

First impression is that it's good and actually feels like a launch control with a clutch. Simply, it must regulate the power and hold everything at a point where it doesn't break traction. With my first attempt I must have got the sequence wrong or didn't stomp the brake pedal hard enough and it didn't activate launch control so ended up doing a big stand-still burnout....I was a bit slow to tune into what was going on (hahaha..) and before i knew it I had two big clouds of white smoke going past each side of the car. Whoops.

Anyway, second attempt i got it right and it works well. It activates, regulates revs at about 3500rpm, it launches, and on take off allows a fair bit of wheel spin, def is effective, at my first glance down I was doing about 125km/h, so yeah....the car definitely launched!

Has anyone else with a July on M135i or 125i with Sports Transmission tried it yet?

J

[Arrow29]

I haven't yet, I'm at almost 1600km (rostered on for work 9 days straight so little time to just drive recently). I'm treating the car as being run in but I read launch control is locked until after the official run in period, so haven't tried it yet. Will do before too long!

[Vervain]

The launch control must be so awesome. I would get the sport auto just for the sake of it.

Is there any sort of tire squeal?

[ovekvam]

Originally Posted by Anodite10

The launch control must be so awesome. I would get the sport auto just for the sake of it.

Is there any sort of tire squeal?

Actually the manual gearbox has sort of a launch control as well. With first gear selected and full throttle with the clutch pedal to the floor, there is a special rev limiter that is different between the driving modes. You just side step the clutch, and the car takes off with a very moderate amount of wheel spin.

[Vervain]

Originally Posted by ovekvam

Actually the manual gearbox has sort of a launch control as well. With first gear selected and full throttle with the clutch pedal to the floor, there is a special rev limiter that is different between the driving modes. You just side step the clutch, and the car takes off with a very moderate amount of wheel spin.

Isn't that just modulating the clutch at the 'breaking point'?

[Phantom3D]

All sport autos have launch control? Like the 120d for instance?

[ovekvam]

Originally Posted by Anodite10

Isn't that just modulating the clutch at the 'breaking point'?

The car can't do that, but some drivers can.

[pacoluca]

I believe so. But there is no post July built 120d in Australia. So only 125i & M135i have sport auto box with launch control.

[Phantom3D]

I had to go check.. The manual has a part about launch control.. so I guess I have it! Always fun to find things I did not know I had!

[Vervain]

Originally Posted by ovekvam

The car can't do that, but some drivers can.

I really didn't know about this. I'm assuming it has worked for you.

So at full throttle with the clutch in, doesn't it strain the engine too much?

Originally Posted by Phantom3D

I had to go check.. The manual has a part about launch control.. so I guess I have it! Always fun to find things I did not know I had!

Can you share where you found this information? I would love to know the specifics.

[Phantom3D]

Edit: Smaller pics

[ovekvam]

Originally Posted by Anodite10

So at full throttle with the clutch in, doesn't it strain the engine too much?

No, not at all. It is regulated down to rather low load by the engine management.

The launch itself does however put quite a lot of strain on the drive line, and should not be done too often. You put excess wear on the clutch, flywheel, tyres and bushings.

[Bob UK]

My cynic in me wouldn't be surprised if there is a register in the fault log that keeps a record of when the launch control has been used. Viewable in the event of a customer presenting with a transmission fault.

They fitted the CDV to protect the drivetrain already so should they be considered fragile to begin with?

[Phantom3D]

Well, it does not say anything about voided waranty in the manual..

[Bob UK]

Originally Posted by Phantom3D

Well, it does not say anything about voided waranty in the manual..

No but it's also advised not to use the feature excessively....

I'm not saying it would case an issue, as I said, cynic within.

[Vervain]

Originally Posted by ovekvam

No, not at all. It is regulated down to rather low load by the engine management.

The launch itself does however put quite a lot of strain on the drive line, and should not be done too often. You put excess wear on the clutch, flywheel, tyres and bushings.

Yeah I would imagine so with the clutch etc. I didn't know about the load regulation though.

[ovekvam]

Originally Posted by Anodite10

Yeah I would imagine so with the clutch etc. I didn't know about the load regulation though.

That is how rev limiters work. To avoid the engine revving up further, it reduces the load.

[Vervain]

Originally Posted by ovekvam

That is how rev limiters work. To avoid the engine revving up further, it reduces the load.

Lol, Im such a noob with cars

[asxi]

Has anyone tried launch control on the 125i msport in Australia? I gave it a go today, when I pressed the accelerator the rpm hit about 2500, but no checkered flag came on? As I waited for the flag the rev went down to 1800...

Gave it a second try, same thing of 2500rpm and no flag but this time I decided to go for it.

I have a post July build. Have done about 3500km on the car.

So should I be expecting a flag and a rev of 3500rpm+?

EDIT: Just talked to BMW, and was told the 125i does not come with launch control....

[lac.le]

Originally Posted by DECVING

First impression is that it's good and actually feels like a launch control with a clutch. Simply, it must regulate the power and hold everything at a point where it doesn't break traction. With my first attempt I must have got the sequence wrong or didn't stomp the brake pedal hard enough and it didn't activate launch control so ended up doing a big stand-still burnout....I was a bit slow to tune into what was going on (hahaha..) and before i knew it I had two big clouds of white smoke going past each side of the car. Whoops.

Sounds like exactly what I did. I'm on 2200km and it doesn't work.

Heres what I've tried.

1. Sport+ mode with all electronics disabled (I've tried it with it in Sports+ with electrics on too)
2. Put it into S mode (I've tried M1 and S1)
3. Put foot hard on break
4. Put foot hard on accelerator to get past the natural stop

5. Big burn out and no Flag??

I can't figure out how to get it to work. The manual says put it into Sports+ and S mode.

How'd you end up getting it to work? My is a Dec-2013 build.

Thanks

[Cerec]

I think a lot of the post July 125i owner will like this.

I have a 125i which was delivered in Sep last year. Now have done around 7,000km. I tried the launch control today, and it worked!!

I drove the car for just over 10km (with auto start/stop off). Switch to Sports+ mode. Press the traction button (I looked at the screen and can see the word Sports+ have changed to "traction"). Foot flat on brake, and then flat on gas. Then I can see the flag logo and said "Launch control activated". Just like DECVING said, it actually feel like a clutch

[ovekvam]

Originally Posted by Cerec

I think a lot of the post July 125i owner will like this.

I have a 125i which was delivered in Sep last year. Now have done around 7,000km. I tried the launch control today, and it worked!!

I drove the car for just over 10km (with auto start/stop off). Switch to Sports+ mode. Press the traction button (I looked at the screen and can see the word Sports+ have changed to "traction"). Foot flat on brake, and then flat on gas. Then I can see the flag logo and said "Launch control activated". Just like DECVING said, it actually feel like a clutch

But after having pressed the DTC button, I guess the throttle mapping reverted to Comfort Mode?
If you want to stay in Sport, you should skip the DTC-step, I guess. (Sport+ will give you Sport Mode and Traction Mode together).