The epitome of racing feeling in everyday traffic starts a new round. 35 years after the debut of the first BMW M3, BMW M GmbH presents the latest generation of its high-performance automobiles in the premium mid-size segment. Time to introduce the two new vehicles. In the #M3M4explained series, the developers have the floor.
Developer Stefan, responsible for the customer experience powertrain of the M3 and M4 models, loves a perfect launch: The implementation of Launch Control in combination with the 8-speed M Steptronic transmission was one of his main tasks during the BMW M3 Competition and BMW M4 Competition development. In the video, he explains how the new system works. He also answers questions from the community in our Q&A.
BMW M ENTHUSIASTS ASK, BMW M EXPERTS ANSWER.
What is the set RPM while launching?
As a result of the torque converter limitation in the 8-speed M Steptronic, which is determined by oil temperatures, external temperatures … roughly 2.700rpm.
Acceleration from 0 to 200?
The M3 Competition with 8-speed M Steptronic and RWD does it in 12.5sec and the M3 Competition with M xDrive takes 12.3sec. The figures of the M4 Coupé are identical.
Why does the Competition launch in the second and not first gear?
The (RWD) Competition models launch in 2nd gear for optimum balance of the torque converters multiplication and transferrable power using two rear wheels only allowing for better slip control. The M3 and M4 models with M xDrive use 1st gear instead due to the higher traction available with all four wheels being driven.
Is there a way to launch it in first gear if you have better tires or you're on a drag strip?
A 1st gear launch is not available within the automatic launch control programme of the Competition RWD models. However, you can still perform a launch like that on your own.
Can a launch be initiated in 2nd gear to prevent wheel spin?
It is possible to launch the car in 2nd gear by yourself without using automatic launch control in Competition models with M xDrive. The Competition models with RWD use 2nd gear for the automatic launch control start anyway.
Will the automatic cars allow a manually controlled launch with use of simultaneous brake and throttle?
Yes, that is possible.
In AWD cars, is launch control available in 2WD only mode?
For models with M xDrive, launch control is only available with DSC OFF in 4WD/4WD Sport. With DSC OFF and 2WD burnouts are enabled.
Can you launch the Steptronic in MDM?
No, the 8-speed M Steptronic's launch control is only available in DSC off.
With Steptronic you always have to shift yourself with launch control?
The 8-speed M Steptronic's launch control application uses fully automated upshifts for optimum acceleration.
Why is launch control only available for 5 seconds?
For Competition models, during launch control preparation the engine is "working against" the brakes, causing very high load and rising temperatures in the transmission.
Must the engine and transmission be up to proper temperature for launch control to be available?
Launch control cannot be activated when the vehicle's / engine's / transmission's condition are not ready or warmed up properly. There also needs to be some cool down time in between two launch control starts.
How many launches can you make in the life of the gearbox?
There is no limitation of the launch control's availability over its lifetime. Availability of launch control is temporarily unavailable when - mainly - temperature conditions of the engine, transmission, differential do not allow its use.
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