Can Dealers See Launch Control Use?

[hl0m4n]

can a service tech see how many times launch control was used? thanks for info.

[BMW M Power Mexico]

Yes.

[alpineweissM3]

There was talk that they could see this in the old SMG...not sure about the DCT.

[cap_freez]

Of course they can.... they know everything about how you drive

[BaLLzZz]

I don't have any technical data to back it up but i would say YES guaranteed. They can see anything and everything you input to the pedal or dct lever.

[niqui]

i was told they can when they check ur max revs etc...

[audioMeth]

can you clear it with a BT?

[Krozi]

Originally Posted by niqui

i was told they can when they check ur max revs etc...

Yup, you can also check them yourself with an OBD-II scanner.

If you money shifted, they'll know and won't cover you...

[MN M3]

Yes, they'll know - the car is recording all paramaters of how your drive - acceleration, wheel spin, brake force, etc. You cannot hide it. If you "clear" it with a scan tool, they'll know that as well - you might as well tie a sign around your neck that says, "Yes, I abuse my can, and, yes, I know how to try to cover it up." Either way, warranty gone.

[mrkbbd]

Does a "failed" launch count towards the launch control count...like if you don't end up going through with the launch for w/e reason?

[SUB-ZERO]

Even if you use the LC, it doesn't mean that you will void your warranty; only Nissan seems to do that..LOL.

However, if they can tie a component failure to obvious abuse, then they may void the warranty for that specific part.

[TTBear]

Originally Posted by mrkbbd

Does a "failed" launch count towards the launch control count...like if you don't end up going through with the launch for w/e reason?

I'd like to know this, too.

On several occasions, when demonstrating how to initiate launch control, I've set it up as far as getting the chequered flag, but then didn't actually LAUNCH the car.

I wonder if this registers as a "launch"?? I think not, as the associated high revs wouldn't be there, but it would be interesting to know....

can anyone chime in with the answer?

[jaglacs]

Big Brother, Yes

[gatorfast]

Why would using launch control frequently affect the warranty? This is a feature that comes with the car and is meant to be used.

[FStop7]

Originally Posted by gatorfast

Why would using launch control frequently affect the warranty? This is a feature that comes with the car and is meant to be used.

+100

[MN M3]

Originally Posted by mrkbbd

Does a "failed" launch count towards the launch control count...like if you don't end up going through with the launch for w/e reason?

Yes, the computer records the LC program being activated, even if it "fails" and doesn't result in an actual launch. It also records the parameters encountered when you do an actual launch.

As for the warranty issue - just because a car has a feature that, logically, should not result in a warranty voidance doesn't mean it won't happen. If you do one launch and something breaks, probably no issue. But, repeated launches will result in BMW claiming "abuse," and they will deny the claim. As noted above, the GT-R had that issue - lots of warranty denials. They've tried to address it by altering the LC program to result in SLOWER launches to reduce the stress on the parts. They still deny the claims, however. BMW will do the same.

[gatorfast]

Perhaps a dealership might deny a warranty claim if launch control was used a bunch but I doubt that would hold up in court if it went that far. How can it be "abuse" if you are using a feature of the car the way its intended to be used? It would be like denying to fix a broken door because they claim you opened/closed it too much.

[RevFreak14]

I may sound like a fool and this is probably for another thread but I've tried LC three times and I can't get it to work. I'm probably doing something wrong. I can get it to the checkered flag and the screen on the Idrive says "Launch Contro" but when I release the shifter nothing happens. I had an E46 before and I was able to launch. Can someone tell me step by step how to do a launch?? I'd appreciate it because I'm obviously doing something wrong. Thanks.



-----------------------------------

09 E92 M3 - Current
05 E46 M3 - Gone
02 330ci - Gone

[MN M3]

Originally Posted by gatorfast

Perhaps a dealership might deny a warranty claim if launch control was used a bunch but I doubt that would hold up in court if it went that far. How can it be "abuse" if you are using a feature of the car the way its intended to be used? It would be like denying to fix a broken door because they claim you opened/closed it too much.

If you did swing your door open and closed too much, they probably would deny a warranty claim. Car companies are becoming draconian about warranty claims - if they smell anything out-of-whack, they will deny it.

Now, all the warranty advocates out there are going to jump up and down and cite the M-M federal warranty law. That law only applies to modifications, and it is a pathetic law to begin with. The company can claim "abuse" all day, and their decision will stick UNLESS you want to hire experts and lawyers to argue with them in court - that will cost you far more than the repair costs. Even then, it's their experts against yours - you only have a 50/50 shot at best unless it's a really egregious denial on their part.

[immiketoo]

I actually spoke to a BMW claim advisor and they can track EVERYTHING. He was reviewing an E46 that 118 seconds of over rev and a blown motor. You could see everything on the printout. Pretty amazing stuff.

[gundamz]

I believed the car has a recording device that records certain conditions. The dealer probably can see the driving habits and all related info if they want to. Big brother is watching you!

[xxe92xx]

thats sum bullshit....and i dont believe a dumbass service advisor can see that info on demand, it must go higher....fuck the dealer

there must be a way to "edit" that data...but none the less its a feature and a feature is meant to be used its as simple as that