M3 Launch Control?
#1
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Popular science has an article on how a 'cheat code' entered into the M3 onboard computer will cause the M3 to launch from a standing start after revving to 5,000rpm!
http://www.popsci.com/popsci/auto/ar...358540,00.html
Cool
Apologies if this is old news
[Edited by sKunk - 10/6/2002 10:55:11 PM]
http://www.popsci.com/popsci/auto/ar...358540,00.html
There's a cheat code in the software running the BMW M3's sequential manual gearbox (SMG): Press the right buttons in the right order and the car will launch you from a stop after revving the engine to 5,000 rpm. But don't look for a how-to in the owners' manual—this feature is undocumented, an inside joke of sorts.
To our knowledge, it's also the first automotive "Easter egg," though—with increased reliance on computers—it would seem just a matter of time before they become standard fare, much like the hidden features in PC games and DVD movies. In the M3's case, there's also good reason for it: The SMG transmission is completely electronic, so you can't rev the engine and drop the clutch for tire-smoking acceleration—something the owner of a performance sedan just might want to do occasionally.
But there is a catch. In Europe, where the feature isn't so hush-hush, doing more than 15 launches voids the car's warranty. Federal laws prohibit such stipulations here, so BMW has turned down the wick. U.S.-spec cars are programmed to wind to only 2,500 rpm—and our test car topped off at 1,800. That's why you have to ask your dealer to install the European software. Most will happily oblige.
For lucky drivers of this hot car, here's how: Switch off the stability system and select shift program six. Switch the engine to sport mode. With the hand shifter in drive, hold it in the downshift position and press the gas pedal. The engine will rev to the preprogrammed rpm and hold. Now release the shifter. The car will launch forward violently and the engine's revs will climb quickly, so be prepared to upshift.
To our knowledge, it's also the first automotive "Easter egg," though—with increased reliance on computers—it would seem just a matter of time before they become standard fare, much like the hidden features in PC games and DVD movies. In the M3's case, there's also good reason for it: The SMG transmission is completely electronic, so you can't rev the engine and drop the clutch for tire-smoking acceleration—something the owner of a performance sedan just might want to do occasionally.
But there is a catch. In Europe, where the feature isn't so hush-hush, doing more than 15 launches voids the car's warranty. Federal laws prohibit such stipulations here, so BMW has turned down the wick. U.S.-spec cars are programmed to wind to only 2,500 rpm—and our test car topped off at 1,800. That's why you have to ask your dealer to install the European software. Most will happily oblige.
For lucky drivers of this hot car, here's how: Switch off the stability system and select shift program six. Switch the engine to sport mode. With the hand shifter in drive, hold it in the downshift position and press the gas pedal. The engine will rev to the preprogrammed rpm and hold. Now release the shifter. The car will launch forward violently and the engine's revs will climb quickly, so be prepared to upshift.
Apologies if this is old news
[Edited by sKunk - 10/6/2002 10:55:11 PM]
#2
This was demonstrated to me on a test drive, and the performance for a 2 wheels drive vehicle is staggering.
There was no mention of limiting number of uses though.
I am pretty sure all BMW dealers are aware of it and actually try to use it as a selling point as the salesman did with me..
There was no mention of limiting number of uses though.
I am pretty sure all BMW dealers are aware of it and actually try to use it as a selling point as the salesman did with me..
#3
Used to have an E36 M3 with the SMG box, the launch control system is in the manual, basically hold the sequential shift in neutral and ref to about 3500rmp, then drop into 1st whilst floorig the throttle, goes like a rocket !!!
Bad side is that the ecu logs each time you do it, once you have done 6 "racing starts" its new clutch time !!!
Rich
Bad side is that the ecu logs each time you do it, once you have done 6 "racing starts" its new clutch time !!!
Rich
#4
A colleague at work bought a new E46 M3 with the SMG box and the salesman again used it as a selling point. This feature is openly advertised in Europe and is in the manual under "launch control" although what other people have said is right. You only have a limited unmber of times you can use it as it puts serious strain on the clutch and gearbox which will void your warranty if used excessively.
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