How To Find Out DCT Launch Usage?

[hl0m4n]

can the bavarian technic tool show how many times a dct has been launched?

if not, is there a way?

im asking because i am looking into a used m3 w/ dct and don't want a car that has been beat on.

help much appreciated, thanks guys .

[M3ryder55]

some say there is a way, others say there isn't.

None the less maybe you should ask your local dealership if there is any way of checking.

I know on the GTR's dealerships can scan and print out a copy of how many times the car was launched in details such as rpm's and such.

[URBAN LEGEND]

You mean using launch control or just launching? I would say launch control is easier on the drivetrain.

[FLOSS M]

Buy new and no worries

[FLOSS M]

In reality it is a M3, of course it was beat on!

[BMW3R]

Originally Posted by DDS335i

In reality it is a M3, of course it was beat on!

Ditto

[hl0m4n]

you would think that all m3s are beat on but ive seen more mid age professional guys driving them than young guys in my area and im sure that is the case most of the time when buying a cpo/used m3.

these are the guys that buy the car for status rather than really pushing it to their limits.

if only there was a way to find out how many times launch control was used on a dct though...

[drivendriver]

Originally Posted by hl0m4n

you would think that all m3s are beat on but ive seen more mid age professional guys driving them than young guys in my area and im sure that is the case most of the time when buying a cpo/used m3.

these are the guys that buy the car for status rather than really pushing it to their limits.

Don't underestimate "mid age professional guys".

[ShadeD1]

Originally Posted by drivendriver

Don't underestimate "mid age professional guys".

+1
I beat the hell out of mine pretty regularly

of course my wife says I'm really only 12 years old

[sameh]

I'm a 39 years old professional who reaches 8000 rpm on almost daily bases and occasionally uses the hand break in corners!

[rabman5]

Originally Posted by hl0m4n

these are the guys that buy the car for status rather than really pushing it to their limits.

[mkoesel]

I am curious about this too. Any word on the BT tool, OP?

[FruitCake]

im a professional poser

[jdgamble]

Originally Posted by DDS335i

Buy new and no worries

Brilliant advice. Better yet, but a brand new Ferrari 458... They're more fun!

OP - Not sure on # of launches, but have you considered what is an acceptable number? Here's the thing... you have to drive any used car and feel for noise or harshness in the drivetrain. If it feels solid, it is solid. If it feels loose, or there is excessive noise or clunking, then you might want to stay away. Also check maintenance history. The issue with used or out-of-warranty BMW's is rarely the major mechanicals... It's the little shit that can get expensive. So I guess what I'm saying is that you can't really evaluate an M3 from computer data... you need to evaluate the actual car.

Just my opinion.

[hl0m4n]

^ true, i guess if it feels ok it should be ok, its just the thought i guess.

im real close to my sa but he on vacation, am waiting for him to return so i can ask him if he can pull the info up.

it would be nice if bt tool or some diagostic tool can pick it up also.

i would suspect the mid aged guys on this forum to drive their cars to the limit, i mean you are on the forums right . but we are just a fraction of m3 buyers out there.

i want to buy used as the price difference is about $12k from a new one at $500 over invoice. i would rather pocket that and put some towards mods, savings, etc.

i don't see why i should buy a new m3 when they are all the same except the little changes throughout the years and be hit with depreciation as soon as i leave the lot on a new one.

probably will buy a 09-10 and maybe a 11 if im lucky. there was 2 recent 11 cars posted in the sales section one 600 miles and another 3600 miles both 66k.

[unclejesse1]

Originally Posted by DDS335i

In reality it is a M3, of course it was beat on!

yup drive it like u stole it

[sameh]

Is it just me or others too out there get really suspicious when you see 2010 and especially 2011 being sold as used. I can understand 2009, someone needs to change but 2011 what? Didn't like the car after 2000 miles on it? Or just realized it doesn't do 40m/gallon? Or may be raced with a Ferrari and found out that Ferrari could beat M3? I don't get it

[Frozen Black Panther]

its an m3 you think the previous owner drove it to sunday school

[mikewads]

I use the BT Tool quite often. I have not seen any option that would provide the number of DCT launchs.

[sameh]

something just crossed my mind about your thread. The BT tool may record how many times the launch control function was activated but that shouldn't reflect how many times it was actually used. Case in point, the other day I started a thread to tell me what I'm doing wrong that I cant get to launch control mode. Once I got a hold of how to do it, I tried same procedures again to confirm. The checkered flag showed up on my display 3 times that day and the screen said "Launch Control" but I never actually used it.
The other issue is that I down shift as I'm driving and push the RPM to the limit frequently (2-3/week) that won't be reported as LC usage but it has the same engine pressure as LC does.

[FLOSS M]

If you are buying a used car you can never know the full history, M3 or whatever. This is why you are paying less because it is USED. If you are so concerned about how it was driven, launch control, red line etc... get a good warranty for the time you own it. If not, then buy new and have no worries. I think everyone can agree with this.

[bobbyd1961]

my wife uses launch control daily and hits between 8000 and 8300 rpms daily.