From the 2014 user manual:


If they implemented it correctly, then it shouldn't be a problem. I'm more afraid that they didn't implement it correctly (software bugs) since I know it's impossible to test all corner cases.

 

"Stop and go traffic". What's that supposed to mean? I thought that was the reason for it. I'd never use this feature. Can you turn it permanently off or do you have to do it every time you start the car?

 

Yeah, the wording is pretty vague, but I think they have some kind of a timer so that the car doesn't idle-stop every 5 second. Something like that.

 

In practice, if you stop, then release the brake, put it back on, the car remains running.

If you stop, drive a short block, stop again, the engine stops.

If you move the wheel, the engine starts up.

 

If you are afraid of your turbo overheating because of the auto-stop feature, then how do you ever get the courage to turn off your car when you're done driving it? Same situation, eh?

 

It can be turned off permanently in Mid and Sport mode; but not in Green. Mine is off permanently as I never use Green.

 

My point exactly. I figure that's why I have an auxiliary water pump to cool it. But the other poster said he looked at some schematic and there isn't one. Wonder why they got rid of it if that's true?

 

I have it on my new'15S auto, obviously. It works perfectly and I am sure the starter is stronger. But, starters have a finite life based on use. I have had many BMW products in the past and durability in the area of starters, pumps,etc. is not their strong point.
I have decided to use it as little as possible because I feel the starter and battery will last longer. The fact that these parts are heavier duty just means to me that they might last for 100,000 miles if I don't use the start-stop. Just seems like common sense. And the gas savings for me would be minimal.

 

No, not really. The concern is rate of wear, not the actual wear itself. Overheating is not the issue. Turbo longevity is the issue. Sooner or later, the bearings and lip seals will go and that point, the turbo either needs to be rebuilt or replaced. if you're a DIY type of person, you rebuild it. If you averse to touching your motor, then you pay the dealership to replace it. According to Sewell, a replacement turbo is about $900. Not including shop labor. So, do the math yourself. It's potentially a several thousand dollar repair bill if the unit dies out of warranty.

The point I am getting at is that there is a for-sure way to NOT wear out your turbo potentially 5X+ faster. And that's something to think about.

Perhaps because it was never that great an idea to begin with? The turbo oiling system that the F56 uses now is pretty standard in the auto industry and has a good track record. The auto-start thing, the jury is out on but as far as how they are oiling the turbo, nothing wrong with that. Just a guess but perhaps they went back to it because it was simpler, cheaper, and less trouble-prone?

 

George, your posts have been well thought-out and perceptive. Thanks for your wise contributions to this thread!

 

Thanks. The whole Mini-thing is new to me but I have been working on late model Hondas for almost ten years. Including rebuilding engines, forced induction work, ECU modifications, and pretty much anything else you could think of. Just speaking for myself, I like to understand how why things work (and how and why things fail...).

To be honest, I wanted to buy an S2000 when my wife started asking for a new "fun car". But, she drives it more than I and the most important thing is that she is happy with it. We drove the new Mini and she fell in love with it, so there you have it. My impression of the car (which has not really changed since we bought it) is that the design is mechanically sound but that the electronics are un-neccesarily complicated and in fact, may prove to be the biggest source of issues in terms of reliability. In fact, our car already has the gremlin of "not" stopping when you hit the stop switch intermittently. But, I bought the car knowing it had too much electronics, so now, how to make the car last as long as possible. Which is why I feel that the auto shut off may be a detrimental feature. But that's just my opinion and everyone's car (and wallet) is their own, so they should do what they feel the most comfortable with.

 

Auto Start in Green Mode can be disabled. I drive in green mode and have the auto start disabled all the time. It also remains disabled on start up as well, no matter what mode you are in.

 

Please share how you disabled it.

 

Yes, please tell us how that is done.

 

I posted earlier on this thread that I considered the Auto Stop Start function harmful to the mini engines based on my experience with large diesel generators being damaged in repeated start stops.

I now have changed this opinion based on information I found about the main and crankshaft bearing design used by manufacturers. The bearing and oil design now allows for low oil film starts and reduces wear . The oil type specified by BMW is critical for the Auto Stop Start feature and for general friction reduction. In the past I considered that oil formulas specified by car companies were guides and alternatives could be used. I will not be using anything other than the BMW recommended oil.

Also reducing the time that the engine idles reduces combustion chamber build up and reduces pollution.

My objection to Auto Stop Start had been the potential for added main/ journal bearing wear and piston scuffing due to repeated Start Stops and low oil film coating on start. These bearings and surfaces are now designed for this condition by using self lubricating properties built into the bearings and special oil.

I won't be using the Auto Stop Start feature all the time but when appropriate I will use the feature. I still don't like theway the Stop Start feature feels when driving but it has an important function.

Here is a link to one of the web pages that changed my opinion.

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/ne...r-car-s-engine

 

I bet Al Gore uses it. (I still wouldn't use it)

 

I still have a black and white TV but I will use it when appropriate

 

I have a 2015 MC, manual. After starting the car, put in green mode, and switch the auto start off. You now can drive in green mode and have the auto start disabled.

 

I enjoyed that article, but there is no mention of BMW using that technology or their lubricants. ??????????????????

 

Yes, but on restarting, does it not revert back to the default, which is auto/start on..??

 

I was looking for does the technology exist. It does exist, so I made the leap that BMW was smart enough to use it

 

The article seemed pretty generic to me as well. Does anyone know who BMW sources their crank berings from and also, who manufactures their engine oil? On the oil part, I'm sure any quality synthetic would be be just as good. There are really endless options there.