BMW's HAVE A HIDDEN LAUNCH MODE!
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- Опубликовано: 18 май 2023
- Yes, if your BMW has ASC+T, DSC or DTC then you have a hidden launch mode. That covers BMW's from the early 1990's right up to the present. This strange feature is a part of the traction control system and was known on the E31, E38 and E39 as a system to help get traction in poor conditions such as snow and mud - but, no-one really knew how it worked or what it did.
The later models have the same hidden feature - does it really make a difference - or is it just a an old tale passed along each generation of BMW owners? Today we will find out by doing exact timed runs using a 300 frames-per-second camera over a measured distance - poor road conditions and in all available traction modes including the hidden launch mode 
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I'm not exaggerating when i say WOW! 😲😲 My 645ci is alive! I put it in "easter egg" mode and took it for a spirited drive and OMG! Its a different beast! I was worried it would do something weird to the Dynamic Drive or Active Steering or Traction Control but no, it feels like it was built to be in this mode. Thanks Timm! I had discovered this option in the past by accident but I had no idea it made such a difference! Go and hold that button down, NOW! 😁😁😁
It's great fun - I was using it today on the way back from work!
Congrats on an ingenious comparison method. I didn't expect this degree of analysis!
My pleasure, it was good fun!
@Timm's BMW Repairs and Information ,also in the 1st run (in normal mode), the left rear wheel was in a dirt, while in 3 other runs, it was on the asphalt
Agree. Great method!
Great find Tim, all these young gents racing their 335s, and you are the one to find the secret launch mode, kudos
Thanks! The 650i has no problem with 335's!
Oh bugger, my 645ci was already an animal, now it's just an utter beast enabling this. Tried it out earlier on the roads near me (peak district) and I can honestly say it completely transforms the car. Next time some kid pulls up in a clapped out golf i'll be using it. Glad you found this out.
Running out now to try this! Love it! Just got back and did the Easter egg….wow, that was fun! Sounds beasty as well!
Great stuff, it's great fun isn't it!
It’s amazing how many people don’t know about that. Great video by the way!
Thanks!
Thanks for the info Tim..😁👍👍
Thank you, Timm! Keep up the amazing info!
I've really learned a lot about my 6 series from your page. Thank you again!
My pleasure!
Being a e63 owner myself, this was really interesting. Great video and thank you.
Go on, give it a go!
Done it with my e53 X5 wow what a difference great work Timm
Another satisfied customer!
@Timm's BMW Repairs and Information in the beginning of an acceleration, the torque matters much more than the power
Timm, great video. I can't wait to try this on my 645!
Let us know how you get on!
Very impressive video. Tim!
Thanks, it was good fun!
Good morning Timm.
I did the test as well,wow that's all I have to say. Thank you once again for your detailed report.
Yes, it makes quite a difference Michael!
Gr8 Vid as always Timm
Thanks Robert!
I liked the disclaimer to not try this at home. Sadly, the race track was booked and now I can look even cooler in front of the neighbors. Brilliant ranging. I wondered how you were going to do that.
Go on, give it a go!
Don't blame me if this goes bad, and correct me if I'm wrong, but I seem to remember reading that if you hold the car on the brake pedal and floor the accelerator the car will rev to 5000 rpm and then you just send it. This is in launch control mode. I've never dared trying it as mine has quite high miles and I didn't want to see the diff lying in the road behind me. 😬
I'll give that a go and report back!
@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformationWhat did you find Tim? I'm interested to hear!
Normal mode had a disadvantage since left rear wheel started on loose surface, which should be worse than the wet tarmac. Great video on an unknown feature though.
Yes, on that run it did, but did multiple runs and normal mode was still the slowest!
Thanks Tim😃 I have to test thatt tomorrow
Let us know how you get on!
@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation Oh yes, it runs better!!! And it feels like car gets more power😃
Thanks Tim I need to try on my 05, 645ci. 👍🏻
You should!
Brilliant! Thanks for this. I’ll be trying it tomorrow on my E63.
Btw, could you drive around town in this mode safely for any period? Would it be an overall more “zippy” experience with the safety parameters of “normal mode” still in place?
Let us know how you get on. Yes, fine for normal driving, I'll do a video on what I have found about this new mode next
Very cool Timm. Going to try this out on my 650i, and then on the wife’s 335xi. The AWD 335 has always launched well, but I’m curious to see if this mode exists, and if it makes any difference.
Let us know what happens!
Really interesting. Didn't work on my 2008 E90 N43 318i 2 litre engine. However, after 130k miles, I recently removed and cleaned the throttle body thoroughly with brake cleaner and the difference is amazing, like a new car. Cheers.
Hi Tim, great video as always! Just wondering what mode the system is in after launching if you continue to drive? After launching are safety systems still off or do you still get some ABS? Just wondering if you have to stop and turn off ignition before taking a corner at speed 😊
Once in the launch mode it will stay in that mode - but all the safety systems are still functioning so you are safe. Without these systems working the car wouldn't get off the line so quick!
@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation Thanks Tim! Can’t wait to try it! 👍🏻
Thx for another great video. I got an 645ci Manual, you think the hidden launch mode will also effect with it?
Yes it will, it works with DTC system
An E63 M6 owner here. Im interested to know if the procedure is different for the M series models. From personal experience, pressing the DSC button only goes straight to "danger mode", and skips the DTC notification. I know you may not have a ton of experience with these, but it would be cool to have a short disclaimer for any differences for the M6 on these videos aimed at 6 series owners in general
Try giving it an 11-second push and tell me what happens - do you get to locked-out mode? The earlier models (such as my E31, E32 and E38) all had the same - an 11-second push of ASC/DSC would go into this new mode.
Thanks Tim!
My pleasure!
Hello Timm, thank you for all your really healpfull videos. I have an x5 e53 with the m62b44tu with the original thermostat (105C). There are many Options to make the engine run alot cooler, from 70C, 80C, 85C,87C, and 88C - which one would you take? Thanks again and keep it up 👌👌
My pleasure! I would go for the 88C, a good compromise
Yes too much cooling is also bad, go for 95
Hi Timm, great comparison and awesome tip! But what about manual cars?
Thanks, just the same for manual cars....
Nice one Tim
Thanks!
Apologies, for the late arrival here. This post just came up on my suggested videos. I'm curious if anyone might have insights on whether this "Easter egg" mode exists in other E chassis models. Specifically, I have an E82 135i coupe with the ZF6HP transmission. No ASC button, but I do have a DTC button. Of note, I've upgraded the final drive to a MFactory torsen differential, and have already coded out the related braking interferences.
Great video
Thanks!
Finally managed to acquire a sweet low mileage E64 M6 - sadly not manual. Have had it for a week so still familiarizing with it but will get round to exploring these features over the weekend.
Good man!
Excellent ❤
Thanks!
I believe that DTC mode defaults to 2nd gear take off. It's designed to stop wheel spin in slick situations.
DTC mode certainly took off in first gear, it just span the wheels a bit more!
A bit out of the blue, but what are your thoughts on the newer 230i with the B48 engine? Any concerns in terms of reliability?
Hello Ken, I only have experience of the older BMW's - but I like the shape of the 2-series!
Brilliant, thanks Tim, my beloved 645 feels new😁now just the bumpy ride to sort out. I have owned my 645 for 14 years and love it, but the suspension seems to be very knocky and hard. I have friends at an MOT station who have been through everything front to back, nothing worn out, no play in anything, i have replaced all shocks and springs, and still no better. To be honest, my transit van is smoother and the wifes ford Kuga feels luxurious in comparison. Any ideas whats going on? Are there any electronic or hydraulic settings that may need sorting? I just cant believe its as bad as it is. I even tried changing the tyres but went back to the run flats..HELP😩👍
Throw away the run flats and buy proper tyres. I went for Goodyear Eagle F1 and the difference is night and day. It will never be as comfy as a 7 series but now it's actually usable on bumpy roads.
@700Fantomas007 ok thanks. I will try them. I just didn't want to spend a load on tyres and discover it wad setting I could adjust within the electronics. 👍🙏
Rft are known to make the driving much harder and uncomfortable
Did you change them meanwhile?
I have an F13 with a manual (sorry not for you guys in Europe). This trick works but unlike your experience, the DSC button is deactivated for 10 seconds and then you can cycle through the modes again (rather than needing to twitch the car off and on again). I have not tried the difference between the 4 options yet - buT next weekend I will give it a go. 😅
Let us know what happens!
Anybody knows how to get to the launch control ? where the car holds RPM until you want to get going ?
Any thoughts on my n62 smoking white after every cold start? It goes away right after though
Have a watch of this: ruclips.net/video/Yy_Vzir5xco/видео.html
The E31 can also lose the lights with a long press but think that’s just all off and not a launch mode as such?
No, a short press is all off - a long press is the hidden mode, the ASC+T is still active and the light will illuminate on the dash if you lose traction - see the video near the end when I give it a go
Awesome
Thanks!
Just wondering if i have that launch mode in my 99 540i sports..Thanks.
You don't, but you do have the secret mode
my memory isn't great but this I think this switches off the engine cut part of traction control so you are just left with the poor man LSD where it will break a spinning wheel to transfer power to the other side
Yes, it could be, but it does make a difference!
Love the work. Completely off topic. My 2005 645ci Cabriolet 6 Speed is building an issue. Battery keeps draining. Replaced the battery but the new one keeps dying as well. Also, the AC recently stopped blowing cold air. What do you suggest I should look at. Maybe perhaps a video.
New Battery requires registering to ecu even if its non stopstart technology, & get air con re-gassed from a specialized air con outlet who use machine to empty'clean'regas and check for any leaks... Make sure your climate settings are set to summer(cold)blue o/r winter(hot)red settings via i'drive menu (its in your owners manual). Hope this helps you.
@@balnsingh4118 The new battery has been registered, the climate menu is on the correct setting. I will get it regassed just to be sure. Thanks 👍🏼
@@GautamAtri might need bmw software diagnostics to locate drain... so many electronics, modules etc hope you get it sorted, good luck.
@@balnsingh4118 I'll have my mechanic come and check it I suppose. Good idea
@@GautamAtri good luck anyways... Short journey's or little usage is something these cars don't like either.
I’m going to try this with my E63 😊
Let us know what happens!
@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation I did try this today and I can confirm it blooming works,
And it makes a noticeable difference to how it launches 🚀. Mind you I won’t be doing it to often as rear tyres are rather expensive especially 19” ones lol 😂
I understand I’m in the U.S., but do you think these second generation 650i’s will ever go up in value?
They will go down in price, level off and then go back up again - starting in the UK already!
@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation Great news! Thank you for the response!!
I wanna try this on my e39 now… just gotta get it working right again…
Well, it worked well on the E38, and should be the same on the 5-Series
only in E series with a V8 ?
does it apply to E60 ?
Give it a go and find out!
@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation worked for me on a E60 523iA lci 🙏🙏🙏
Tim do you think the B7 2017 will have this?
I don't know for sure - give it a go!
No such luck, Did the button press, light went out after various holds . to confirm I re presses and dtc or what ever mine is came back on ,,,, they rumbled you @@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation
Is it in 630i also Tim .
Yes, all models after 1990
I’ll try this on the 550i
Let us know if it makes a difference!
Hi timm 630i automatic?
Yes, all BMW's with ASC+T, DSC or DTC
@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation thank you
Thought you were Adam Faith back from the grave
I'll take that, I liked Adam!