Euro Spec Launch Control for US Vehicles!?!?!

gt40mki · 24th September 2010, 05:17

After my first track outing I'm VERY frustrated with how inconsistent the SMG "launch" can be...at 1500rpm there is a 2 second bog that feels like an eternity before the car starts making any power and moving...and the drop clutch method seems very hit or miss...(but about half a second quicker-even with wheel spin).

Who/how can we get the euro Launch Control? Is it part of the engine computer or is there a separate transmission computer? Something I can buy from overseas and plug in to make work? I'm almost regretting buying an SMG car over a traditional manual 6-speed...

Cost is a minor factor...I know a few vendors advertise being able to reset the LC from the 1500 to a fixed 3000 or 4000 rpm, but the idea of being able to tailor the launch rpm to the track conditions and tires/power combo seems VERY appealing.

I already have a tune I'm very pleased with, and am hoping there is a stand alone trans fix, but am not holding my breath.

Anyone? Any thoughts? Thanks in advance...I've searched and found a few posts, but no definitive answer or source.

Gustav · 24th September 2010, 05:20

It can be done and you need European parts for it, I beleive Turner Motorsport did it or hat it as options from their site.

EuroCarFan · 24th September 2010, 05:53

ESS Tuning has an SMG tune that will enable euro launch control.

gt40mki · 24th September 2010, 06:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by EuroCarFan

ESS Tuning has an SMG tune that will enable euro launch control.

Will it replace or work alongside my eurocharged tune? Really happy with the power and driveability as is...just want to add an adjustable LC...

thank you both for the info, turner doesn't have anything on their site but I sent an email..

EuroCarFan · 24th September 2010, 06:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by gt40mki

Will it replace or work alongside my eurocharged tune? Really happy with the power and driveability as is...just want to add an adjustable LC...

thank you both for the info, turner doesn't have anything on their site but I sent an email..

It should work in conjunction with your tune cause it's a stand alone upgrade separate from their regular performance software for the M5. I'm pretty positive that's the case but check with them.

BMWPower06 · 24th September 2010, 07:42

Not worth it IMO. If you know how to modulate the throttle you can do just as good as the Euro LC, if not better

gt40mki · 24th September 2010, 15:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWPower06

Not worth it IMO. If you know how to modulate the throttle you can do just as good as the Euro LC, if not better

I have no problem with a learning curve, but using the exact same procedure would result in entirely different results. The launch control allowed ultra consistency (I had a couple of .0x and one .004, and a couple of -.02x red lights) but cost about .3-.5 in e.t....the drop clutch method, even without wheel spin seemed to react differently regardless of what I was doing. It just has a mind of it's own. I could tolerate it if I were racing myself/going for a record, but the second someone lines up next to you it can be a nightmare.

I've even thought about rigging a partial throttle stop...almost like a two step with a low then high pressure spring to make it easier to hit that 55-60% throttle sweet spot consistently, but feel confident I was doing the same action, even down to velocity of mashing the accelerator.

I made 22 passes almost back to back in one night trying to figure out consistency, and my prediction is with more power (even with sticky tires) it really won't get any better - short of going with a shorter tire and more gear to compensate...

For now, I miss how much easier the E55 was to drive down a dragstrip...but day to day and overall the m5 makes up for it.

Roman@ESS · 24th September 2010, 17:09

Our SMG software will raise the launch control on US spec M5's to 4100 RPM. It is also a very nice improvement in the transmissions overall performance including shift speed. The SMG control unit is seperate from the ECU so it can work with stock engine management software or aftermarket software.

S85 SMG Transmission Software - ESS Tuning

Gustav · 24th September 2010, 17:47

Nice, I did not know that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rom3n

Our SMG software will raise the launch control on US spec M5's to 4100 RPM. It is also a very nice improvement in the transmissions overall performance including shift speed. The SMG control unit is seperate from the ECU so it can work with stock engine management software or aftermarket software.

S85 SMG Transmission Software - ESS Tuning

gt40mki · 24th September 2010, 18:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rom3n

Our SMG software will raise the launch control on US spec M5's to 4100 RPM. It is also a very nice improvement in the transmissions overall performance including shift speed. The SMG control unit is seperate from the ECU so it can work with stock engine management software or aftermarket software.

S85 SMG Transmission Software - ESS Tuning

I sent an email last night...very interested...I'm assuming that the launch control works just as well if you don't hold the throttle down...so if conditions warranted a 3k rpm launch instead it would be possible?

Please respond here or via email...any chance on a group buy?