I am new to driving my MINI, which, other than the turn signal, has been simply fantastic.

The turn signal, however, is driving me batty. Perhaps this is less of an issue in grid cities but in Boston none of the roads are 90 degree intersections. The MINI never can seem to tell when I've turned, much less switched lanes. Sometimes it can tell, but I can't tell when it will know, so I end up switching back and forth between left and right. It is confusing for me and no doubt for other drivers as well.

Is there a way to change the turn signal so it becomes like an old-fashioned manual turn signal?

 

Nope. The secret to cancelling the steady turn signal is to tap the stalk in the same direction you're turning/signaling.

I use the 3-flash setting, which covers most of my signaling needs. Once you get used to it, it's more convenient. After you program it in, just tap left or right and it gives you 3 flashes in that direction.

 

practice, practice, practice. You'll love the three flash feature once you get accustomed. You'll still screw up every once in a while, but its a mini, roll with it.

 

If I were Mini I would make a minor circuit modification that would allow the turn signal that's commanded (either right or left) to be cancelled by moving the stalk either FULL up or FULL down (either would cancel regardless of which turn you commanded). That would eliminate those confusing situations where you go to cancel only to find that you've activated the opposite turn signal (one reviewer described this happening to him, oscillating back and forth - left turn, right turn obviously confusing the cars behind him .. I couldn't help but laugh having been there myself). This usually happens after an, "oops" where finess (gently moving the stalk) isn't the intuitive response.

 

I am not a fan of the 3 flash setting. I would much rather simply hold the stalk to control it. Sometimes (often) 3 flashes are not enough. Ihyman, to turn off the signal, simply depress the stalk in the same direction as you turned it on. Those electronic turn signals annoyed me at first (as did the windshield wipers, but now I am used to them.

You live in Boston and use your turnsignals?? Is that leagal???

 

I just can't help feeling that this innovation is BMW's answer to a question no one asked; just a bit of novelty for novelty's sake. I wonder what necessitated this change, were people really complaining about the lack of functionality inherent in the normal signal stalk?

 

When I test drove the R56 I found the functionality of the electronic turn signals to be downright annoying and dangerous. I guess this was a "sake for sake's change" decision and BMW's drive further to distance the car even further from its Rover R53 roots. This feature has been criticized in the press but I doubt it will go away. Hey at least is not iDrive!

 

Yes, that is EXACTLY what the engineers were thinking. Because only R53's have mechanical turn signals.

I love the new turn signals and they make total sense to me.

 

It's not new. My 2003 Benz's had the 3 flash option, too. I'm sure some people will find it cool, just because.......

 

This has been oft discussed, but I haven't whined about it yet.
Yes, it's very annoying, yes, here also in Boston I have been amazed at how bad it is at sensing acute angles.

 

I'm not sure I'm following your post. Even with the 3-flash option activated, when you press beyond the resistence, the signal stays on, right? Are you saying it doesn't release after the turn? I haven't had that problem.

 

Actually, I like the 3 flash option. I had it on my '98 Saab 9-5.

That's not the problem here. Heck, there wouldn't even be a problem had Mini stayed with mechanical switches activated by the stalk rather than the stalk position sensors that are obviously used now (don't know if they are magnetic reed switches or optical sensors - or what). Getting away from mechanical switches is good (better reliability and lower cost), but I'd really like to see the BMW/Mini engineers put more effort into perfecting their innovations before incorporating them. My guess is, once the next iteration is in place these turn signal complaints will be history.

 

Specifically, I was saying that in a regular old turn with full signal on, it will not turn off it is not a full 90 degrees (or is to some extent less sensitive than any car I've driven).

I didn't even know about the 3-flash, but sounds sketchy.

 

Maybe your sensor needs adjustment. Mine turns off fine.

 

I think it may be set that way for Boston. I thought using a turn signal could get you killed there. I know the last time I was there almost kept me from ever getting behind the wheel of a car again.

 

Yeah. Lived there for 3 years. My favorite was the "rotaries." Seems the proper way to navigate these (called "circles" in normal places) was to point your car in the general direction you want to go, close your eyes and hit the gas.

 

Oh it's Thunderdome, baby! It's the narrow streets that make me hold my breath all the time.

 

I remember two one-way streets that came together at an "L" intersection. There was no way to legally get out of there. This occurred when they expanded the "walking zone."

 

I remember driving out of the tunnel leaving the airport and nearly getting killed in the round-about as you cross over the hill. EEEEEEKKK!

I also remember being on some freeway one night and missing my exit. No problem, I'll go to the next one and turn around. 2 hours later..... still no exit!!! EEEEEEKKK!!

And all that for a flight attendant. Although her roommates were a lot of fun,..oh yes, i was young once.

1 hour until I leave to go get Romi!! ARRRRRRRRGGHHHHHH!!!!!

 

If you were on Eastern time you would be leaving now...

 

Better than missing your exit on that freeway that just ends in mid-air because, at the same time they were building it, they were also building the new, higher police headquarters directly in its path and no one bothered to coordinate the 2 events.

 

Either direction works, if you're more comfortable pushing in the opposite direction to cancel. Just don't push it past the detent, or it will signal in the opposite direction.

Most should be able to get this with some practice.

 

Driving's easy in Boston as long as you understand the game. Watch everyone but don't let anyone know you're watching. Move your eyes. Whatever you do don't move your head .. That's a sure givaway as to your intentions.

 

At first I hated them now I like them ,they take a soft touch to work right.

 

Took me all of 5 minutes behind the wheel to get accustomed to them. They cancel just like ordinary signals for me. I still need to do my programming. I dut(tm) have time!! I NEED A VACATION TO PROGRAM ROMI!!!! ARRRRRRGGGGHHHHH!!!!

And you though the whines were going to fade away, just because I got MY MINI!! WOOT!,..uh,...well thay ain't,..so suck it up and motor along!