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From 2008, all MINI models will be equipped with BMW Efficient Dynamics fuel-saving technology. This includes a start-stop feature shutting off the engine when the car is stationary. When the gas pedal is depressed the engine is restarted with electricity generated from Brake Energy Regeneration.
tell me it aint so!
__________________ JIM-'08 MCm, OB/Wht, Wht Sport Stripes, Chrome Driving Lights, Fogs Ft & Rr, 16" Star Blaster Wheels w/Goodyear Runflats, Brushed Alloy, Sport Package, Convenience Package, Chrome Line Exterior, Chrome Mirrors, White Turn Signals, Chrome Gas Cap, Carbon Black Cloth, M7 Strut Plates
Last edited by Tennessee Cutty; 06-13-2008 at 09:26 AM.
Non-US Spec cars do it apparently. Seems really weird to me, I'd love to see how it works in person though!
__________________ 2006 MINI Cooper S JCW GP--GP#1599 -Stock...I think?? 2008 MINI Cooper S R56--Astro Black/White--Gone -JCW Turbo | Aquamist HFS-3 Meth injection | RMW AP Tune | Helix FMIC | DDM CAI | Riss Racing Catless DP+Invidia Exhaust
I don't think I ever saw that symbol on the MINI's OBC when I test drove it.
__________________ "Tell me tell me what you're after; I just want to get there faster" Ordered 6/9/2008 :: In Production 6/10/2008 :: Born 6/19/2008 :: Shipped 6/26/2008 :: Arrived at Port: 7/7/2008 :: Delivered 7/18/2008
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From 2008, all MINI models will be equipped with BMW Efficient Dynamics fuel-saving technology. This includes a start-stop feature shutting off the engine when the car is stationary. When the gas pedal is depressed the engine is restarted with electricity generated from Brake Energy Regeneration.
tell me it aint so!
wikipedia = misinformation
__________________
'08 Lightning Blue / Silver Clubman, manual, silver bonnet stripes, 15" wheels with all-season tires, premium package, cold weather package, multi-function steering wheel, chrome line / fluid silver interior trim, leatherette sport seats, xenon lamps, front foglamps.
__________________ "Tell me tell me what you're after; I just want to get there faster" Ordered 6/9/2008 :: In Production 6/10/2008 :: Born 6/19/2008 :: Shipped 6/26/2008 :: Arrived at Port: 7/7/2008 :: Delivered 7/18/2008
27% Carbon tint, Interior Blue LED kit, DDM RIS, Focal Speaker Upgrade Upstate MINIs - "No, not upstate New York" - Free to join, free to enjoy!
I just happened to be reading that this morning as well. It seems to me I've read that auto engine start-stop will be somewhat common in the future. I suppose it doesn't take any where near as much equipment as a proper hybrid car. Isn't that sort of how gas golf carts work anyway? It would be nice to eliminate at least some gas waste in city driving. Of course keeping the A/C running presents a problem...
The a/c is electric on the Toyota hybrids, gas engine doesn't have to be running for cool air. Of course, those cars have the hybrid battery to feed the a/c (and power steering, etc.) when the gas engine shuts off. The MINI might have a higher capacity battery and electric a/c too.
The start/stop is actually a pretty good idea. When you sit at idle, burning fuel, you are getting zero miles per gallon. I've read that it takes less fuel to re-start a modern engine than it does to keep it idling for a couple of minutes.
__________________ Took delivery of "Blooper" 3-26-11
2011 MINI COOPER - Horizon Blue w/white roof - 6 speed Automatic - Premium package - leatherette seats (soon to be changed). Took delivery of MINI BLOOPER on March 26, 2011
I would expect it eventually. They may want to test it for a year at home before releasing it to the US market.
__________________ Took delivery of "Blooper" 3-26-11
2011 MINI COOPER - Horizon Blue w/white roof - 6 speed Automatic - Premium package - leatherette seats (soon to be changed). Took delivery of MINI BLOOPER on March 26, 2011
__________________ SparklingSilver/Black Cooper ClubmanS:Adopted May 12-2008 Premium/ConvenienceAccess/MFSW/Cold Weather Pkg/Chrome Interior w Cheq Silver/Alarm/Bonnet Stripes/Rear Fog/EIEIO
From what I read recently in one of the major car magazines was that MINI USA didn't see any real fuel savings benefit from the start/stop feature so that was why it isn't available in the U.S.But who knows now with gas prices so high they might just add that feature in eventually here.
Personally I shut my car off when I am waiting at a bank drive thru window or even for fast food if the wait is on the longish side.
__________________
Jim R. Scappy 2~2009 PS/B MCSa|Leatherette|17" Alloy Wheels|Bi-Xenon Headlights|Premium Package-Auto A/C,Sunroof,Multi-Function Steering Wheel|Rear Foglights|Black Bonnet Stripes|Window and Sunroof Tint|Garmin nuvi 760 GPS|KUDA Mount|MINI Cooper Euro Center Armrest.Scrappy 1~2008 CR/CR MCSa-Gone.
mother-in-law's prius and civic hybrids have this. It's a fine feature and it will eventually be on all BMW vehicles. Efficient dynamics increases mpgs nicely.
As mentioned before this feature is on all 2008+ UK spec MINIs. It works very well but takes some getting used to, the engine shuts off but all the electrics stay on with the Start-Stop logo flashing on the OBC - as soon as you press the clutch the engine automatically quick starts quicker than the time it takes to engage first. This function is automatically disabled if the engine is cold.
I test drove a MCS with the start/stop feature. For those in the US who are panicking about it:
1. You can turn it off.
2. It ONLY engages if you take your foot off the clutch and put the car in neutral. Folks in the UK do this ALL THE TIME, because they put the parking brake on at stop lights and other stops. Folks in the US don't do it very much.
3. It works very well (car starts up immediately) and seems like a great idea for better mileage and lower emissions. If I could get it on my JCW in the states, I definitely would.
2. It ONLY engages if you take your foot off the clutch and put the car in neutral.
I'm in the habit of doing this anyway to save wear and tear on the throw-out bearing. That was the big lesson my brother beat into me when I learned to drive a stick in his 1 year old '68 Mustang: DON'T RIDE THE CLUTCH!
For some reason, gear grinding didn't bother him nearly as much.
Has anyone heard if there is a way to add this feature as an aftermarket chip or setting buried in the ECM? Thanks.
I think it might have a beefed-up starter motor (some cars even have regenerative braking to assist the more powerful starter motor). Probably would cost more money than you'd save in gas.
Took delivery of "Blooper" 3-26-11
SparklingSilver/Black Cooper ClubmanS:Adopted May 12-2008 Premium/ConvenienceAccess/MFSW/Cold Weather Pkg/Chrome Interior w Cheq Silver/Alarm/Bonnet Stripes/Rear Fog/EIEIO
