BMW SMG cheat

[Sachmo12345]

Popular Science:

There's a cheat code in the software running the BMW M3's sequential manual gearbox (SMG): Press the right buttons in the right order and the car will launch you from a stop after revving the engine to 5,000 rpm. But don't look for a how-to in the owners' manual—this feature is undocumented, an inside joke of sorts.

To our knowledge, it's also the first automotive "Easter egg," though—with increased reliance on computers—it would seem just a matter of time before they become standard fare, much like the hidden features in PC games and DVD movies. In the M3's case, there's also good reason for it: The SMG transmission is completely electronic, so you can't rev the engine and drop the clutch for tire-smoking acceleration—something the owner of a performance sedan just might want to do occasionally.

But there is a catch. In Europe, where the feature isn't so hush-hush, doing more than 15 launches voids the car's warranty. Federal laws prohibit such stipulations here, so BMW has turned down the wick. U.S.-spec cars are programmed to wind to only 2,500 rpm—and our test car topped off at 1,800. That's why you have to ask your dealer to install the European software. Most will happily oblige.

For lucky drivers of this hot car, here's how: Switch off the stability system and select shift program six. Switch the engine to sport mode. With the hand shifter in drive, hold it in the downshift position and press the gas pedal. The engine will rev to the preprogrammed rpm and hold. Now release the shifter. The car will launch forward violently and the engine's revs will climb quickly, so be prepared to upshift.

[SL55 AMG]

Wow that sounds pretty sweet...Very cool trick, especially for not being documented. Hey you can act like JPM more effectively now :D. Dont understand why BMW would not just have a Launch Control button, like that featured on the 360 CS, they are marketed as the 'Ultimate Driving Machine' :roll: :?

[crazyxzer0]

wow...an easter egg for a car....amazing... Anyone else can confirm this "auto launch" ? perhaps even a m3 smg owner?

[Schwalbe]

Great find Sachmo12345 for SMG owners. :D

You have reason, this SMG cheat is like the hidden features in PC games and in some DVD movies.

This is cool to know that it exists now some cheats or Launch Control buttons on some cars, because without these devices, I always preferred the manual transmissions.

[RC45]

Gives new life to the term Hotdoggin' it... now you gotta be Eastereggin' it to be cool ... ;

[adlinyusman]

thanks for the tip, will try to see if it works. hope it doesn't kill the clutch in the process.

[blah]

Wait so you cant just rev the M3? or you cant rev it in drive , or wtf. Cuz this kid i know has a BMW E-46 Carbon Black Cabriolet and he revved it up pretty well.

[ambry]

Popular Science:

For lucky drivers of this hot car, here's how: Switch off the stability system and select shift program six. Switch the engine to sport mode. With the hand shifter in drive, hold it in the downshift position and press the gas pedal. The engine will rev to the preprogrammed rpm and hold. Now release the shifter. The car will launch forward violently and the engine's revs will climb quickly, so be prepared to upshift.

Just to clarify, the gearbox should be in standard not auto mode.


Wait so you cant just rev the M3? or you cant rev it in drive , or wtf. Cuz this kid i know has a BMW E-46 Carbon Black Cabriolet and he revved it up pretty well.

The launch control is only for SMGII transmission, it limits rpm to 1800 on my US model M3. You can control the launch by the degree you depress the gas - if you have it depressed all the way very aggressive take off, if 1/2 or less on gas pedal less agrressive take off - either way limits the rpm to 1800 before you release shifter . If M3 has regular manual, you can rev as high as you want and drop the clutch. Or if you have the SMG in neutral you can also rev all you want.

[ambry]

Are you sure this is "hidden" info, cuz I saw a test of the M3 on a car program we have here in Norway and they did that launch, but he said it where a warning about it in the manual.....that doesnt sound very hush hush.... :?

BMWs in North American don't have this info in the owners manual.

[blah]

thanks for the clear up, the kids m3 is SMG II

[crazyxzer0]

It's probably because USA drivers are idiots and any promotion of skilled driving can cause lawsuits. :o

[blah]

Thats only because America needs a Autobahn of sorts. LA-NYC with cuts offs to the major cities on the way.

[crazyxzer0]

Do all americans take driving seriously? I mean the M5 didnt even have cupholders because BMW didnt think there was a need for it as going 150mph on autobahn with drinks isn't a bright idea, but BMW USA told them that americans like cupholders as our lives are always "on the go". Driving isnt taking as seriously here as out there in Germany.

[blah]

Dude we wont be going 150 MPH anytime soon, since we have no where to do 150 MPH legally. Also we take driving very seriously, why do you think there are mor cars in LA than people? Also note how many fights have broken out in the US about Ford vs Chevy vs Dodge. Also look at how many clubs we have in america about auto racing, and driving technics. Not including the Independent races, also look at our sheer number of race tracks.

[dutchmasterflex]

A nice manual transmission could do that with ease....
I would never bother buying a car with a SMG...

[coombsie66]

I hope they program this cheat into the new M5!!

[High3nd]

No way, driving is not taken seriously here, Trucks are taken serious though. Go to Germany for a few days and you'll see the difference. And while your there drive a Smart Car.

[StanAE86]

This "Easter Egg" has apparently been around on the E46 boards for about two years. I heard that the "cheat" requires the "European Software" for the M3 to be uploaded and that the US market cars will not do it with the US's OEM software. I also heard that BMWNA is quick to void the warranty if you upload the European software.

So...I guess it's BEWARE. US owners might not get 14 freebies...

[Sachmo12345]

glad to see you all liked it

[BADMIHAI]

I liked it, but I'd still buy it with the 6-speed and the 19' pimp wheels. Take a look at Awais' new beemer. :) 8) 8)

[na2o]

Dude we wont be going 150 MPH anytime soon, since we have no where to do 150 MPH legally. .
Man who does it legally? do u HAVE to? i mean i did 155mph in a main road just yesterday and a friend of mine did 175mph with his M5 on the same road. i don't know the situation in the place where u live but we don't have alot of radars and cameras here, so we enjoy the full power of our cars. i don't know why u buy a ferrari when u get arrested just for goin over 80 :?

[yg60m]

You're lucky man, i didn't think Saudi Arabia was so tolerant :?:

[Sachmo12345]

me too ^^^^^^

[FerrariFerrari]

There's no speed limits in Montana, of course there's hardly any paved
roads either, can you say Evo 8 heaven. 8) And also I thoght that in
some places out west there were no speed limits. In fact when the truck
drivers are driving out west they often go over 100mph, in an 18 wheeler
that is 8) .

[SFDMALEX]

Well this sucks. In Ferraris F1s you can rev it up to the redline and it will peal.

[kteo2003]

hey guys are you sure that this wasn't documented?...i knew from the bmw magazine that the car would have a launch control a long time ago.....it said that the car raved at 4000rpm before the "launch".