[HighlandPete]

We know there are concerns about extra wear and tear if Launch Control is used.

The 3-series User Manual states something like the following.

Steptronic Sport transmission:
Launch Control

The concept
Launch Control enables optimum acceleration on surfaces with good traction.

Hints
Component wear
Do not use Launch Control too often; otherwise, this may result in premature wear of components due to the high stress placed on the vehicle.

Reading some of the technical documents for the F48 X1, noted this comment.

Launch Control

For vehicles with Sports automatic transmission (SA 2TB), launch control enables optimal acceleration when driving off. Forced upshifts are also performed without a reduction of the engine torque. This enables additional acceleration during the gearshifts.

In order to avoid premature component wear, the drive-off with launch control is only available 100 times over the service life of the Sports automatic transmission and cannot be reset by Service.

Has anyone seen anything similar for other models? I sense BMW may have shot themselves in the foot with adding the Launch Control feature. Changing "this may" to "to avoid" is quite telling!

[JustChris]

Interesting.

A Car magazine or YouTube channel once did 50 back to back launches in a 911 turbo. Impressive engineering.

In the F30 100 lifetime I guess is reasonable but does look like a change in stance from BMW.

[DarrenL_007]

Wow!!

I remember having a similar discussion with a friend who had an E46 M3 CSL and he always talked about only being warrantied for around 30 launches.

[Tengocity]

I don't really care what BMW say but I've no need whatsoever for launch control and still haven't used it, as clearly it's going to put more stress on the drivetrain.

[Rbrown]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

I don't really care what BMW say but I've no need whatsoever for launch control and still haven't used it, as clearly it's going to put more stress on the drivetrain.

+1

[Kal101]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

I don't really care what BMW say but I've no need whatsoever for launch control and still haven't used it, as clearly it's going to put more stress on the drivetrain.

+2 on this

Find the 335d albeit in standard trim to be plenty quick off the mark without all the rigmarole associated with launch control.

Can only imagine all the tuned ones ....

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

I don't really care what BMW say but I've no need whatsoever for launch control and still haven't used it, as clearly it's going to put more stress on the drivetrain.

I feel the same, a bit of mechanical sympathy takes first priority.

I'm surprised BMW have added such a feature on the cooking models. For example, why would anyone in an X1 want launch control?

[Daftasabrush]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

I don't really care what BMW say but I've no need whatsoever for launch control and still haven't used it, as clearly it's going to put more stress on the drivetrain.

Agreed, although the new X1 uses the less efficient Aisin 8 speed not the ZF so there will be differences in durability etc.

[Trialskings]

+3 on this.

I promised my disabled father I'd save it for him but unfortunately circumstances have been against us so far.

In general use, I really don't see the point...god I'm boring in my old age!

[4WDriver]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

I don't really care what BMW say but I've no need whatsoever for launch control and still haven't used it, as clearly it's going to put more stress on the drivetrain.

Of course it will stress the drive train. Question is, can the system cope? It should but being a BMW don't push it.

It is really only there to give that 4.8 sec 0-60 stat in the back of What Car.

[dopper99]

I don't think this will affect the majority of owners (well new owners) that want to look after the drivetrain, as mentioned above.

But I expect once the cars get much older that the kiddies can afford them, the drivetrain will take more of a hammering while they are impressing their mates.

[....,,,,..,,..]

Originally Posted by dopper99

I don't think this will affect the majority of owners (well new owners) that want to look after the drivetrain, as mentioned above.

But I expect once the cars get much older that the kiddies can afford them, the drivetrain will take more of a hammering while they are impressing their mates.

Yep once the 2nd hand Chav owners start banging in those launches

[Wills2]

I was always using the launch control in the 335d!

[Englishbloke]

Brake and accelerator to the floor at the same time just doesn't seem right... Something is gonna give!

Plenty fast enough without LC thanks.

[eluded]

For some reason I don't seem to have launch control

[DarCol]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

I don't really care what BMW say but I've no need whatsoever for launch control and still haven't used it, as clearly it's going to put more stress on the drivetrain.

Surely you have to try it at least once? You have spent 1000's of pounds modifying your car to make it faster and you don't want to try a function that it built in to your car???

[Katin]

Tried it a few times and wasnt impressed, not any different than just letting off the brake and pushing the Go Pedal past the Clicky Majiger.
Also it requires quiet a bit of coordination of items.

[Tengocity]

Originally Posted by Dazzer

Surely you have to try it at least once? You have spent 1000's of pounds modifying your car to make it faster and you don't want to try a function that it built in to your car???

Never been interested in Grand Prix style starts. And with xdrive and and an auto box just left foot on brake and planting right on throttle would do much the same if ever needed.
The pleasure I get is more from excellent handling, and reserves of power for overtakes and the autobahn.

[Drisser]

Launch control.. Set to sport, mash throttle !

[RobUK]

Yup, LC is one of those things that you try out a couple of times then think ok that was interesting, what's next? Tbh just mashing the throttle in Sport Mode is enough to provide the necessary entertainment

[Craig 1527]

never tried it car always seems fast enough from standing start anyway might give it a go before It goes on Thursday if we get a dry day is it just a case of brake and throttle to the floor ?

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Lobb

I'm firmly of the believe that LC is NOT engineering, but marketing driven.

I remember a test a few years ago on a 911 turbo. Launch control engaged, drop the clutch and the car promptly "ate" it's drive shafts.

Ridiculous piece of marketing!

I see it the same way. Why encourage what engineers know is the worse case scenario for peak loads, stresses and chances of premature failure?

I suppose we could argue that Launch Control is "a control of the launch", rather than the average Joe simply abusing the car, with any version of a self determined aggressive launch. But why encourage it?

With many of the recent marketing and sales decisions, I often picture the BMW engineers shuffling off after a meeting, muttering to each other and shaking their heads in disbelief, as they take a strong coffee.