The Z8 starter button would seem to fit the MINI's interior style perfectly (black rubber button with aluminum ring surrounding it, with the "ENGINE START" font in the same style as the radio and steering wheel control letters. It's even backlighted in orange!

I did a search on this board and didn't see anyone who's actually done this. I'm thinking of mounting it on the silver plastic dash panel, to the left of the center speedo. Here's a link if anyone's interested in what it looks like...

Z8 Starter

 

that would be nice.. i would like to see the pictures when you get done.. i have wanted to do that since i have seen the start button on the s2000...

 

Very cool! I think you should do it! :smile:

 

Here's a link if anyone's interested in what it looks like...
>>
>>Z8 Starter

This is the first time I've seen the part number for the cable that plugs into the back of the button. Before seeing this thread, I contacted my local dealer here in Dallas and the price quoted for the switch alone was about $100, they didn't know any thing about the wire to connect it. I then contacted Classic MINI in OH and their price was $95 and he too didn't know about the cable to hook it up. He could only suggest needing to purchase a harness, the whole harness, 'bout 2 grand!

An option to the Z8 button is the one used in the Honda S2000, which retails at half the price of the BMW part. Do a search in the Interior and Exterior Mods for "Start Button". You will find a link to an installation in a Miata.

For those wondering why do this mod other than the cool factor, and who doesn't have at least one cool factor mod? Consider that if you place it in a handy spot, it might be a faster way to restart your engine, on those rare ocasions when you stall your MINI at a light.

 

Returned to circulation after cleaning this up so that it can get back on topic. If further posts derail this thread please notify me via email below so that I can take appropriate action. Thanks

Mark

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yes, the S2000 could def be a cool way to go. It's a red button, right?

 

>>yes, the S2000 could def be a cool way to go. It's a red button, right?

yes it's a red button. I like the Z8 button better cause I'd like to mount it in my Patina dash. I've emailed the author of the instructions linked in the original post to see where he got his parts. If they are still as inexpensive I'll go with the BMW parts. I wonder what other type of momentary contact button might be adapted for this use?

 

yeah, i have patina dash too. but though the red button might go well with my chili red exterior. :smile:

 

I have a Z8 too, and the starter button would be great, perhaps up in the hazard light area? Red starter button from S2K would be kewl as well, put it down by shifter? The antitheft stuff for the key is in the housing, so it doesn't really matter how far away the button is, I think. Obviously he ran it a ways in the M3 that was posted.
Thanks for cleaning up the thread too.

 

You can also get the Red Button form CooperTuning.de It is found here http://www.coopertuning.de/shop_e/cs...&saArticle[ID]=14&VID=cfsWyUYGoLhXo32e&saSearch[word]=&saSearch[category]=Interior&saSearch[special]=