How Many DCT Launches Have you Done?

AyJay87 · 01-15-2015, 01:19 PM

I'm curious, how many times have you used launch control on your DCT equipped 1er? Let us know how many and if you are having any issues with the transmission.

AyJay87 · 01-15-2015, 01:21 PM

Ive done it about 15 times. No issues with the car at 30k miles.

heeblet · 01-15-2015, 03:04 PM

Just a little tidbit that may contribute to this thread - what's the best way to do this?

0. Warm engine oil
1. Turn off traction control
2. sport mode button
3. sport mode shifter
4. brake, floor pedal, wait then release

AyJay87 · 01-15-2015, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heeblet

Just a little tidbit that may contribute to this thread - what's the best way to do this?

0. Warm engine oil
1. Turn off traction control
2. sport mode button
3. sport mode shifter
4. brake, floor pedal, wait then release

Seems about right, here's how I remembered it with a little more detail for those who may not know:

0. Warm engine oil (drive at least 6 miles if starting cold)
1. Press traction control button once (dont hold it)
2. Sport mode button
3. Sport mode on the shifter
4. Downshift to select 1st gear
5. Left foot on brake, floor gas pedal, wait for revs to build and for checkered flags to be displayed on the dash then release

fcman · 01-15-2015, 03:26 PM

I've never used the launch control but I use the kickdown to get off the line at autox. Works pretty well, revs up and then engages the clutches at 3500rpm or so

GeeRam · 01-15-2015, 03:43 PM

Used it once just to see what it was all about....

Never bothered with it since, as it's not something I'd ever bother with on the road.

I'd likely use it in competition, but, despite having the intention to use the car for some events, other things in life have put paid to that thought for the foreseeable future.

AyJay87 · 01-15-2015, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fcman

I've never used the launch control but I use the kickdown to get off the line at autox. Works pretty well, revs up and then engages the clutches at 3500rpm or so

Good point, I've taken it to the drag strip and noticed that. Didn't use LC every time so I thought that was an acceptable alternative.

AGAV13 · 01-15-2015, 04:27 PM

Should probably add a 0 option to the list above.

Never had the right opportunity on the proper roads around my home to try it.

Esteban · 01-15-2015, 05:10 PM

Never used launch control. I'm a little OCD about my car so I really don't want to put the unnecessary stress on her. With that being said, I am only human and I will confess to turning off all traction control and flooring her from a standstill once or twice just to see how much rubber I could burn. Nice, long elevens!

Tony135 · 01-15-2015, 05:30 PM

I do it all the time when I want a good burnout. When you are FBO, it's more of a burnout control than a launch control. but regardless, I'm at 67k miles and I beat the hell out of my car. She still works great!

Jettt · 01-15-2015, 06:19 PM

Ive done it around 6-7 times. And Ive done the traction fully off launch a couple times to lay down some rubber and smoke.

Overpar56 · 01-15-2015, 06:37 PM

Never done them. It might void my warranty.

Right. Sure.......

My RFTs got a farewell send off when my new PSS came in.

PopsnBurbles · 01-15-2015, 07:10 PM

Three times for me ever...the sad part is I'm barely 14k miles.

First time when I pretended to do it when I was with my brother but never went through with the actual launching but the car revved to 3k and the flag showed up. Car was 9.5k miles (just had 10k service at this time). We were at a light (no other cars) and I didn't intend to even make the flags appear but the car revved faster than I thought.

Second time was I knew there was an empty road because of road construction (there weren't any people or workers because it was very late at night). Car was 10k miles.

Third time was when I was with a friend and it was late at night at some back road. He's always wondered what it was like so I did it. Car was at 12k miles.

I guess this counts as a launch too because I was at a wide freshly paved six lane road. Again, it was like 2AM and no cars around (not even parked) and no place for pedestrians to walk. I came to a stop, check if I'm at 240 degrees F, turned off all nannies, floored it and the car went anything but straight at first. It was pretty scary felt like the car wanted to kill me but I corrected it with some steering input and modulation of the throttle. Did it at 12.5k miles. From this experience, I now know why it's a 1 series because it only lays down one rubber streak (kidding, well sorta). My brother's E30 325is lays down two tire streaks.

I'm pretty sure I'll do it again but not any time soon. As cool as it is, it's not all that amazing. BMW could have done a better job with it. My car can barely hook up and I'm STOCK.

Yeineken · 01-15-2015, 07:12 PM

Big fat 0. Not worth risking damage to me. Car takes of like a devil without it as is.

AyJay87 · 01-15-2015, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AGAV13

Should probably add a 0 option to the list above.

Never had the right opportunity on the proper roads around my home to try it.

Does anyone know how to edit a poll?

AyJay87 · 01-15-2015, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PopsnBurbles

Three times for me ever...the sad part is I'm barely 14k miles.

First time when I pretended to do it when I was with my brother but never went through with the actual launching but the car revved to 3k and the flag showed up. Car was 9.5k miles (just had 10k service at this time). We were at a light (no other cars) and I didn't intend to even make the flags appear but the car revved faster than I thought.

Second time was I knew there was an empty road because of road construction (there weren't any people or workers because it was very late at night). Car was 10k miles.

Third time was when I was with a friend and it was late at night at some back road. He's always wondered what it was like so I did it. Car was at 12k miles.

I guess this counts as a launch too because I was at a wide freshly paved six lane road. Again, it was like 2AM and no cars around (not even parked) and no place for pedestrians to walk. I came to a stop, check if I'm at 240 degrees F, turned off all nannies, floored it and the car went anything but straight at first. It was pretty scary felt like the car wanted to kill me but I corrected it with some steering input and modulation of the throttle. Did it at 12.5k miles. From this experience, I now know why it's a 1 series because it only lays down one rubber streak (kidding, well sorta). My brother's E30 325is lays down two tire streaks.

I'm pretty sure I'll do it again but not any time soon. As cool as it is, it's not all that amazing. BMW could have done a better job with it. My car can barely hook up and I'm STOCK.

I'm surprised you laid down mostly one rubber streak. Maybe the rear brake disks were cold and the "e-diff" logic couldn't compensate. Supposedly the LC "learns" the surface. So, maybe the second time you try it in a row, the discs will be up to temp and get a better elevenses... Just my guess.

PopsnBurbles · 01-15-2015, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AyJay87

I'm surprised you laid down mostly one rubber streak. Maybe the rear brake disks were cold and the "e-diff" logic couldn't compensate. Supposedly the LC "learns" the surface. So, maybe the second time you try it in a row, the discs will be up to temp and get a better elevenses... Just my guess.

That's a possible explanation. I never dared to try it a second time in a row. Unfortunately I didn't take pics of the scene of the crime. I'll do so when/if I ever do it again.

Pyrat 2 · 01-15-2015, 08:41 PM

0 times. I flog my 1er at the track. Always kind of felt that launch control was abusive to the car even if the factory supposedly designed the car to take it.

View Poll Results: How Many Launches?
Less than 5	18	69.23%
5-10	1	3.85%
10-20	3	11.54%
20+	4	15.38%
Voters: 26. You may not vote on this poll

01-15-2015, 01:19 PM	#1
AyJay87 Private First Class 9 Rep 122 Posts Drives: 2012 135i DCT Le Mans Blue Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	How Many DCT Launches Have you Done? I'm curious, how many times have you used launch control on your DCT equipped 1er? Let us know how many and if you are having any issues with the transmission. __________________ https://www.instagram.com/the_driving_gallery/ '12 135i DCT Le Mans Blue * M Sport Package * BMW Performance Exhaust * PPK 1 * ST Coilovers * Cobb Sway Bars * Dinan Camber Plates * VMR V705 Wheels * Michelin PSS
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01-15-2015, 01:21 PM	#2
AyJay87 Private First Class 9 Rep 122 Posts Drives: 2012 135i DCT Le Mans Blue Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	Ive done it about 15 times. No issues with the car at 30k miles. __________________ https://www.instagram.com/the_driving_gallery/ '12 135i DCT Le Mans Blue * M Sport Package * BMW Performance Exhaust * PPK 1 * ST Coilovers * Cobb Sway Bars * Dinan Camber Plates * VMR V705 Wheels * Michelin PSS
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01-15-2015, 03:04 PM	#3
heeblet Private First Class 26 Rep 136 Posts Drives: 2014 228i xDrive F31 Join Date: May 2014 Location: SF, CA iTrader: (0)	Just a little tidbit that may contribute to this thread - what's the best way to do this? 0. Warm engine oil 1. Turn off traction control 2. sport mode button 3. sport mode shifter 4. brake, floor pedal, wait then release
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01-15-2015, 03:26 PM	#5
fcman Captain 670 Rep 988 Posts Drives: 2023 G87 Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0)	I've never used the launch control but I use the kickdown to get off the line at autox. Works pretty well, revs up and then engages the clutches at 3500rpm or so
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01-15-2015, 03:43 PM	#6
GeeRam Major 195 Rep 1,317 Posts Drives: X5 40d SE Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Berkshire,UK iTrader: (0)	Used it once just to see what it was all about.... Never bothered with it since, as it's not something I'd ever bother with on the road. I'd likely use it in competition, but, despite having the intention to use the car for some events, other things in life have put paid to that thought for the foreseeable future. __________________ 2017 X5 4.0dSE ~ Atlas Cedar:Ind.Amaro Brown Merino&Piano Blk, Sport Auto, DHP, Comfort seats, Cold weather pack, HK audio, Electric towbar, Sun protection glass.
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01-15-2015, 04:27 PM	#8
AGAV13 Captain 806 Rep 952 Posts Drives: AW 135is (#363/586) Join Date: May 2012 Location: CT 860 iTrader: (2)	Should probably add a 0 option to the list above. Never had the right opportunity on the proper roads around my home to try it. __________________ CURRENT 2017 Boxster S ?718? (07/27/18) 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Recon - (10/28/18) SOLD 2013 BMW 135is #363/586 - AW, Black Boston Leather w/ Exclusive Blue Stitching, Prem., Tech, DCT, Heated Seats, HK
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01-15-2015, 05:10 PM	#9
Esteban Major General 44103 Rep 7,226 Posts Drives: a slow car fast Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	Never used launch control. I'm a little OCD about my car so I really don't want to put the unnecessary stress on her. With that being said, I am only human and I will confess to turning off all traction control and flooring her from a standstill once or twice just to see how much rubber I could burn. Nice, long elevens! __________________ Last edited by Esteban; 01-15-2015 at 05:17 PM..
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01-15-2015, 05:30 PM	#10
Tony135 Lieutenant Colonel 178 Rep 1,516 Posts Drives: ‘22 Model 3 Join Date: May 2011 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	I do it all the time when I want a good burnout. When you are FBO, it's more of a burnout control than a launch control. but regardless, I'm at 67k miles and I beat the hell out of my car. She still works great!
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01-15-2015, 06:19 PM	#11
Jettt Gun Slinger 28 Rep 344 Posts Drives: slow and with caution Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Ive done it around 6-7 times. And Ive done the traction fully off launch a couple times to lay down some rubber and smoke.
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01-15-2015, 06:37 PM	#12
Overpar56 Proud AARP member in good standing 28 Rep 635 Posts Drives: Me nuts Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Skyline, Chile iTrader: (0)	Never done them. It might void my warranty. Right. Sure....... My RFTs got a farewell send off when my new PSS came in. __________________ 2012 135i DCT, Lemans Blue/black leather, PPK1, PE, Stoptech Sport rotors and Sport pads, unhealthy crackles and burbles and an aging demonic driver.
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01-15-2015, 07:10 PM	#13
PopsnBurbles Captain 192 Rep 893 Posts Drives: 135is :) 192/586 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: LA, CA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2013 BMW 135is Coup ... [10.00]	Three times for me ever...the sad part is I'm barely 14k miles. First time when I pretended to do it when I was with my brother but never went through with the actual launching but the car revved to 3k and the flag showed up. Car was 9.5k miles (just had 10k service at this time). We were at a light (no other cars) and I didn't intend to even make the flags appear but the car revved faster than I thought. Second time was I knew there was an empty road because of road construction (there weren't any people or workers because it was very late at night). Car was 10k miles. Third time was when I was with a friend and it was late at night at some back road. He's always wondered what it was like so I did it. Car was at 12k miles. I guess this counts as a launch too because I was at a wide freshly paved six lane road. Again, it was like 2AM and no cars around (not even parked) and no place for pedestrians to walk. I came to a stop, check if I'm at 240 degrees F, turned off all nannies, floored it and the car went anything but straight at first. It was pretty scary felt like the car wanted to kill me but I corrected it with some steering input and modulation of the throttle. Did it at 12.5k miles. From this experience, I now know why it's a 1 series because it only lays down one rubber streak (kidding, well sorta). My brother's E30 325is lays down two tire streaks. I'm pretty sure I'll do it again but not any time soon. As cool as it is, it's not all that amazing. BMW could have done a better job with it. My car can barely hook up and I'm STOCK. Last edited by PopsnBurbles; 01-15-2015 at 07:18 PM..
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01-15-2015, 07:12 PM	#14
Yeineken Colonel 1303 Rep 2,093 Posts Drives: '11 135i M Sport Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Delmarva Peninsula iTrader: (3) Garage List '11 135i [8.20] '16 Ford Hatchback [0.00] '15 X5 [10.00]	Big fat 0. Not worth risking damage to me. Car takes of like a devil without it as is. __________________ Pyrat Clone
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01-15-2015, 08:41 PM	#18
Pyrat 2 Colonel 1419 Rep 2,560 Posts Drives: Rapidly from A to B Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Chicago 'burbs or TN Smokies iTrader: (3) Garage List 2022 Porsche GT4 [9.64] 2018 Porsche GT3 [9.33] 2007 Z4 M Roadster [8.33] 2020 BMW X1 [0.00]	0 times. I flog my 1er at the track. Always kind of felt that launch control was abusive to the car even if the factory supposedly designed the car to take it.
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