Launch Control Not Working - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

bmhusted · 30th October 2009, 19:43

I've had my M5 for about one year, got it as a CPO. Since I've owned it, I've used launch control 3 or 4 times. I was at a light a couple of days ago and just decided to take of the DSC, put it in S6, hold the SMG forward and hit the gas (not actually intending on launching). I noticed the car crept forward, meaning the clutch was engaging instead of reving to 1,500, the US spec limit. I've tried this a couple of times now and it's doing the same thing. Any idea why?

I needed to have some work done on it probably 2 - 3 months ago, it was showing 5 or 6 faults at once. Took the dealer a while to figure it out and this is the first time I've tried Launch Control since then. Could this be a software issue??

I know the computer keeps track of the number of times launch control was used but I haven't used it much, of course I can't speak for the previous owner.

I'm about to call the dealer and have them look at it...seems like they should since BMW did build this funtionality into the car.

avlnch · 31st October 2009, 03:31

Make sure of the following, and perform them in these steps:

Do not hit the M button (for the sake of this test).
Press POWER
Press DSC
Press + on SMG Drivelogic Setting to #6

- Make sure the car is STOPPED, not rolling. Once it is stopped, let your foot off the brake (if you won't roll back)
- Hold the shift lever forward ( - )
- Apply throttle slowly - make sure the revs are increasing and the car isnt moving - then put the pedal to the floor
- With the pedal to the floor, a hand on the wheel, let go of the shifter
- You should have launched

I know you tried it, and have done it before, but do it in those steps. If that does not work, bring it in to the dealer.

avlnch · 31st October 2009, 03:33

Also, just to clear up any rumors:

- The dealer may be able to track how many times you use Launch Control

However

- There is no restriction on how many times one can use the feature
- Your warranty does not "expire" if you use it more than 3 or however many times
- The dealer will not refuse to replace your clutch just because you use LC, however if there is excessive wear (you use it all the time) then there is a possibility that they will refuse. This applies to the same senerio as one track driving their car, fading the pads, and asking BMW to replace them.

hbpetrides · 31st October 2009, 10:03

Just a quick reminder, not sure if you have discored it, the car will neither engage M mode or activate launch control when the temperature is not hot enough.
Just making sure you dont try this when the car is still rather cold.

Revo · 31st October 2009, 20:28

The car engages M mode fine...M mode is just a series of pre-defined settings. It will not, however, release full S6 shifts until completely warm.

bmhusted · 31st October 2009, 21:21

Thanks everyone for the input. I'm going to head out this afternoon and give it another shot and see what happens! I'll report back.

BMWPower06 · 31st October 2009, 22:33

Make sure the engine is up to full operating temperature. Otherwise LC will not work

moonbeamer · 1st November 2009, 00:29

launch mode? you mean burnout mode, , I have used it maybe twice in 2 years with disappointment.... you should be able to use with DSC MDM enabled, along with actual control of the clutch and throttle to get a quick and controlled launch and not a smoke show.

M Junkie · 1st November 2009, 04:43

if the car is creeping when attempting to use lc i suspect its because you werent on level ground and or stopped fully. if the car isnt stopped/even after releasing brake it wont go fully into lc.

Revo · 1st November 2009, 04:48

I don't understand what it is with the car moving. The system will hold the brakes for you (similar to hill start assist) until you release the clutch. If LC is properly engaged it shouldn't roll at all.

I notice a few of you have the sequence for launch control mixed up.

Once in P500 (S or regular), DSC off, S6 in first gear, with your foot STILL on the brake, push the gear lever forward and hold it. After you are holding the lever forward move your foot over and push the gas down until it kicks. If you press slow, it is "optimal launch mode" and pushing fast is "burnout mode." (For those with US launch controls, I don't think it matters - 90% of the times both result in the car bogging anyway!)