Launching an E43
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From: Florida
2018 AMG E43
Launching an E43
I'm not sure if I'm just being paranoid, but my E43 does not seem to like a brakestand launch. Holding the brake and quickly hitting ~3K RPM and releasing the brake just doesn't feel right to me.
Does anyone know the "proper" way to launch this car with the minimal amount of negative mechanical impact with the greatest amount of send?
Before anyone says "it's only a E43" I'd like to add a bit of perspective... a stock E43 is quicker and faster than a stock '70 'Cuda with a 426 Hemi, so yeah, not many people scoff at that car at the dragstrip.
Any guidance or tips will be appreciated!
Does anyone know the "proper" way to launch this car with the minimal amount of negative mechanical impact with the greatest amount of send?
Before anyone says "it's only a E43" I'd like to add a bit of perspective... a stock E43 is quicker and faster than a stock '70 'Cuda with a 426 Hemi, so yeah, not many people scoff at that car at the dragstrip.
Any guidance or tips will be appreciated!
Last edited by Keith66; Jun 2, 2023 at 12:24 PM.
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Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 210
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From: Canada
2023 E63s Sedan, 2020 E53 Sedan
Don't worry about the bull**** "it's only an E43/53" ****. I used to own an E53. They're zippy, man. Respect.
What happens when you try? Do you have it in Sport or Sport+ mode at the time? Does your E43 have launch control? From what I'm aware of there are several different ways to launch these:
- Brake boost (get it to 2000-2500 RPM usually)
- Launch control (Race Start, if your E43 has Race mode from getting the AMG Track Package, not sure what it was called back then)
- Idle launch (the ol' just hit the gas)
These all should work, but I wouldn't try in Comfort mode as the car will limit its ability to launch. I would do this in Sport/Sport+ (or RACE mode if you have launch control.)
Someone may come along and correct me, but this is what I have learned on my own.
What happens when you try? Do you have it in Sport or Sport+ mode at the time? Does your E43 have launch control? From what I'm aware of there are several different ways to launch these:
- Brake boost (get it to 2000-2500 RPM usually)
- Launch control (Race Start, if your E43 has Race mode from getting the AMG Track Package, not sure what it was called back then)
- Idle launch (the ol' just hit the gas)
These all should work, but I wouldn't try in Comfort mode as the car will limit its ability to launch. I would do this in Sport/Sport+ (or RACE mode if you have launch control.)
Someone may come along and correct me, but this is what I have learned on my own.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 33,123
Likes: 6,563
Don't worry about the bull**** "it's only an E43/53" ****. I used to own an E53. They're zippy, man. Respect.
What happens when you try? Do you have it in Sport or Sport+ mode at the time? Does your E43 have launch control? From what I'm aware of there are several different ways to launch these:
- Brake boost (get it to 2000-2500 RPM usually)
- Launch control (Race Start, if your E43 has Race mode from getting the AMG Track Package, not sure what it was called back then)
- Idle launch (the ol' just hit the gas)
These all should work, but I wouldn't try in Comfort mode as the car will limit its ability to launch. I would do this in Sport/Sport+ (or RACE mode if you have launch control.)
Someone may come along and correct me, but this is what I have learned on my own.
What happens when you try? Do you have it in Sport or Sport+ mode at the time? Does your E43 have launch control? From what I'm aware of there are several different ways to launch these:
- Brake boost (get it to 2000-2500 RPM usually)
- Launch control (Race Start, if your E43 has Race mode from getting the AMG Track Package, not sure what it was called back then)
- Idle launch (the ol' just hit the gas)
These all should work, but I wouldn't try in Comfort mode as the car will limit its ability to launch. I would do this in Sport/Sport+ (or RACE mode if you have launch control.)
Someone may come along and correct me, but this is what I have learned on my own.
If sport+, I would leave suspension in comfort though as I heard stiffer suspension mode isn't good for launch times.
That said, turns out comfort mode yields similar or same 0-100 times (this is a 2019 C 43 though)
I guess the only time the throttle input is reduced is in Slippery or Eco mode. I guess what comfort mode really does it results in relaxed shifts and valves closed by default when driving slowly but if you are flooring it, it will be in "Ready" state just like sport+ I guess for overtaking purposes but valves are only opened in high RPM for example.
Last edited by W205C43PFL; Jun 3, 2023 at 11:18 AM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1,430
Likes: 820
From: Florida
2018 AMG E43
Don't worry about the bull**** "it's only an E43/53" ****. I used to own an E53. They're zippy, man. Respect.
What happens when you try? Do you have it in Sport or Sport+ mode at the time? Does your E43 have launch control? From what I'm aware of there are several different ways to launch these:
- Brake boost (get it to 2000-2500 RPM usually)
- Launch control (Race Start, if your E43 has Race mode from getting the AMG Track Package, not sure what it was called back then)
- Idle launch (the ol' just hit the gas)
These all should work, but I wouldn't try in Comfort mode as the car will limit its ability to launch. I would do this in Sport/Sport+ (or RACE mode if you have launch control.)
Someone may come along and correct me, but this is what I have learned on my own.
What happens when you try? Do you have it in Sport or Sport+ mode at the time? Does your E43 have launch control? From what I'm aware of there are several different ways to launch these:
- Brake boost (get it to 2000-2500 RPM usually)
- Launch control (Race Start, if your E43 has Race mode from getting the AMG Track Package, not sure what it was called back then)
- Idle launch (the ol' just hit the gas)
These all should work, but I wouldn't try in Comfort mode as the car will limit its ability to launch. I would do this in Sport/Sport+ (or RACE mode if you have launch control.)
Someone may come along and correct me, but this is what I have learned on my own.
I've only had my E43 for about a month or so, but I can already tell it is quicker than my old 2005 GTO with a LS2, 6-speed, 3.42 limited-slip rear, and dynoed at 356 to the wheels. So the E43 is definitely a worthy package out-of-the-box.
I don't have Race Mode and there's no "launch control" that I can determine or find the trick to. I tried holding the paddles to activate launch control, but I get no response so I assume there is none.
So here's where my concern comes from: I hold the brake and when I start throttling up to my target launch RPM (around 3K), I get a mild repetative thunking sound and can feel it in the brake pedal. It has the feeling and sound like something is coupling and decoupling repeatedly or almost like one wheel may be overcoming the brake, it's hard to determine what's happening.
When it's making the repeated mild thunking, it feels like there is less motor force being applied to the drivetrain also. It's a bit odd. However, if I stay committed, the car actually does launch much better than just standing on the throttle off the line.
The 1-2 & 2-3 shifts have much more steam to work with when I brake-launch also compared to not.
The car is in Sport+ when I'm doing this, but I'm not entirely comfortable doing this without an understanding of what's actually happening mechanically (or electronically).
That's why I say "it doesn't feel right". It's weird.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2018
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From: Florida
2018 AMG E43
I don't think the E 43 has race start and I also don't think it even has performance exhaust (although that only adds sound not horsepower so it wouldn't matter), I could be wrong though. The E 53 had like M256 inline-6 429 horsepower + the EQ boost (up to 21 horsepower assist) from the motor while the E 43 "only" has 396 horsepower powered by the M276 DELA 30 V6. Ya still a machine though when it gets going.
If sport+, I would leave suspension in comfort though as I heard stiffer suspension mode isn't good for launch times.
That said, turns out comfort mode yields similar or same 0-100 times (this is a 2019 C 43 though) https://youtube.com/watch?v=WGK6DM0Klo0
I guess the only time the throttle input is reduced is in Slippery or Eco mode. I guess what comfort mode really does it results in relaxed shifts and valves closed by default when driving slowly but if you are flooring it, it will be in "Ready" state just like sport+ I guess for overtaking purposes but valves are only opened in high RPM for example.
If sport+, I would leave suspension in comfort though as I heard stiffer suspension mode isn't good for launch times.
That said, turns out comfort mode yields similar or same 0-100 times (this is a 2019 C 43 though) https://youtube.com/watch?v=WGK6DM0Klo0
I guess the only time the throttle input is reduced is in Slippery or Eco mode. I guess what comfort mode really does it results in relaxed shifts and valves closed by default when driving slowly but if you are flooring it, it will be in "Ready" state just like sport+ I guess for overtaking purposes but valves are only opened in high RPM for example.
Sport+ provides quicker/harder shifts, so that's why I choose Sport+ when running the car but I think that's the only advantage. I would think it's unlikely that advantage would even show much on a clock, or slight at best.
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,247
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From: Oakland
2018 E43 | 2017 GLS450 | 2004 CLK 500
Don't overthink the E43/E53.stuff. It's a great car to drive and exactly what I was looking for - I would have bought this car even if it was labeled a 450/500/550.
Not sure if you've tuned your car. I'm debating down pipes right now although it would make me illegal in cali. And cuz i'd have to get a new tune with my valvetronic exhaust and it's going to get hella loud.
Funny story - I was taking my wife and kids to the SF airport couple months ago and matt black C63S passes me and then slows down while I'm just cruising. Slows down just to cut in and out around me while reving his engine lol. And then traffic comes to a halt and homie is still driving around me, cutting people off and revving. And I'm just like bruh. (1) I'm not racing a c63. (2) I'm driving my family to the airport. Clearly after ignoring you for almost 1 full minute I wasn't interested in engaging with you. But go ahead act a fool. Of course my kids were yelling "sick car!" lol.
Not sure if you've tuned your car. I'm debating down pipes right now although it would make me illegal in cali. And cuz i'd have to get a new tune with my valvetronic exhaust and it's going to get hella loud.
Funny story - I was taking my wife and kids to the SF airport couple months ago and matt black C63S passes me and then slows down while I'm just cruising. Slows down just to cut in and out around me while reving his engine lol. And then traffic comes to a halt and homie is still driving around me, cutting people off and revving. And I'm just like bruh. (1) I'm not racing a c63. (2) I'm driving my family to the airport. Clearly after ignoring you for almost 1 full minute I wasn't interested in engaging with you. But go ahead act a fool. Of course my kids were yelling "sick car!" lol.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1,430
Likes: 820
From: Florida
2018 AMG E43
Don't overthink the E43/E53.stuff. It's a great car to drive and exactly what I was looking for - I would have bought this car even if it was labeled a 450/500/550.
Not sure if you've tuned your car. I'm debating down pipes right now although it would make me illegal in cali. And cuz i'd have to get a new tune with my valvetronic exhaust and it's going to get hella loud.
Funny story - I was taking my wife and kids to the SF airport couple months ago and matt black C63S passes me and then slows down while I'm just cruising. Slows down just to cut in and out around me while reving his engine lol. And then traffic comes to a halt and homie is still driving around me, cutting people off and revving. And I'm just like bruh. (1) I'm not racing a c63. (2) I'm driving my family to the airport. Clearly after ignoring you for almost 1 full minute I wasn't interested in engaging with you. But go ahead act a fool. Of course my kids were yelling "sick car!" lol.
Not sure if you've tuned your car. I'm debating down pipes right now although it would make me illegal in cali. And cuz i'd have to get a new tune with my valvetronic exhaust and it's going to get hella loud.
Funny story - I was taking my wife and kids to the SF airport couple months ago and matt black C63S passes me and then slows down while I'm just cruising. Slows down just to cut in and out around me while reving his engine lol. And then traffic comes to a halt and homie is still driving around me, cutting people off and revving. And I'm just like bruh. (1) I'm not racing a c63. (2) I'm driving my family to the airport. Clearly after ignoring you for almost 1 full minute I wasn't interested in engaging with you. But go ahead act a fool. Of course my kids were yelling "sick car!" lol.
However, I am aware I'm posting in a sub-forum that is dominated by a higher trim level car that has a level of performance and capabilities well beyond mine.
In some regards I wish there were separate sub-forums for the E43 and E53, as I am willing to assume that many E43 and E53 owners may be discouraged to post here and may not find many threads they feel comfortable or relatable enough to post in.
It's almost like posting in a boxing forum for heavyweights and you're a middleweight… you may be less likely to join in.
For myself this doesn't hinder me, I'll jump in wherever, but I'm not everybody.
So back to the topic, lol… I don't have a tune yet, but I do plan to do so later. Right now I am bone stock.
I can definitely relate to your airport story! (and I'm sure a lot of us can)
A while back I was taking our cat to the vet and had some flavor of Acura trying real hard to get me to race him. I felt like yelling out the window "I'm more afraid of this cat shredding all the flesh off my bones than I am of you!"
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Oh yeah, I know the E43 is a very capable and respectable car and I don't require affirmation from groups or anyone else to reinforce this truth for me.
However, I am aware I'm posting in a sub-forum that is dominated by a higher trim level car that has a level of performance and capabilities well beyond mine.
In some regards I wish there were separate sub-forums for the E43 and E53, as I am willing to assume that many E43 and E53 owners may be discouraged to post here and may not find many threads they feel comfortable or relatable enough to post in.
It's almost like posting in a boxing forum for heavyweights and you're a middleweight… you may be less likely to join in.
For myself this doesn't hinder me, I'll jump in wherever, but I'm not everybody.
So back to the topic, lol… I don't have a tune yet, but I do plan to do so later. Right now I am bone stock.
I can definitely relate to your airport story! (and I'm sure a lot of us can)
A while back I was taking our cat to the vet and had some flavor of Acura trying real hard to get me to race him. I felt like yelling out the window "I'm more afraid of this cat shredding all the flesh off my bones than I am of you!"
However, I am aware I'm posting in a sub-forum that is dominated by a higher trim level car that has a level of performance and capabilities well beyond mine.
In some regards I wish there were separate sub-forums for the E43 and E53, as I am willing to assume that many E43 and E53 owners may be discouraged to post here and may not find many threads they feel comfortable or relatable enough to post in.
It's almost like posting in a boxing forum for heavyweights and you're a middleweight… you may be less likely to join in.
For myself this doesn't hinder me, I'll jump in wherever, but I'm not everybody.
So back to the topic, lol… I don't have a tune yet, but I do plan to do so later. Right now I am bone stock.
I can definitely relate to your airport story! (and I'm sure a lot of us can)
A while back I was taking our cat to the vet and had some flavor of Acura trying real hard to get me to race him. I felt like yelling out the window "I'm more afraid of this cat shredding all the flesh off my bones than I am of you!"
, does it matter though, you be the judge 
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MBWorld God!
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You're right, the E43 does not have Race Start or PE.
Sport+ provides quicker/harder shifts, so that's why I choose Sport+ when running the car but I think that's the only advantage. I would think it's unlikely that advantage would even show much on a clock, or slight at best.
Sport+ provides quicker/harder shifts, so that's why I choose Sport+ when running the car but I think that's the only advantage. I would think it's unlikely that advantage would even show much on a clock, or slight at best.
