[Padfan9]

Do you get better launch with 4WD or 2WD and launch control? Or 4WD with launch control? I just got my M5, and can't feel a huge difference in handling, but I do notice off the line the tires don't spin and it just launches. My 1,200 service isn't due yet, so no launch control, but curious on the best mode for daily driving around town with fast acceleration for fun.

I usually keep it in:

Sport Plus - Engine
Sport Plus - Suspension
Sport - Steering

D3 and MDM / 4WD

Thoughts?

[SenorFunkyPants]

I've had my std M5 a year and I've settled with:
M1
Sport engine
Comfort suspension
Comfort steering.
Std 4WD
Std HUD

M2
Sport plus engine
Sport plus suspension
Comfort steering.
Std 4WD
M HUD

Not a massive difference between Sport and Sport plus throttle except Sport is a little quieter.
Comfort suspension is great for everyday rough roads...Sports Plus for smooth roads.
Comfort steering has the best feel.
Never used Launch control.

[Maverik259]

M1: S+ engine
Comfort suspension
Sport steering
4WD
M HUD

M2: S+ engine
Sport suspension
Sport steering
MDM
M HUD

[POBA]

M1 (summer driving):
Sport plus engine
Comfort suspension
Comfort steering
MDM
M HUD

M2 (winter driving):
Sport plus engine
Comfort suspension
Comfort steering
4WD
M HUD

IMHO steering setting other than comfort it is artificially heavy, at least for me...

For a reason that I can't figure out yet, I am unable to successfully launch the car every time I want to, any thoughts would be appreciated!

[Dual.V8]

Hi

You can't launch your M5 in 2WD .
Personnaly i don't use the 2WD except in empty parking ( this car is dangerous in RWD mode )

[Padfan9]

Originally Posted by SenorFunkyPants

I've had my std M5 a year and I've settled with:
M1
Sport engine
Comfort suspension
Comfort steering.
Std 4WD
Std HUD

M2
Sport plus engine
Sport plus suspension
Comfort steering.
Std 4WD
M HUD

Not a massive difference between Sport and Sport plus throttle except Sport is a little quieter.
Comfort suspension is great for everyday rough roads...Sports Plus for smooth roads.
Comfort steering has the best feel.
Never used Launch control.

Thank you!

[Padfan9]

Originally Posted by POBA

M1 (summer driving):
Sport plus engine
Comfort suspension
Comfort steering
MDM
M HUD

M2 (winter driving):
Sport plus engine
Comfort suspension
Comfort steering
4WD
M HUD

IMHO steering setting other than comfort it is artificially heavy, at least for me...

For a reason that I can't figure out yet, I am unable to successfully launch the car every time I want to, any thoughts would be appreciated!

I agree, steering feels very heavy. I will try comfort, I haven't yet. Thanks!

[Padfan9]

Originally Posted by White_f90

Hi

You can't launch your M5 in 2WD .
Personnaly i don't use the 2WD except in empty parking ( this car is dangerous in RWD mode )

I assume rear wheels spin and it gets a bit crazy in 2WD, I'll have to see thanks

[GranitM5]

I mainly drive this in RWD. This is my first AWD performance car and I'm just used the the back sliding out.

[Padfan9]

Originally Posted by GranitM5

I mainly drive this in RWD. This is my first AWD performance car and I'm just used the the back sliding out.

Same.... but I kind of like it gripping and shooting off the line.

[Aronis]

My 2 cents.

Rain plus 2 wheel drive mode = DEADLY.....FRIGGEN DEADLY......
Dry plus 2 wheel drive mode = fun, but can be, you guessed it DEADLY. So easy to break the rears loose if you stomp on it.
Snow plus 2 wheel drive mode = CRAZY.

They really should have the 2 wheel drive mode WITH traction control still on as an option. The 2 wheel drive mode has no nannies, just the limited slip differential.

Mike

[pcai]

Steering is sport is too artificially heavy. I think that the launch control is not locked before the break-in service, so in theory you could launch it now, although you should probably save it for after the break-in service. I like to keep it in 4wd sport MDM for spirited driving. The rear can still get pretty lively in this mode. The best launches are in 4wd (normal) with DSC off, the car often short shifts into 2nd when launching in 4wd sport.

[Padfan9]

Originally Posted by pcai

Steering is sport is too artificially heavy. I think that the launch control is not locked before the break-in service, so in theory you could launch it now, although you should probably save it for after the break-in service. I like to keep it in 4wd sport MDM for spirited driving. The rear can still get pretty lively in this mode. The best launches are in 4wd (normal) with DSC off, the car often short shifts into 2nd when launching in 4wd sport.

What's the difference between 4WD sport and normal?

[pcai]

Originally Posted by Padfan9

What's the difference between 4WD sport and normal?

4wd sport sends more power to the rear wheels, not sure the exact distribution (perhaps 85/15?).

[Earlando86]

M1 for burnouts
M2 for quick takeoffs
Regular for around town comfort

[SenorFunkyPants]

Originally Posted by pcai

4wd sport sends more power to the rear wheels, not sure the exact distribution (perhaps 85/15?).

Its my understanding that the xdrive sends all the power to the rear wheels and only sends some power to the front wheels should the rear wheels lose grip.

[Padfan9]

Originally Posted by SenorFunkyPants

Its my understanding that the xdrive sends all the power to the rear wheels and only sends some power to the front wheels should the rear wheels lose grip.

So really, 4WD sport isn't really 4 wheel drive? The true 4WD all the time is in regular 4WD?

[SenorFunkyPants]

Originally Posted by Padfan9

So really, 4WD sport isn't really 4 wheel drive? The true 4WD all the time is in regular 4WD?

From the BMW manual:
"The BMW MVTG control only applies torque to the front axle after the rear axle exhibits slip and additional drive torque transfer to the rear axle is therefore no longer effective."

So you have:
4WD...4WD as described above with DSC full on.
4WD...4WD as described above with DSC full off.

4WD sport....as 4WD but in M Dynamic Mode which allows more rear lateral slip but maintains a level of (DSC) stability control.
4WD sport....as 4WD but with DSC off which allows more rear lateral slip with no stability control.

2WD...2 wheel drive with no DSC.

With confidence, sufficient wheel time and an empty (damp) road you can feel the moment the drive is being transferred to the front wheels as the rears lose grip...especially if you have some steering angle applied as the steering tightens up when the torque is applied to the front wheels.

The above is from the BMW F90 M5 complete manual....I've only driven in 4WD and 4WD in MDM (in the dry)...I've never even tried the various button combinations.