I drove a manual for years, and starting in second was a good trick to keep from spinning on snow or ice.

I've been messing around with my 08 5AT in anticipation of slippery roads this winter.

I can't figure out a way/fool it to get it to get rolling from a dead stop in second gear. I don't have the "snow mode" option on it, either. No matter how many times I pull on the upshift paddle, it stubbornly refuses to shift out of 1st when at a dead stop.

I searched for a DIY or hack here, but there doesn't seem to be one. Anyone have any suggestions? I've already got Blizzaks on it, so that's covered.

 

theres no way to launch from a stop, just get it to start rolling then shift to 2nd

 

agreed. just take your foot of the brake...then the car roll a bit + put it into second. easy on the throttle - no need for the extra stress. a friend of mine always LAUNCHES in 2nd - makes me . He has quite a bit of torque though...335i JB3 + supporting mods

 

I don't understand though, what's wrong with launching from first gear?

 

With a manual, the wheels won't tend to spin as much compared to starting in first gear. Think of it as temporary torque reduction.

It's also a little easier to get the right amount of power to the rear wheels because it takes larger throttle movements to spin the tires. You are actually lugging the engine a little bit.