Power button and Drivelogic

[flea333]

Two things I havne't found good explanations of --

1) What does the power button actually do? All I know is that when I press it I feel as though 50 more ft-lb's of torque are at my command. How is this possible?

2) What's the deal with the hidden 6th drive logic option? I don't even understand what drive logic does in sequential drive mode anyway. I finally figured out in Drive mode that it changes the shift points lower or higher and sooner. But in manual mode don't you control when you shift? Or does drivelogic do the same thing by shifting before the red line? I don't understand why DSC has to be off to use this mode also.

3) When do the shift indicator lights come on? I've never seen them light up and have gotten to 7k rpm.

[jamze132]

Since you don't know your ///M, can I have it?

[MysticBlue]

Originally Posted by flea333

Two things I havne't found good explanations of --

1) What does the power button actually do? All I know is that when I press it I feel as though 50 more ft-lb's of torque are at my command. How is this possible?

2) What's the deal with the hidden 6th drive logic option? I don't even understand what drive logic does in sequential drive mode anyway. I finally figured out in Drive mode that it changes the shift points lower or higher and sooner. But in manual mode don't you control when you shift? Or does drivelogic do the same thing by shifting before the red line? I don't understand why DSC has to be off to use this mode also.

3) When do the shift indicator lights come on? I've never seen them light up and have gotten to 7k rpm.

All these things have been discussed a million times over the years, but I'm bored, so...
1. Power button should not be labeled "Power" button, it should be labeled "Throttle Position Sensitivity". That's all it does. The computer looks at throttle position, 0-100%. The button just changes the curve that the computer sees for your pedal position. The power button makes the throttle more sensitive at the beginning of it's travel. You push it in 50% and instead of seeing 50%, the computer sees 70%. 100% is still 100% either way. There is no more than 100%. No more torque, no more hp. The power button does not add any torque or hp. Go to a track event and I guarantee the instructor will tell you leaving it on normal is better. Smoother is better.
2. 6th position of drive logic only comes up as an option when you turn off DSC. My advice is that you do not do this. This is where you start if you are doing launch control, which I also advise you not to do at this point.
In S mode, higher settings cause the transmission to shift faster and more aggressively and to rev match more aggressively on downshifts. You should be able to feel the diffence shifting at higher rpm under heavy throttle and you should hear the difference downshifting at higher rpm. You should really be able to tell the difference between 1 and 5. Again, 6 is only going to happen with DSC off. No reason for you to go there.
3. Shift indicator lights can be turned on in settings, I think under M settings. I don't remember specifically, but if you search around in the menus, you will find it. If you don't have nav, then you can use the thingy on the turn signal stalk.. someone else will have to splain that, or you could search. It's here somewhere.

[gatorfast]

Its amazing how some people purchase this car knowing absolutely nothing about it.

[jimf15e]

Even if you have the shift lights turned on, they won't illuminate unless in manual mode AND under pretty aggressive throttle.

[rpl77]

Originally Posted by gatorfast

Its amazing how some people purchase this car knowing absolutely nothing about it.

I'm sure not everyone is an M3 expert when they buy their car. If you knew absolutely everything there is to know in this car when you bought it, then kudos to you.

[gatorfast]

Originally Posted by rpl77

I'm sure not everyone is an M3 expert when they buy their car. If you knew absolutely everything there is to know in this car when you bought it, then kudos to you. I'm sure you've never started threads in the forum asking for help/advice

I knew basic things like what the power button does, what the different shift settings in DCT are for (even though I have a 6spd), etc. I also received a manual with my car that explained what all these functions did as well.

[EvenSteven]

RTFM and stop being a waste of air. You have a manual and I assume a brain, use them.

Mystic Blue is mostly correct, except Drivelogic has no effect on how quickly the DCT shifts. Once you reach D/S4, it starts powershifting, but the speed of the shift is always the same. Drivelogic also modulates torque/traction, which gives you that surge in higher settings, and let's you maintain traction on poor roads in lower settings.

[mdosu]

I can't believe it. It's 2013 and the E92 ceased production, this forum has been around for seven years, and still "what does the power button do", and when the dct lights come on? or

[GVIFlyer]

Originally Posted by MysticBlue

All these things have been discussed a million times over the years, but I'm bored, so...
1. Power button should not be labeled "Power" button, it should be labeled "Throttle Position Sensitivity". That's all it does. The computer looks at throttle position, 0-100%. The button just changes the curve that the computer sees for your pedal position. The power button makes the throttle more sensitive at the beginning of it's travel. You push it in 50% and instead of seeing 50%, the computer sees 70%. 100% is still 100% either way. There is no more than 100%. No more torque, no more hp. The power button does not add any torque or hp. Go to a track event and I guarantee the instructor will tell you leaving it on normal is better. Smoother is better.
2. 6th position of drive logic only comes up as an option when you turn off DSC. My advice is that you do not do this. This is where you start if you are doing launch control, which I also advise you not to do at this point.
In S mode, higher settings cause the transmission to shift faster and more aggressively and to rev match more aggressively on downshifts. You should be able to feel the diffence shifting at higher rpm under heavy throttle and you should hear the difference downshifting at higher rpm. You should really be able to tell the difference between 1 and 5. Again, 6 is only going to happen with DSC off. No reason for you to go there.
3. Shift indicator lights can be turned on in settings, I think under M settings. I don't remember specifically, but if you search around in the menus, you will find it. If you don't have nav, then you can use the thingy on the turn signal stalk.. someone else will have to splain that, or you could search. It's here somewhere.

Good post, particularly your recommendations about the "Power" button - mine's welded in the "Normal" position.

[BIGW0RM]

You guys are dicks. Just help the guy out. This forum is going to shit with replies like that. Way to help a member out!

[///M Power-Belgium]

It looks like this........

[1MOREMOD]

these are all new topics to me continue.

[okusa]

Originally Posted by ILSMKU

You guys are dicks. Just help the guy out. This forum is going to shit with replies like that. Way to help a member out!

+1

[rpl77]

Originally Posted by ILSMKU

You guys are dicks. Just help the guy out. This forum is going to shit with replies like that. Way to help a member out!

+1000

[OilPatch]

I for 1 have found this thread quite enlightening.

[Falafel Combo]

Originally Posted by gatorfast

Its amazing how some people purchase this car knowing absolutely nothing about it.

What is there to know? It's an M3!


I personally did not do to much research in advance of my purchase. All i needed to know is that it is an e92, and M3. That's about it. The guy was shocked when I said I didn't want to test drive it. I personally find it extremely rewarding to read and learn new stuff about the car everyday.

[Falafel Combo]

Originally Posted by ILSMKU

You guys are dicks. Just help the guy out. This forum is going to shit with replies like that. Way to help a member out!

Ha! So true. Too many forum rat know-it-alls.


Thanks for supporting the new members.

[mdosu]

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

these are all new topics to me continue.

let us know when you upgrade to a E9X, then we can discuss the merits of M button.

[cambit]

just to be devil's advocate, the search function on this forum sucks balls. this is 2013, we need a Wiki style compendium of all M3 knowledge.

[mdosu]

Originally Posted by cambit

just to be devil's advocate, the search function on this forum sucks balls. this is 2013, we need a Wiki style compendium of all M3 knowledge.

have you tried the advance serach feature?

http://www.m3post.com/forums/search.php

it'll narrow down the search

[TexasSpartan]

I didn't know what the "M" button did when I bought my car. Like someone said, I knew it was a E92 M3. I test drove a couple at whatever setting the dealer had it set at and that was all I needed to know. It's disappointing to see when new people show up on the forum to see them get hammered by some of you. I consider myself still "new" as I certainly do not know everything there is to know about my car. When I installed my backup camera on my car I found a lot of useful information from people on here willing to help. True car enthusiasts will talk about their cars all day long even if it's about the most basic of topics.
If not for new members, this forum will die and given the current state of the admins banning people on a weekly basis, it may not take that long.