Push button to start - what's the advantage?
 

Just curious...

What are the advantages of the push to start button instead of just using a key?

Maybe so you can't turn the key again after the car is running, making that awful sound of the starter hitting the spinning flywheel?

Pro - It is cool and hip and cutting edge technology.
Con - If your throttle ever sticks or you need to turn your car off while driving, it is a lot more difficult than just turning the key and removing it.

I agree, about the cool and hip part, but my 61 mercedes had a button, so not sure about the cutting edge part (though I know where you were going).

Just the classic, what is old becomes new again. Hang on to your skinny ties, they will be back too.

Let's see... I had a 1949 chevy that had a push button start on the dash. Matter-of-fact, I had a 1942 International 5-ton truck that had a push to start switch on the floorboard!:)

... maybe not quite the same technology, but close!:lol:

When you're being chased by Jason Vorhees, you don't wanna be fumbling with keys in the dark while you're trying to get away and start the car. You just wanna hop in, start the car, and then run his butt over. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Bmw has 2 main reasons.
1. there is no ignition switch to wear out by turning and wearing out the contacts. If it will actually be more reliable still remains to be seen.
2. It cuts down on wiring. Because you dont need to run all the wiring for relays or accessories to the switch. All they need is the little ribbon connector the Start/stop switch is attached to. This operates the modules accordingly and cuts down all wiring needed to be routed through the ignition switch.

It also allows for a large amount of data transfer to the key itself with out extra wiring

Also without an ignition switch this allows for comfort access where a module can operate the rest of the vehicle separate from the key

Thats about it.

The round key sitting on the bar is a great conversation starter with the ladies.
They say "You have a MINI Cooper. I just love those cars"
Then you respond, "want to go for a ride?, hang on now!"

Other than that, I see on point I guess.

By that time I don't have my R53 anymore, they will have voice recognition software to start her up :)

Now where did I put my keys ?

Calz,

That makes the most sense.

Thanks.

Saabs have had push button start for years.

Dave

Uh - I've had nearly all SAAB models since 1969 - latest is a 2006 - none have had push button start.
My 1960 Mini 850 had push button start on the floor (1st turn key, listen for the electric fuel pump tapping, when the sound slows a bit - meaning that fuel has come up to the carb, then hit the button).

Your welcome

Honestly though when you look at the R50/R52/R53 ignition switch and all the wiring and then you think of an R56 with even more technology you can see routing more wiring through the switch is a problem.
With the Start/Stop switch you can now control everything through the CAS module under the dash. There is lots of room for all the wiring and it can all be controlled cycling through the one button

I like referring to my key fob as a space ship. It also is just one deal in stead have key and extra fob but, most euros haven't been separate key and jey fob for years. Also it reduces the chance of stealing your whip cause there isn't a keyed ignition to screw with.

I don't think there is much of a pros and cons disscussion here, its just a matter of "cool" factor and not much else. If you are going for 2nd gen sorry you are stuck with it, with the option of comfort access and there is a conviniance pro with comfort access.

Yeah, but you still have to put the fob in the dash. So, you may as well get the key out. My wife's Lexus and my Lancer both have keyless ignitions. As long as it is in our pocket, the car starts. :thumbsup:

If you have the comfort access option, it just has to be in the car. I never put my key in the dash... or even take it out of my purse.

God, how I miss comfort access......Never buying a MINI again without it.

The key stays in your pocket or Girlfriends Bag... You cant lock the key inside the car anyways... theres sensors inside to make sure you dont.

I personally long for the good ol' days of the hand crank.

Me too Nabeshin... I drive a Jeep YJ in the winter... Nuff said

Stupid. The Honda S2000 "reinvented" the push button start almost a decade ago and it was for the time kind of unique and "cool." Now when practically every car maker out there has models with it, no longer unique and "cool." An old fashioned turn key would work fine for me. (If you're counting uniqueness, all Porsches have the turn-key on the left side of the dash. Tradition was that in the old days of Lemans starts, you could jump in your car, start it up with your left hand while your right hand was putting the manual transmission in gear.)

My carpal-tunnel was exacerbated by frequently having to turn my old car on/off.. FINALLY I have a car that's sensitive to the needs of carpal-tunnel sufferers.


o_O

Ahhh, I remember when I first invented the wheel, no keys, no nuthin, just get in and hang on.:eek2: