M5 iDrive modes - Page 2

MortenDK · 8th February 2005, 22:47

I'm sure my dad will too when he get his M5

zzzzMD · 9th February 2005, 02:21

I'm a little suspicious of those times in P400. The car weighs about the same as the e39, and with more torque and SMG I would have thought the 0 - 60 times and 1/4 mi times would be down a couple of tenths from the e39. Am I off-base here?

vndkshn · 9th February 2005, 02:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by HomerUK

With the AMG's you can't turn off DSC fullly like the M cars.

The AMG part is dead on, but sometimes I wonder about DSC. I have had times I felt that DSC was somehow still there a little bit. I have also read similar comments in articles about the E39 M5, basically stating that even though you turn off, there seems to be something in the computer saying "You're an idiot who has no idea what he is doing, and I am not going to let you do that!"

bernhtp · 9th February 2005, 02:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by zzzzMD

I'm a little suspicious of those times in P400. The car weighs about the same as the e39, and with more torque and SMG I would have thought the 0 - 60 times and 1/4 mi times would be down a couple of tenths from the e39. Am I off-base here?

Some thoughts:

1. I still doubt that the SMG launch control is faster from a start than is a good driver with a manual, and it might still be a bit slower.

2. The P400 mode referenced above does not even seem to use LC, so there is no engine momentum and optimized launch. This would make a huge difference.

3. The torque curve of the P500 mode is a hair lower than that of the E39 M5 at lower RPM, and I imagine the P400 mode (limited throttle) has a much lower torque figure.

4. P400 merely attenuates the throttle, and I doubt any attempt has been made to precisely calibrate it to 400hp. It is likely an approximation that is more likely to be lower than higher.

Tom

vndkshn · 9th February 2005, 03:45

I think SMG is definately the issues with P400 times. No user controlled clutch slip.

In fact, several of the videos of the car show it bogging off the line when not using LC.

MEnthusiast · 9th February 2005, 12:45

Will anyone really use P400 besides for curiosity? Would it result in better gas mileage? Maybe its not a bad idea for a long highway trip and you are just cruising along at 70 or for putting around in town. But for me, I think Id want to know I had all 507 horsies running wild. Btw, whether or not it is intentional, when I see the number 507 I think of this:

Two timeless beauties.

MortenDK · 9th February 2005, 12:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by MEnthusiast

Will anyone really use P400 besides for curiosity? Would it result in better gas mileage? Maybe its not a bad idea for a long highway trip and you are just cruising along at 70 or for putting around in town. But for me, I think Id want to know I had all 507 horsies running wild. Btw, whether or not it is intentional, when I see the number 507 I think of this:

Well.... IF you have been at a party in your M5 and you are too drunk to drink yourself. It might not be that bad an idea to have a P400 D5 mode for 'wife-driving' =)

bernhtp · 9th February 2005, 14:30

P400 is a gimmick, maybe for legal/regulatory purposes. I will never use it. Its mechanism of limiting the throttle is just an electronic version of a block of wood under the accelerator pedal that keeps it from going all the way down. It has no benefit over P500 mode that keeping your right foot light does not yield.

Tom

HomerUK · 9th February 2005, 15:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by vndkshn

The AMG part is dead on, but sometimes I wonder about DSC. I have had times I felt that DSC was somehow still there a little bit. I have also read similar comments in articles about the E39 M5, basically stating that even though you turn off, there seems to be something in the computer saying "You're an idiot who has no idea what he is doing, and I am not going to let you do that!"

I've not heard that before, and in the UK we get a M power driving day with the car. On the skid pans and simulated ice it didn't seel like anything was there. They got us to do things with the DSC on then off to highlight how it helped and what to expect should it intervine whilst driving hard.

HomerUK · 9th February 2005, 16:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by bernhtp

Some thoughts:

1. I still doubt that the SMG launch control is faster from a start than is a good driver with a manual, and it might still be a bit slower.

My understanding is that under LC the car is allowed to rev slighlty higher, 8500,
so I think all the stops were pulled to allow great the 0-100+ times. So I think it would be hard to beat these times manually because of the design.