[GrabEmByTheBimmer]

I've got a 2015 335i (F30 N55) w/ M Sports package.

I've read a few threads but after trying it myself, could not get the 'flag' to appear on the dash while trying the launch control instructions on page 75 of my manual.

Is launch control enabled on these versions of the 335i? Where should I see the flag logo appear? I've seen versions w/ a big orange flag in the top center of the dash, and another video from an older 335i with a small white flag in the lower right corner of the dash. For me, no flags

I'm also curious if someone can put my mind at ease as to whether or not doing this is damaging to the engine/transmission/drivetrain, etc. Is it bad to go WOT for a few seconds while holding the brakes?

Here's how I tried:
Sport + mode active
Sport shifting active
Press brake firmly
Push gas to WOT and hold for a few seconds. I also tried at 2.5k rpms like I saw someone on the youtubes do. No flag appeared on the dash

The first couple of times I tried it I assumed Sport + mode would turn traction control off - but apparently (according to a thread here) that is only 'partially off'. So I then tried by holding the t/c button until `DSC off` appeared on the dashboard - still no luck, although this time I only held the gas for ~2 seconds because I felt like there's no way this could be good on the car! Hoping that I'm wrong.

[XxThe_RemedyXx]

Originally Posted by GrabEmByTheBimmer

I've got a 2015 335i (F30 N55) w/ M Sports package.

I've read a few threads but after trying it myself, could not get the 'flag' to appear on the dash while trying the launch control instructions on page 75 of my manual.

Is launch control enabled on these versions of the 335i? Where should I see the flag logo appear? I've seen versions w/ a big orange flag in the top center of the dash, and another video from an older 335i with a small white flag in the lower right corner of the dash. For me, no flags

I'm also curious if someone can put my mind at ease as to whether or not doing this is damaging to the engine/transmission/drivetrain, etc. Is it bad to go WOT for a few seconds while holding the brakes?

Here's how I tried:
Sport + mode active
Sport shifting active
Press brake firmly
Push gas to WOT and hold for a few seconds. I also tried at 2.5k rpms like I saw someone on the youtubes do. No flag appeared on the dash

The first couple of times I tried it I assumed Sport + mode would turn traction control off - but apparently (according to a thread here) that is only 'partially off'. So I then tried by holding the t/c button until `DSC off` appeared on the dashboard - still no luck, although this time I only held the gas for ~2 seconds because I felt like there's no way this could be good on the car! Hoping that I'm wrong.

Did you push the accelerator past the "kick down" point? It feels like a little button being depressed on your foot when done properly.

[iron_sultan]

As stated above, my issue with getting it to appear was not pushing all the way down to depress the WOT button behind the peddle. However, I will say that my launch control causes me to still spin A LOT. So I don't really use it.

[mclark2112]

I don't think this car has launch control, I have the same vehicle.

[Jvac]

Originally Posted by mclark2112

I don't think this car has launch control, I have the same vehicle.

If you have sport+ transmission option on the 8 speed auto, then you have launch control. I didnt think I had it either until I read the threads on this site. OP I have the same car. 2015 335i.
The engine has to be warm first. You need to drive like 6 miles without turning off the engine before it will work.
Switch to sport+, shifter to the left, mash brake pedal, and floor the Throttle.
After a second or two the revs will drop to around 2000. Keep it floored. A second or two later the launch control will activate. When ready release the brake and off you go.

[jh_f30]

Originally Posted by Jvac

If you have sport+ transmission option on the 8 speed auto, then you have launch control. I didnt think I had it either until I read the threads on this site. OP I have the same car. 2015 335i.
The engine has to be warm first. You need to drive like 6 miles without turning off the engine before it will work.
Switch to sport+, shifter to the left, mash brake pedal, and floor the Throttle.
After a second or two the revs will drop to around 2000. Keep it floored. A second or two later the launch control will activate. When ready release the brake and off you go.

+1

Also, if you have launch control active, I don't think "WOT" with your foot on the brake will be an issue because it's electronically controlled anyways and I'm pretty sure there are some safeguards built in. That being said, it's probably not great for your drivetrain and will accelerate wear and tear on driveline components. I tried it a few times, just to see how it goes, but outside of the dragstrip, I don't see much use for it.

[bimmer456]

Launch control doesn't give you the best launches. It depends on the road surface and the system learns from multiple launches. Also depends on what launch rpm you set it at.

[Pittcrew]

Do all F series cars have launch control? I have an early 2013 335iX sedan.

[jmack]

Originally Posted by Pittcrew

Do all F series cars have launch control? I have an early 2013 335iX sedan.

If you have the Sport Automatic transmission, you have launch control. If you have the non-Sport Auto, you will have to do some coding to enable it.

[akf30]

Probably user error, because you have it and should work, I've only dont it a few times, but follow the steps mentioned above and it'll work.

[GrabEmByTheBimmer]

I took it out and re-tested Launch Control for the first time since posting this. After warming up vehicle, trying 4 times, for sure I didn't have this feature.

I then figured out the issue by re-reading my car's manual (who would have thought?) and researching here. While I do have an M-sport package (suspension, brakes, trim), I did not have the Steptronic Sport transmission package. This is not to be confused with sport shifting mode, which I did have (flipping the shift lever to the left). The Steptronic Sport transmission package (as opposed to the regular Steptronic transmission) can be recognized in my F30 N55 by having steering wheel shift paddles, a different shift lever, and the upgraded Steptronic Sport software (which includes Launch Control) - a package which has historically only cost $500 extra on new buildsheets. I have none of these features. Just a fat M trim steering wheel w/ no paddles and no Launch Control. The transmission hardware of the two steptronic packages is the same, so a software upgrade was all I needed. I opened up Bimmercode and was in awe that I could edit the transmission software and that Steptronic Sport was disabled this whole time! I simply enabled Steptronic Sport Transmission software, not really expecting much. But damn. The shifts feel completely different. They're so much faster and feel more aggressive (way more fun). I paired this upgrade with an update to my existing BM3 stage 1 flash tune (version 7.x promised more boost and hp) and man - this is a totally different car. The transmission is so fun now.

And as for Launch Control, that's even more fun. To see that flag pop up and get the wheels spinning a little and really take off w stage 1 torque puts a smile on my face every time. BMW manual says not to do this too frequently to avoid wear/damage. I'll try my best to listen

[Randy Johnson]

Originally Posted by GrabEmByTheBimmer

I took it out and re-tested Launch Control for the first time since posting this. After warming up vehicle, trying 4 times, for sure I didn't have this feature.

I then figured out the issue by re-reading my car's manual (who would have thought?) and researching here. While I do have an M-sport package (suspension, brakes, trim), I did not have the Steptronic Sport transmission package. This is not to be confused with sport shifting mode, which I did have (flipping the shift lever to the left). The Steptronic Sport transmission package (as opposed to the regular Steptronic transmission) can be recognized in my F30 N55 by having steering wheel shift paddles, a different shift lever, and the upgraded Steptronic Sport software (which includes Launch Control) - a package which has historically only cost $500 extra on new buildsheets. I have none of these features. Just a fat M trim steering wheel w/ no paddles and no Launch Control. I opened up Bimmercode and was in awe that I could edit the transmission software and that Steptronic Sport was disabled this whole time! I simply enabled Steptronic Sport Transmission software, not really expecting much. But damn. The shifts feel completely different. They're so much faster and feel more aggressive (way more fun). I paired this upgrade with an update to my existing BM3 stage 1 flash tune (version 7.x promised more boost and hp) and man - this is a totally different car. The transmission is so fun now.

And as for Launch Control, that's even more fun. To see that flag pop up and get the wheels spinning a little and really take off w stage 1 torque puts a smile on my face every time. BMW manual says not to do this too frequently to avoid wear/damage. I'll try my best to listen

Great update!!! I love when these cars allows us to modify things. This was a great find. Probably feels like a new car now.