High-performance cars are usually meant to be driven on the track. The level of performance they bring to the table should force the driver/owner to take it to the track to fully enjoy it. However, some people never do and therefore end up pushing the gas pedal of their sportscar in all the wrong places. To be honest, we’ve all done it at some point, leaving the stop sign in a hurry, with some rival on our side, trying to figure out who’s faster. But with today’s launch control sequences in mind, should you go through the trouble of activating it?
The thing is, when you’re at a stop light and someone rolls up next to you, launching fast is paramount and, to be fair, BMW’s launch control activation sequence isn’t the easiest to activate either, especially on DCT-equipped M cars. Sure, it’s not rocket science but it does take a while to get everything right and you just might not have that luxury. But how much of a difference does Launch Control actually make?
To answer this question, the guys from Car Advice took an M3 out for a quick test, to see how the car behaves with and without the feature. First, they tested how fast it is with the DSC system on, Launch Control off and putting the car in Sport+ mode. Of course, that also didn’t get the results everyone was hoping for.
Then they tried things with the DSC completely off which, of course, lit up the rear tires. Lastly they activated Launch Control and reached a 0-62 mph run of 4.6 seconds which is considerably off what BMW claims for the M3. Even so, the Launch Control run was the fastest of the bunch, showing that the car really does work at its best when used. What’s your take on what the guys did here? How do you run your car?
If you track your car,,,,,you are beating the hell out of it. Yes these cars can handle the abuse,,,initially,,,,but components start wearing out, things start breaking. Not saying it’s wrong…but it should be known that although your performance car can handle it,,,,,the more you do it, the less the car is going to last. If money is not an issue,,HAVE FUN!
I believe the question was the best way to launch, not the reliability of the vehicle over its life.
I found out the best way is to moderately press the gas while holding firmly on the brake in sport + or dsc off and then dump the brake. 0-60 in 3.8 with my M2 with a Dinan tune.
Wow that’s VERY fast!
That second launch without stability control was so stupid. If you want to test the quickest way possible you don’t just mash the throttle. You know it’s going to lit the tires. -_-