Found this on wikipedia:

From 2008, all MINI models will be equipped with BMW Efficient Dynamics fuel-saving technology. This includes a start-stop feature shutting off the engine when the car is stationary. When the gas pedal is depressed the engine is restarted with electricity generated from Brake Energy Regeneration.

tell me it aint so!

 

Non-US Spec cars do it apparently. Seems really weird to me, I'd love to see how it works in person though!

 

http://www.bmw.com/com/en/insights/t..._function.html

I don't think I ever saw that symbol on the MINI's OBC when I test drove it.

 

wikipedia = misinformation

 

http://www.xkcd.com/285/

 

If you check the UK site, it does confirm this. It is for greener cars in UK

 

I just happened to be reading that this morning as well. It seems to me I've read that auto engine start-stop will be somewhat common in the future. I suppose it doesn't take any where near as much equipment as a proper hybrid car. Isn't that sort of how gas golf carts work anyway? It would be nice to eliminate at least some gas waste in city driving. Of course keeping the A/C running presents a problem...

 

The a/c is electric on the Toyota hybrids, gas engine doesn't have to be running for cool air. Of course, those cars have the hybrid battery to feed the a/c (and power steering, etc.) when the gas engine shuts off. The MINI might have a higher capacity battery and electric a/c too.

The start/stop is actually a pretty good idea. When you sit at idle, burning fuel, you are getting zero miles per gallon. I've read that it takes less fuel to re-start a modern engine than it does to keep it idling for a couple of minutes.

 

It's a great idea...I'm disapointed they're not bringing it over here.

I'd think it'd jack up in the demand that much more personally..

 

I would expect it eventually. They may want to test it for a year at home before releasing it to the US market.

 

I can see it maybe being an optional feature that you could turn on or off but I sure wouldn't want it all the time.

 

you can turn it off and on

ever notice that blank button in front of the shifter

 

They've said it above...not in the US yet.

 

From what I read recently in one of the major car magazines was that MINI USA didn't see any real fuel savings benefit from the start/stop feature so that was why it isn't available in the U.S.But who knows now with gas prices so high they might just add that feature in eventually here.

Personally I shut my car off when I am waiting at a bank drive thru window or even for fast food if the wait is on the longish side.

 

I've been racking my brain trying to figure out what that could possibly be a prep for!

 

That makes total sense now!

I would always nudge that button and say to myself 'what the heck is this for...'


I'm not going to lie...I was hoping for something to happen after reaching 88 miles per hour after pressing it

 

mother-in-law's prius and civic hybrids have this. It's a fine feature and it will eventually be on all BMW vehicles. Efficient dynamics increases mpgs nicely.

 

I just drove an 08 MCS in Germany last month and it did NOT have this feature.

 

AFAIK it's only on manuals.

 

As mentioned before this feature is on all 2008+ UK spec MINIs. It works very well but takes some getting used to, the engine shuts off but all the electrics stay on with the Start-Stop logo flashing on the OBC - as soon as you press the clutch the engine automatically quick starts quicker than the time it takes to engage first. This function is automatically disabled if the engine is cold.

 

I test drove a MCS with the start/stop feature. For those in the US who are panicking about it:

1. You can turn it off.
2. It ONLY engages if you take your foot off the clutch and put the car in neutral. Folks in the UK do this ALL THE TIME, because they put the parking brake on at stop lights and other stops. Folks in the US don't do it very much.
3. It works very well (car starts up immediately) and seems like a great idea for better mileage and lower emissions. If I could get it on my JCW in the states, I definitely would.

 

I would love to have it.

 

I'm in the habit of doing this anyway to save wear and tear on the throw-out bearing. That was the big lesson my brother beat into me when I learned to drive a stick in his 1 year old '68 Mustang: DON'T RIDE THE CLUTCH!

For some reason, gear grinding didn't bother him nearly as much.

 

Has anyone heard if there is a way to add this feature as an aftermarket chip or setting buried in the ECM? Thanks.

 

I think it might have a beefed-up starter motor (some cars even have regenerative braking to assist the more powerful starter motor). Probably would cost more money than you'd save in gas.