I just saw a Start Button at the CTD site. Does anyone know anything about this kit? Where is the recommended install? Ease of installation? Here's the link: http://www.coopertuning.de/shop_e/index.php

 

I want it too........................

 

I can't get to their site right now - my internet has been on the fritz - but thank god MCO works...but anyway if it is like the others I have seen most seem to install in the cig lighter whole replacing the lighter. They look great!

 

I bought One from Mini Mania about 6 months ago.I have not installed it yet,waiting for carbon fiber parts.

 

So how does this interact with the ignition switch?

 

The start button basically simulates the starting function of the key. In most cases, you have the button wired so that either the key or the button can start the car or just the button. I installed a start button in my M3 and it is wired to only start the engine with the button. You can see a basic wire diagram below, this is the one that is in my M3....

 

Do you need your key in the ignition to start the car still? What if someone breaks your window and just pressed the start button and drives away with your mini?

 

Thanks butt no.
Charles

 

hello,

here a new pic of the start button.





tino

 

So let me get this straight.....you put the key in the ignition and turn it to on (rather than all the way to start), and then press the start button? If that is the case it seems silly. I can appreciate the retro idea but not if it adds a step to starting my car when my hand is already on the key. What about makin a new cigarette lighter that looks like a start button? You still have the cool retro look (which I like by the way) but no extra step to start the car. In addition that should be less expensive a mod that when it comes right down to it is just for show. How 'bout it CTD, your selling colored lighters for up to 29.95 euro's how much for a "starter" lighter? I'd buy that and I don't smoke or allow it in my car!
_________________
On the Dock, waitin' for a boat: B/B MCS w/Black interior, custom Leather, 1,2,3, H/K, rain, SSR Comp's w/Yoko's

 

That's awsome... Definetly English retro. My dad's 53' MGTD was like this. Key went in the dash and start button next to it. I'm setting up my Shelby Cobra the same way. It's more work to turn the key and then push the button, but way cooler.

I would rig it so both the Ignition key and the button work so you could just be cool when you want to be.... Who needs a dam cigarete lighter anyway...

 

I think this is a waste also. Who would want this and for what reason. 115.00Euro is an alot of $$ and seems like more of a hassle to start the car then the traditional key way. But as I have told before.....To each is own. Just not for me. :smile:

 

Only thing a lighter socket is good for is powering tech toys.

 

In the Old days ...
electrical innards of ignition switiches were not as robust as they are today, so the separate starter button (or pull **** or whatever ) took all the current so as not to burn up the ignition switch.
In racecars and other hi-perf applications where a high compression engine may cause a starter motor to work harder and draw more current, stand-alone starter switches can save your electrical system - and that would be the only reason to have one today (other than to just look cool ... not that there's anything wrong with that!).

 

My MGA has a separate ignition switch and start pull ****. Easy to use, but I've learned to never,never,never let a valet touch that car. Once an inexperienced pup almost tore the key in half trying to turn it to the "start" position.

p.s. lucky for me there is a backup hand crank in the trunk too.

 

From the ones i've seen you have to have the key turned to position 2 and then press the button....even if you could get around the position 2 thing the key fob still needs to be close to the key slot as there is a chip in there it looks for and won't start without that being in there...and I don't believe the sensor is as strong as it is in other cars where it only needs to be in the car - such as in your pocket....I believe with the MINI fob needs to be within a couple inches.

I believe seeing on here or MINI2 someone that took apart their key as they didn't like the size of it and felt it was too large for their pocket....I would be curious what this person found out as far as the chip goes.

 

Make no mistake guys, this mod is basically for fun/show. You either like it or you don't. In my case I wanted something a little different. As far as adding an "extra" step to start the car, technically that is correct. But I am so used to using the button it doesn't seem any longer than just using the key.

And BTW, the button that you see advertised is mostlikely the button out of a Honda S2000. If you don't believe me, check eBay and you will see them much cheaper (I have seen them for $70 or so). Hell, you could probably find the button pretty cheap at the local Honda dealership, go to Radio Shack to buy a standard automotive relay and wire up a kit yourself (using the wiring diagram I posted above if you wish). The key is finding the right wires in the ignition harness to tap and to use a relay (some kits on eBay don't include a relay and that is bad news).

As far as loosing the lighter, you can buy 12V outlets from Radio Shack that can be mounted anywhere in the car. That is what I did. You can see the install of my start button in my M3 (the button was from a BMW Z8) on my website here. I wouldn't mind doing this mod on my MCS when it comes but I won't even think about touching any wires until I have a reliable wire schematic for the car.

 

HHhhmmm,

I kinda like it. My old 73 MGB-GT had the same setup:
the key was actually in the center column, and then there was a starter button next to the key. Of course it did not have a wheel lock that way.

Another funny way of doing it comes to mind:
in the ole' FIAT 500's the starter is a little lever between the seats. Pull the leaver to start. Pulling the lever engages the starter pinion via a cable pull (!!!!) and at the end of the lever travel depresses a switch to crank the starter. This setup saved on the solenoid, making for a cheaper starter. Quite ingenious, I thought.

Anyway, on the MINI, wouldn't it be cool to have a starter button on the overhead console? You still need the key for two reasons: the security chip, and also to be able to turn the engine off.

Cheers,
Markus

 

Found this cool link from a friend of mine, gives detailed install instructions on a Miata.

 

>>Found this cool link from a friend of mine, gives detailed install instructions on a Miata.

$35-45, now that's more like it! If some one can provide info on installing this I might go for it. Yeah, in my previous post I pooh pooh'd it, but $115 was beyond reason. I know a schematic has been posted but I'm not an electrical sort and need to know what other parts might be needed to acheive the same results as the CTD kit.

 

If I could find a 'cool looking', convenient place to add a start button, I'd do it. It'd be a relatively easy task to simply parallel the pushbutton start switch to the ingition key start circuit, that way the ignition switch will still work as it always has, and you have the added benefit of having the start button.

The main reason I would do this is not simply for the 'cool factor', but one of added convenience and safety. How so? Well, how many times have you stalled the engine and then tried to quickly restart it only to have the switch thwart your attempt unless you turn it towards you first THEN turn it to start? A quick stab at the button will have you restarted just about immediately. This is yet another thing I am looking into as I slowly decipher the MINI electrical system on my own (I have been doing a lot of this lately) since there is really no 'manuals' to be had.

 

...or buy an S2000
L of steering column.

 

So can anyone offer an explanation of what additional parts might be needed to wire the Honda sourced button as well as a diagram?

 

Bump

 

Besides a wiring diagram for the ignition system on the Mini, all you would need is an automotive relay, which can be purchased from your local Radio Shack. You can then use the diagram that I posted earlier to wire the start button with the relay to the car. Just be sure to use a relay no matter what anyone says. It is much safer that way.

Also, if you want to use a nicer button, you can use the one from the BMW Z8, which is what I have installed in my M3. It definitely matches the color scheme of the interior of the Mini. Unfortunately, it may take a little more work with the dremel tool to make it work since it is a bit larger than the S2000 button.