BMW

Learn more about BMW models, products and services:

EPISODE 22: BMW M3 & M4 EXPLAINED.

EPISODE 22: BMW M3 & M4 EXPLAINED.

3 min reading time

Launch Control M Steptronic transmission.

In episode 22, BMW M developer Stefan explains the launch control of the BMW M3 and M4 models with M Steptronic transmission.

5 June 2021

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 M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive [1] :
Fuel consumption combined in l/100 km 10.1
CO2 emissions combined in g/km229
CO2 classG
BMW M3 & M4 EXPLAINED: LAUNCH CONTROL M STEPTRONIC TRANSMISSION.

BMW M3 & M4 EXPLAINED: LAUNCH CONTROL M STEPTRONIC TRANSMISSION.

Start Video

BMW M ENTHUSIASTS ASK, BMW M EXPERTS ANSWER.

Back of the BMW M3 Competition.
BMW M3 Competition Sedan: Fuel consumption in l/100 km (combined): 9.6-9.8 (WLTP) CO2 emissions in g/km (combined): 219-224 (WLTP)

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.

Side view of the BMW M4 Competition.
BMW M4 Competition Coupé: Fuel consumption in l/100 km (combined): 9.6-9.8 (WLTP) CO2 emissions in g/km (combined): 219-224 (WLTP)

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.

Our tool for managing your consent to our use of cookies is temporarily offline.
For this reason, some functions that require your consent to the use of cookies may not be available.