As the title states, does this new trans have a launch controle feature? If so does any one know the procedure?

 

Hi, AMGGOODZ. "Race Start" is the official term.

From the MB manual:

RACE START function
The new RACE START function allows for optimal vehicle acceleration from standstill. Certain basic requirements must be fulfilled for RACE START to
be activated:
• Driver door, trunk lid and engine hood closed
• Engine, transmission, ESP and ABS not in
emergency operation mode
• ESP Sport mode activated

The following parameters are also checked before the RACE START function is started:
• Engine oil temperature T > 80 °C
• Position of steering angle sensor:

The steering wheel must be in the straight-ahead position
• No thermal overload of start-up clutch
• Gear range "D" must be engaged

If one of these basic requirements is not fulfilled, RACE START is not possible or is aborted.

The following messages are displayed in the multifunction displays:
• Left multifunction display: "RACE START"
• Right multifunction display: "not possible, see operator's manual"

RACE START procedure
1. Actuate brake pedal
When the brake pedal is actuated by the left foot of the driver, pressure is built up in the hydraulic brake system. The level of pressure is forwarded to the fully integrated transmission control unit (VGS) by the ESP, SPS [PML] and BAS control unit via the CAN bus.

2. Engage gear range
The AMG DRIVE UNIT control unit receives feedback about gear range engagement from the fully integrated transmission control unit via CAN bus.

3. Call up RACE START
RACE START mode is activated in the fully integrated transmission control unit via the AMG DRIVE UNIT by turning the transmission mode adjustment rotary switch to position "RS". The transmission control unit then evaluates the following signals:
• Engine oil temperature
• Steering angle sensor position
• Temperature of wet start-up clutch

The fully integrated transmission control unit also displays the following messages via the instrument cluster:
• Left multifunction display: "Paddle DOWN to abort RACE START"
• Right multifunction display: "Paddle UP to confirm RACE START"

4. Activate/deactivate RACE START
The signal to confirm or abort RACE START is transmitted to the fully integrated transmission control unit via the steering column tube module by pressing the steering wheel Paddle UP or the steering wheel Paddle DOWN.

5. Actuate accelerator pedal
The fully integrated transmission control unit (VGS) transmits a request to the instrument cluster to display the following text in the multifunction displays:
• Left multifunction display: "RACE START"
• Right multifunction display: "available, press accelerator pedal"

In accordance with the text in the right multifunction display, the driver must now depress the accelerator pedal all the way with his/her right foot.
The status of the accelerator pedal is read in by the ME-SFI [ME] control unit and made available to the fully integrated transmission control unit via the CAN bus.


6. Activate RACE START
The AMG DRIVE UNIT control unit places the signal "RACE START mode active" on the CAN bus. The ME-SFI [ME] control unit then raises the engine speed to approx. 4000 rpm and the following text appears in the multifunction displays:
• Left multifunction display: "RACE START"
• Right multifunction display: "Release brake to start"

7. RACE START mode active
The RACE START function is started by releasing the brake pedal and the start-off procedure is performed with maximum acceleration.

The following messages appear on the multifunction displays:
• Left multifunction display: "RACE START"
• Right multifunction display: "active"

8. End of RACE START mode
The RACE START function is terminated when the vehicle reaches a speed of approx. 50 km/h.

RACE START abort
RACE START mode is aborted if the fully integrated transmission control unit receives one of the following signals:
• Driver door, trunk lid or engine hood open
• Engine, transmission, ESP or ABS in emergency operation mode
• Start-up clutch thermally overloaded

The following messages are then displayed in the multifunction displays:
• Left multifunction display: "RACE START"
• Right multifunction display: "aborted"

Note
If RACE START is used several times in quick succession, it only becomes available again after the vehicle is driven a certain distance.