sf550i

Hi everyone,

I've been an owner of a 545 with smg , and a new 550i.

I just upgraded to the m5. But I don't have the manual. Can anyone tell me if there is a launch code for the m5 - or

Do you just shut/disengage everything and floor it in first gear with 500hp from a standing start?

Thanks

Heelsonwheels

Welcome and enjoy the forum. You won't find launch control in the manual. On an M3 w/smg it goes like this.

With an SMG;
switch off traction control DSC;
go to manual mode and select the last (fastest mode).
push the shift lever forward
press the accelerator
let go of the shift lever
Hang on and be ready to grab 2nd.

have fun.

EBMCS03

YA I think its pretty much that... Either push the center lever forward and hold it... or pull the left paddle and hold it... I think the US M5 is only restricted to rev up to 1500 RPMs and no more...

Oh and just hold the gas down... it will upshift for you... no need to upshift to second on your own.

sf550i

Hey EBMCS03:

what's up? Used to be sf545smg. Good seeing you here.

so what's the quickest way to launch from dead stop? or what's the best way that you've tried?

I literally just got the beast. Got rid of the 545, upgraded to 550 and now m5!

sf550i

I can't believe that no one responded to the launch control - well here it is -

One feature Henry couldn?t argue with was the M5?s launch control. Inspired by the same system that launches F1 cars so brutally off the line, it is simple to master: push the ?M? button on the wheel. Turn off the Dynamic Stability Control. Choose the most aggressive shift pattern. Hold the gearlever forwards. And floor the throttle. The car?s electronics will then pick the point where traction and revs are balanced and release the M5 amid a fury of wheelspin and frantic engine noise. If the M5 is accused of sounding diesel-like at start-up, the same cannot be said now; the 5.0-litre V10 gets more and more tuneful as it homes in on its 8,250rpm redline.
Compare the E63 and the M5 side-by-side

mlarson

How do you like the M5 over the 550? May sound like a dumb question but I am about to sell my 550 6-speed and get into the M5 SMG.. I drove a M6 SMG and that transmission is so much fun.. I didnt see the option to get into the 08 550 SMG anymore.

AlexFW

Lol, only 1500 rpm ? Really ?
1500 rpm is not a LC!

Heelsonwheels

smg is no longer available

sf550i

Funny - my first time on this forum was with an 04 545i smg - I loved it. radenergie r10's, Dinan cai, throttle bodies, M sport kit. - Awesome but not that fast?

The new 08 550 - prettiest car you've ever seen - especially the wheels! And he interior. The exhaust was great too. I only put 3000 miles on it.

By chance I drove the M5, I wasn't even looking to buy. 4 hours later I had the key in my hand to drive home.

The 550 is very fast. But its standing launches were very inconsistent. Even with all dsc functions off - it doesn;t really smoke the wheels very well. sometimes it had even bogged. Only if you power break or on a hill. Basically very boring.

The M5. I still can't believe that I am driving the beast. Even with p400 it's more fun than the 550. Its also a bit of a stiffer ride. But the exhaust sound is also amazing.

The M button is unbelieveable. I hit it and push the pedal hard through a very wide 1000 ft road with a wide dead end. When I went to turn it around at the end. I lightly pressed the pedal and turned the wheel. It made a brilliant 180 degree drift to turn around.

Took the same road over 10 times in the 550i. Lots of wheel spin, but no perfect drift. It just didn't have the horses. The 550i just kind of spun the tires but it couldn't get its big butt to glide very well. The m5 feels like a hummer compared to the m5 at p500.

Hope that helps.

mlarson

Hey SF550 you sound like the same type of driver I am.. I love my 550I. It's a 6 speed manual and it gives me so much however I want more.. I drove a buddies M6 and it was the most memorable experience. I need that power in 4 doors. I had a Dinan 540I Stage 3 and I miss that sound and performance. Thanks I think you helped me make my decision. Now lets see if BMW will lease me one for what I want to pay. I'm thinking leasing is the best option for the M. Just tear it up for 2 years and give it back to the dealer and take a 90% right off every month...