I wouldn't think so since it's a feature of the car. This would be the same reason it doesn't void your warranty....Phil

Hard on the transmission yes, but the engine doesnt care, LC revs it to what.. 3-4k and off you go. If it is like LC in the other M products, you're limited to once every 15 minutes or something like that. However with my M5 I used to be able to do the same thing by holding the brake and stomping on the gas, let of the brake pedal and presto...a huge burnout through 1,2, and 3rd gear.

Not sure how it would be bad for the engine. Or at least any worse than flooring it. Never heard anything about using it more than 3 times voids the warranty. They will be in for a fight for this one.

Read about the Nissan GT-R issues.

My understanding is that was a transmission/drivetrain issue. Also, two very different systems. GTR is a dual clutch. X5M is an auto with torque converter.

I don't think it has a torque converter. It works by selectively shoting down a few cylinders during the shifts to reduce torque, very unique transmission.

The X5M? Then explain what is happening when you are in drive and sitting at a light. I am pretty sure that the 2010 X5M has a torque converter. Nothing special.

I should clarifiy that I am talking about the 2010 6 spd auto for the X5M.

I heard about the limits on the earlier launch control versions, but never saw anything official. BMW just adjusted the launch parameters to reduce the driveline stress, dropping the launch rpm in North America.

I don't think LC harms the engine, but it is hard on the driveline. Since you have a full automatic, with a torque converter, the risks relate to heat as much as anything. There is just as much of a reason to limit the frequency of launches with an automatic as there is with clutches.

My comment on the GT-R wasn't about the engine, it was about what happens when a manufacturer offers these systems. Nissan has apparently pulled their system now, citing 'a warranty nightmare'. Not hard to imagine that situation.

I think that a manufacturer including a launch control system is asking for trouble. Frequent use of it would qualify as abuse.

Anyway, with your planned performance chip, why would warranty coverage matter? I was reading recently about an X6M that got a Powerchip and an exhaust. He broke a rear halfshaft. $3000. Warranty denied due to modifications on vehicle. Owner said that you can't prove I have a chip tune. BMW said fine, you have an exhaust, we'll go with that. Warranty denied. Serial number flagged. Got to pay to play.

This is one reason I'm a fan of Dinan. Some would say the mods are overpriced for the HP gain you get. The piece of mind is better than 3 or 4 more horses.......Phil

I've played with LC a bunch of times on my car. It doesn't let you do it more than every few minutes. Not sure exactly how many minutes. But I tried doing it at every stop sign and it didn't work. At first I thought I wasn't doing it right, but then read in the manual it only allows you to do it every few minutes.

As far as how harsh it is on the transmission, it's brake torquing, so it's pretty hard on it. But, if you only hold the brake down briefly, for example, hold brake, floor the gas, then wait for the checkered flag and go right away, it's not too bad. Whereas, if you're at a traffic light hold it down for a long time waiting for the green light would be bad.