The new manual gearbox in the new BMW M3 and M4 has Launch Control!



Many BMW M enthusiasts rejoiced when the company announced the availability of a six-speed manual transmission in the latest G80/82 BMW M3 and M4 models.

While downshift rev-matching is an expected feature that is already available even in regular models, the new BMW M3 and M4 equipped with manual transmission now features a launch control function too.

It certainly isn’t easy to launch the BMW M3 and M4 with 550 Nm from just 2,650 rpm. In this ‘Get to know’ video, the team from BMW M highlights the steps to engage the Launch Control function in the new M car.

Watch the fancy footwork of a pro driver with a BMW M4 on a circuit!

Similar to the vehicles with automatic transmission, engaging launch control with the manual gearbox starts with pressing the ‘DSC’ switch once, which then engages MDM settings (M Dynamic Mode). The parking brake cannot be engaged too.

Press the clutch and slot the shift lever into first gear and apply full throttle. The driver’s display will then inform on the launch control activation which takes approximately four seconds to build up some boost pressure and perhaps prepare the traction control settings.

The six-cylinder engine will then spin to approximately 3,400 rpm and the driver has a five-second window to engage the clutch and launch the BMW M3 and M4. With 480 hp and 550 Nm from the BMW S58 twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre engine, the car reaches 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds while in second gear.

BMW also said the computer continues to engage in “full throttle” operation even when the driver lifts off to perform gear changes. This is done to ensure the turbochargers are continually building boost pressures.

The BMW M3 and M4 Competition models are now available for booking in Malaysia!

The engineer also said launch control precisely controls the traction on the rear tyres, hence the operation is M Dynamic Mode and not with DSC completely off. Turning it off will allow constant wheelspin and smoky burnouts.

The only other new model launched recently with the availability of launch control function on the manual transmission variant is the Hyundai i30 N. BMW Malaysia currently only offers the Competition variant with an increase in horsepower and torque levels and paired with an 8-speed M automatic transmission, priced from RM664,800 for the BMW M3 sedan.

Title image credit: dschmdt Instagram


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