[esplegend]

I have a 335i with an auto/step with paddles and sport. In everyone's opinion, what configuration is the best way to "launch?" Being relatively new to the performace driving arena, I wanted to get thoughts so I can improve my "light to light" times vs. all the 300C Hemi's out here who like to rev their engines at me.

As of now, this is what I'm doing:

1) Shift over to sport mode
2) Paddle shift down to 'M1' (Tranny will keep you in M2 otherwise)
3) Press DTC button once (This is where a big question mark is, should I turn DSC/DTC completely off instead?)
4) When ready to go, press the throttle as far as possible, hitting that little 'maximum throttle' button when the pedal hits the floor

I am fully aware that this probably isn't the best way to get the most out of my starts, which is why I started this thread. Sometimes when I do the above process, the car "dips" when it activates the DTC at low RPMs, and I lose precious power/speed. What do you suggest? If I completely take off the DTC/DSC, should I finesse the pedal a little more so that I don't press it all the way but try to ride that line of the wheels slipping and sticking?

Wow, long-winded. Thanks for the suggestions.

Brooks

[charlie335]

hold the footbrake, and rev it up to 3000 give or take 500. when the light turns green let go of the brakes and floor it.

[esplegend]

Originally Posted by charlie335

hold the footbrake, and rev it up to 3000 give or take 500. when the light turns green let go of the brakes and floor it.

What setting do you have the traction control on? Is it better to shift myself with the paddles or let the car do the shifting?

[Taittinger]

Not sure if you can get a good launch in first. But yes, disable DSC and rev the engine while holding with the brake. Shift with the paddles. Do not use the kickdown mode since it drops the gears down, which I do not believe will work in first and second anyway. I think.

[Taittinger]

And you really do not have to shift into sport mode. Actuating the paddle shifters will automatically set it in manual, temporarily, long enough to street race.

[esplegend]

Are you saying it's better to start in second gear?

Yes, actuating the paddles will allow you to drive in manual, but will it allow you to benefit from the "sport mode" without having your shifter to the left?

[XxLancaxX]

Here is how you launch.

I beat a stock z28 at the strip. $100 race. We have a local event here call Real Street Drags. All the streetracers meet up and race at the track instead of the street for a night lol.

http://videos.streetfire.net/video/2...6a0116c078.htm

[XxLancaxX]

My C6 Procharged vette....

http://videos.streetfire.net/video/4...6a01138cf4.htm

[just4kickz]

lol no traction when you floor it in first.

[JoeA]

Why does disabling DSC help your launch?

[e90owner1]

this may sound dumb, but I have a e90 325, and I like to occasionally rev it up to 2.5k or so with the brakes applied, and launch. Is this hurting anything in my tranny or anything? ( auto transmission.. obv )

[FirstClass]

Originally Posted by JoeA

Why does disabling DSC help your launch?

The electronic nanny doesn't cut power on wheelspin.

[VapoR]

whats the secret for manual? rev it up then drop the clutch at the start?

[porksoda]

Originally Posted by VapoR

whats the secret for manual? rev it up then drop the clutch at the start?

burn clutch burn!

[bmwexecutive]

Originally Posted by XxLancaxX

Here is how you launch.

I beat a stock z28 at the strip. $100 race. We have a local event here call Real Street Drags. All the streetracers meet up and race at the track instead of the street for a night lol.

http://videos.streetfire.net/video/2...6a0116c078.htm

Wow. That looked fast! How'd you launch that fast? Give us details.

[Jaws]

Originally Posted by porksoda

burn clutch burn!

That's why you want wheel spin, so your clutch won't burn.

[XxLancaxX]

Originally Posted by bmwexecutive

Wow. That looked fast! How'd you launch that fast? Give us details.

Practice, Practice, Practice. People say all the time your reaction time doesnt not matter, thats BS. Yes it does not affect your time because the time does not start until you break the line. For RWD cars just press and hold the DTC button. Elimnate everything so it is just you and the car. The goal is to not spin off the line, everytime time your tires chirp or spin you lost to much time. You need to find the 'breaking' point of your car. Since BMW's memorize your driving habits you need to really test and tune it. Meaning one time for a RWD car keep the revs at about 1800RPM and if it doesnt spin and hooks right away then go up a little more to 2K RPM's. Find out where the tires break loose and then go a little under so it hooks. Now for AWD cars disable everything, hold the break in and press the gas all the way down. Simple let go of the break at the 2nd yellow light and your gone. You wont red light. Im use to driving our 2 vettes down the track so thats why iam used to it. One C6 is procharged and our C5 is a 9.0 second street car. (Twin turbos on a built motor.) Pure street car just fast as hell. Ive got a video ill post below of us racing a 10,000RPM 9.0second Whip factory honda. (As you can tell street racing is pretty big here in chitown. LOL) Any locals, We have a forum also for street racers. realchitownracing . com

http://videos.streetfire.net/video/a...6a0119b87a.htm

[asdfaa]

Originally Posted by Taittinger

And you really do not have to shift into sport mode. Actuating the paddle shifters will automatically set it in manual, temporarily, long enough to street race.

I thought sport mode did faster shifts than non-sport mode?

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by VapoR

whats the secret for manual? rev it up then drop the clutch at the start?

Don't dump it - that will just give you lots of wheel spin.

Rev to 2-3k, and slip lightly at first, then let it out quickly when it hooks.

[yellowg555]

Originally Posted by bg_27

I thought sport mode did faster shifts than non-sport mode?

I am under the same impression as well...I'd like to think a computer can shift faster and better than a human!

[EDK99]

Originally Posted by bg_27

I thought sport mode did faster shifts than non-sport mode?

Sports mode does not do faster shifts. All it does is shift at a higher RPM than non sport.

Ed

[BayerischeMW]

holding the brake while applying throttle to raise revs is a bad idea on automatic transmissions, it will cook and fail prematurely. if you really feel the need to "drop the clutch" (i know there's no clutch in autos, but it's a catchy phrase nonetheless) you've got the wrong transmission.