Dual Clutch Launch Control

[abirmaher]

Has anyone used the launch control on the new dual clutch tranny on the 2011 135? if so how do you do it?

[eleven11]

I'd like to know too, as I'm soon to take delivery. However, I'd assume it's in the manual? Also, it's likely disable until you pass a certain mile mark.

[MarkR171]

It is in the manual. I haven't had a chance/reason to try it out yet though.

Edit: Page 57 in the manual

1. With the engine running, step on the brake with your left foot.

2. Activate Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) - Press it once, don't hold it down. DTC light will appear on dash.

3. Activate Driving Dynamics Control - Press the Sport button.

4. With the vehicle stationary, activate manual (M) mode and select 1st gear

5. With your right foot, push the accelerator pedal past the resistance point. RPMs will automatically rise to launch control level and the launch control Flag icon will show in the instrument cluster.

6. Take your left foot off the brake and the car will launch, keep the accelerator floored.

7. Automatic upshifting will continue as long as accelerator is fully pressed.


Launch control is not available until you have passed 1200 miles. The computer will simply not allow it. Also, you cannot do repeated launches, there is a minimum distance required between launches with launch control.

[guydude]

that is siickkk.....but i still prefer my MANUALLLLL

[guydude]

Sweet car man! color combo is epic!

Originally Posted by MarkR171

It is in the manual. I haven't had a chance/reason to try it out yet though.

Edit: Page 57 in the manual

1. With the engine running, step on the brake with your left foot.

2. Activate Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) - Press it once, don't hold it down. DTC light will appear on dash.

3. Activate Driving Dynamics Control - Press the Sport button.

4. With the vehicle stationary, activate manual (M) mode and select 1st gear

5. With your right foot, push the accelerator pedal past the resistance point. RPMs will automatically rise to launch control level and the launch control Flag icon will show in the instrument cluster.

6. Take your left foot off the brake and the car will launch, keep the accelerator floored.

7. Automatic upshifting will continue as long as accelerator is fully pressed.


Launch control is not available until you have passed 1200 miles. The computer will simply not allow it. Also, you cannot do repeated launches, there is a minimum distance required between launches with launch control.

[MarkR171]

Thanks guy, err dude, guydude

Launch control isn't the most impressive thing about DCT. Anyone with a 6speed can do the same thing. The part I love most if the fact that there is absolutely no pause in power delivery because of shifting. Even the best 6sp drivers will have a short pause during shifts, but the DCT shifts so fast it's just continuous power delivery.

[NewYearsBoy]

SHIT... the 2011s have Launch Control??!!?? Thats sick...

[radiantm3]

I was at a nissan dealership checking out the GTR to kill some time last week and the manager told me that your warranty is voided if you use launch control more than 1 time on an 2011+ GTR. He said the older ones allowed you to use it 3 times before voiding your warranty. Don't know how much truth there is to that, but sounded pretty ridiculous. It would be interesting to know what BMW's policy is about overusing the feature.

[Angry3]

Originally Posted by guydude

that is siickkk.....but i still prefer my MANUALLLLL

Thanks for letting us know...

Originally Posted by radiantm3

I was at a nissan dealership checking out the GTR to kill some time last week and the manager told me that your warranty is voided if you use launch control more than 1 time on an 2011+ GTR. He said the older ones allowed you to use it 3 times before voiding your warranty. Don't know how much truth there is to that, but sounded pretty ridiculous. It would be interesting to know what BMW's policy is about overusing the feature.

Sounds like the manager needs to brush up on his product a bit. Use of the post 2008 watered down lc doesn't void the warranty as it did in earlier times. As for the BMW version I doubt it will be an issue since there are anti abuse features built into the system.

[MarkR171]

Originally Posted by Angry3

As for the BMW version I doubt it will be an issue since there are anti abuse features built into the system.

This. There is no issue with BMW warranty because of the anti-abuse built into the computer. It won't let you launch repeatedly and requires a minimum distance between uses.

[NewYearsBoy]

I have a friend in St Lucia and he has a M5 and a new GTR. The GTR needed new transmission and it cost him $29,000 to get it fixed... He also told me that the launch control does void the warranty... Not sure why Nissan would put parts in a car that wouldn't be able to handle the power...??

[Freakazoid]

Originally Posted by MarkR171

This. There is no issue with BMW warranty because of the anti-abuse built into the computer. It won't let you launch repeatedly and requires a minimum distance between uses.

That's extremely cool on BMWs part. Annoying if you were to go to a track I'm sure, but very cool compromise

[eleven11]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1bHGaV-Lvw

Ha. This, slightly longer than needed vid, is an elaborate pseudo-PR type vid where the Chief Vehicle Engineer for the GT-R explains that launch control was created for when you're stuck in the snow or gravel. They then apparently nerfed it on the newer versions. The interviewer asks if there's no longer a limit to turning VDC off and launching it; the engineer avoids directly answering and restates that similar performance is seen with VDC on (what they set out to "prove" at the beginning of the movie). What did they expect?

[schmeah]

All right ... so let me get this straight. They teach you how to launch in the manual, but then program it so you can't use it, presumably because its harmful for the engine ... wtf ... that's the stupidest thing I've ever heard

[MarkR171]

Originally Posted by schmeah

All right ... so let me get this straight. They teach you how to launch in the manual, but then program it so you can't use it, presumably because its harmful for the engine ... wtf ... that's the stupidest thing I've ever heard

Talking about the 135? It's deactivated until 1200 miles (proper break in.) You shouldn't be using launch control during break in anyway. Preventing you from using LC over and over is just making sure you don't **** up your car in the process. Perfectly acceptable. No one knows what the required distance for reusing the launch control is yet. For all we know, it could be 1 mile, then you could reuse it over and over at the drag strip with no problems anyway.

If you're talking about the GTR, their policy is stupid.

[ianc]

every time you use it it would reduce the life of your clutch by about 7k miles

Yeah but I still want to use it! Because... ummm....

Errr... Alright, but still...

Oh yeah; it's siiiiiickkkk!

ianc

[lockon]

As people state that there is a minimum distance required between launches with launch control. So how can i launch 135i without launch control? Is it the same as traditional transmisson cars?

As my left foot on the brake, then my right foot on the gas, will the clutch disengage at this moment？Without lauch control, all i need to do is maintaining the right RPM then release the break. The cluth will engage once the break is released. Is it correct?

[schmeah]

I wasn't talking about the break in period. Either policy is stupid. It's like building a turbo engine that has the potential for enormous gains above stock with simple mods and then voiding your warranty if you attempt to do so ... oh, wait... they did that also with the N54. What makes this launch control thing supremely stupid is it's like teaching you how to install a JB3 in the manual and then telling you can't use it or that you can use it only once a week. Think about it ... pretty silly, no? They shouldn't encourage you to do something in the manual that is potentially detrimental and could theoretically void your warranty.

Originally Posted by MarkR171

Talking about the 135? It's deactivated until 1200 miles (proper break in.) You shouldn't be using launch control during break in anyway. Preventing you from using LC over and over is just making sure you don't **** up your car in the process. Perfectly acceptable. No one knows what the required distance for reusing the launch control is yet. For all we know, it could be 1 mile, then you could reuse it over and over at the drag strip with no problems anyway.

If you're talking about the GTR, their policy is stupid.

[abirmaher]

does anyone know what the distance is between launches?

[shawshank772]

BMW used to have a "void warranty" clause in their old M3s in regards to launch control. The overseas M3s couldnt use it more than 10 times or it would void the warranty. They had a higher redline when it came to the launch control, as opposed to the American version.

[NavM]

Interesting. You said press DTC once, so launch control in this car only requires traction control to be off and not traction control and stability control (DSC). Is this correct? DCT in E9x M3 and SMG in M3 and M5/M6 requires DSC to be turned off. This is needed to select the most aggressive shift setting (S6). I guess the reason is that there is no drivelogic in non M version DCT like S1-S6 or D1-D5 shift programs you find in E9x M3.

[MarkR171]

So... I tried launch control for the first time today. I've accelerated at full throttle from a stop before, but never at elevated rpms. Launch control was very quick to set up, DTC> Sport button > Manual > Brake + Gas = Go! The tires hooked up really well, there was some wheel spin and I did leave an 11 on the road, but I was honestly not expecting how hard it would pull.

The transmission shifted instantly to 2nd as expected and with no loss of traction or pause in acceleration. Just a super fast shift and uninterrupted power delivery. I love my car

Unfortunately, no, I didn't get an opportunity to try another launch just to see if I could figure out the required distance in between launches so I can't answer that question yet.