What did I do wrong? 2006 M5 US version and plain stock. We're at the light and he gives me the nod, so I had time to push my M button (which is programed for launch control) and I hold the gear shifter, press the gas, revs go up to the US enforced 1800 rpm. Light turns green and we both drop clutchs. From my view, it seemed like the AMG just took off, no spin, no burn. My M5 seemed a bit slow to engage off the line but launch control is supposed to be the best, right? Wrong! In 1 st gear, he was about a 3/4 hood length ahead, in second gear he had pulled more than half the car length and by 3rd he was a car length where I dropped off. I did not get the feeling i was going to catch up.
So here's the deal, I am admitedly not a drag racer, but I am an experienced track driver with the BMW school. My heartburn is that either he got me on the launch and It's impossible to close a gap with the 2 cars being so even, or simply the AMG launches better than the stupid US launch control, and the AMG has more power to pull it along. Comparing the stats on both cars, power wise, they seem very close. Would I have gained an advantage not using launch control and just stomping the gas in M mode?? Did I shift too early and not at redline? was I just too slow to engage?
After licking my wounds, and feeling spanked, I got over it because I am still driving an M5, not a Merc, and there's not many cars out there that can say they just did what this guy did. However, I never imagined this day would happen. I have had my M5 since April and have been WAITING patiently for this opportunity at the light (to the point where I questioned why the hell am I reserving the M button for something that is likely to never happen). Anyway...I need some counseling and support now.
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M Fahren - 2006 Interlagos M5 on Silverstone/aluminum
Sehr Gut - 1995 M3 Hellrot Red on Black, Full Tint, OZ Competition Wheels, Koni Adjustables, H&R sports, Euro Mass air, Sharked, UUC Short Shifter, Cross Brace, Strut Brace, UUC Corsa Exhaust, Schroth Harness, Bell Helmet.
Pipe Dream - BMW Sauber F1 Team