SMG Question - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

M3Finally · 20th December 2001, 18:48

OK I know this is a newbie question, but I have always been a driver of auto trannies. Since I am now expecting my baby, my first ever high performance car, 2002 M3 with SMG :p, I need to know something:

My question is: Does anyone know with SMG if I will be able to rev the engine manually to about say 2500 RPM's while in neutral and then pull the paddle (or center gear shifter) into first gear? I know you guys with manual trannies do this all the time to get off the line as quickly as you can. But can this also be done with SMG (without Launch Control, of course since we are not getting launch control here in the U.S.)?

Or is it simply that you leave the car in first gear at a light and floor it and hope for the best?

Any thoughts are appreciated - my baby is due to arrive in about three weeks and I can't wait

Thanks guys

Serge · 20th December 2001, 19:16

Regarding hold to 2500 rpm and putting into first gear with SMG:
I knew they had this flaw with SMG I and people with E36 SMG did that to launch their cars to make that 5.3 0-60 but that busted the hydraulics of the system and BMW had a lot of problems with SMG I. I doubt they would repeat this flaw with SMG II without the lauch control.

M3Finally · 20th December 2001, 19:20

Thanks Serge, makes sense. Guess I'll just have to start off in first and go for it. At least with the SMG, I hope to feel a lot more connected to the car than I have ever with straight auto trannies.

Peace.

fais2000 · 20th December 2001, 19:50

are you sure we are not getting launch control? I was pretty sure i read somebody critiqueing smgII here in teh us and talking about the launch control?? I hope we do get it here.

fas

Wilkie · 20th December 2001, 20:08

fas,

According to the latest Road & Track, the SMG IIs bound for the US will not have launch control. I believe the review here you are referring to was based on a Euro version.

fais2000 · 20th December 2001, 21:07

Quote:

Originally posted by Wilkie
fas,

According to the latest Road & Track, the SMG IIs bound for the US will not have launch control. I believe the review here you are referring to was based on a Euro version.

sorry for teh mix up wilkie, you are right. pop (this smiley has no relevence to this thread, but i like it anyway

)

fas

MEnthusiast · 21st December 2001, 02:50

I read somewhere that BMW might bring launch control to the USA next year.......... lets hope so as this is one of the things that makes the SMG fun.

AndyMenard · 21st December 2001, 04:27

what exactly is "launch control" ?? I assume it controls the application of power somehow to protect the tranny??

greg · 21st December 2001, 05:03

Andy - Launch control is a computer controlled max performance launch a la F1. There is a sequence of driver inputs to set it up - but basically once it is ready to go you just put your foot to the floor, release the brake and hold on. It is part of the system and available on the cars in Europe - however the manual specifically states that the warranty on the clutch is void if you use it more than (I think) 30 times.

PaulMarin · 21st December 2001, 06:02

What about the old method of holding the brake down while in gear, revving the engine a little and then releasing the brake as you punch it? It worked in less powerfull cars but in an M car the wheels would just spin more or if DSC was active it will stall just like it does in the M5. What is the fastest launch method for a current auto M3? for an E55?