R56 The turn signals are DUMB. Who came up with them?
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,384
Likes: 0
From: LI, NY
I guess I'm just old-fashionbed, but on my test drive of an R56 I could not figure out for the life of me why anyone would want or need to change the operation of something as simple and time-proven as a turn signal stalk. That was just one more of the many things that turned me off to the new car.
As far as signalling for lane changes, I, too, find it is sometimes advantageous to not signal a lane change when other drivers just don't want to let you in. Signalling alerts these pudwahs that someone may wind up in front of them (OMG!!) I look up ahead for a MINI-sized hole, and just put myself in it. Case closed.
Zip
As far as signalling for lane changes, I, too, find it is sometimes advantageous to not signal a lane change when other drivers just don't want to let you in. Signalling alerts these pudwahs that someone may wind up in front of them (OMG!!) I look up ahead for a MINI-sized hole, and just put myself in it. Case closed.
Zip
Not a problem on every 1st Generation MINI though. I'm not certain of the breakdown, but I do know that models with factory Navigation have completely separate left turn and right turn indicators. I believe the same is also true for those with the Chrono pack, but I'm not sure.
OVERDRIVE
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,010
Likes: 11
From: Ridgefield, CT
For real? There are people that haven't figured out down = left and up = right?
For real?
Co'mon ...you're kidding me. Right? Please tell me you are kidding.
dean.
For real?
Co'mon ...you're kidding me. Right? Please tell me you are kidding.
dean.
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,821
Likes: 6
From: Mililani,Hawaii
I wish I was..
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 385
Likes: 0
I have now driven the car several hundred miles, and every time I go to change lanes, I get frustrated. What's wrong with a good old mechanical turn signal lever? But NOOOOOOO, we had to get fancy and put in this software-driven turn-signal-by-wire. Half the time I don't trigger it right, and I have to FOCUS MY ATTENTION on the turn signal to do it right. That's just WRONG!
While I'm at it, the flying saucer key thing is also dumb. It does what, exactly, compared to a traditional key? Makes it impossible to start in the dark? Great, thanks, Mini designers! If I'm ever being chased by a horror movie monster, and have to start the car to save my life...I'm gonna die.
Every time I let someone else drive the car, they sit there in the driver's seat and just...stare at the dash, holding the key, trying to puzzle out what to do to get the car started. This has happened to 100% of the drivers. Hmm, I sense a pattern.
(Knowing what I know now, I might have sprung for the "keyless go" option. Then I wouldn't be griping about this particular point, at least.)
Oh, and the menu navigation for adjusting the audio system and other stuff? Bleh. Ridiculous complexity for its own sake. I can't change the bass, treble, fader, or balance while I'm driving; too dangerous. And it took me many days of driving before I could figure out how to change from one radio preset to another without accidentally wandering into some menu mode I didn't want.
Now I know some of you will say I'm inflexible or some kind of luddite. And it's true, I drive several cars so I'm not driving the Mini every day. But that just calls my attention to how annoying these details are in comparison to almost every other car on the market. I don't want my car to be like Microsoft Windows -- (motto: Alter Your Behavior to Suit Our Needs). The car should be ergonomic and intuitive to use.
On the plus side, I love driving the car. It's quick and fun, just like I hoped for, and it seems to be getting faster as it breaks in. So don't get me wrong, I love the overall car, I just get frustrated that the designers seem to have spoiled some parts in the name of...what? Difference for the sake of being different? "Progress"?
--Dan
Mach V
FastMINI.net
While I'm at it, the flying saucer key thing is also dumb. It does what, exactly, compared to a traditional key? Makes it impossible to start in the dark? Great, thanks, Mini designers! If I'm ever being chased by a horror movie monster, and have to start the car to save my life...I'm gonna die.
Every time I let someone else drive the car, they sit there in the driver's seat and just...stare at the dash, holding the key, trying to puzzle out what to do to get the car started. This has happened to 100% of the drivers. Hmm, I sense a pattern.
(Knowing what I know now, I might have sprung for the "keyless go" option. Then I wouldn't be griping about this particular point, at least.)
Oh, and the menu navigation for adjusting the audio system and other stuff? Bleh. Ridiculous complexity for its own sake. I can't change the bass, treble, fader, or balance while I'm driving; too dangerous. And it took me many days of driving before I could figure out how to change from one radio preset to another without accidentally wandering into some menu mode I didn't want.
Now I know some of you will say I'm inflexible or some kind of luddite. And it's true, I drive several cars so I'm not driving the Mini every day. But that just calls my attention to how annoying these details are in comparison to almost every other car on the market. I don't want my car to be like Microsoft Windows -- (motto: Alter Your Behavior to Suit Our Needs). The car should be ergonomic and intuitive to use.
On the plus side, I love driving the car. It's quick and fun, just like I hoped for, and it seems to be getting faster as it breaks in. So don't get me wrong, I love the overall car, I just get frustrated that the designers seem to have spoiled some parts in the name of...what? Difference for the sake of being different? "Progress"?
--Dan
Mach V
FastMINI.net
6th Gear
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,395
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach, Virginia
In MD turn signals are a double-edged sword. People complain that so few people use them. Problem is, far too often when one uses their signal to merge into traffic, you'll get shut out nearly half the time. Damned if you do, damned if you dont. If I hit my signal and the person speeds up to block, I make a quick slide over and punch the brakes to remind the jerk that what he was doing was not appreciated. Seems hardly a week goes by that something like this does not happen.
I used to enjoy driving so much.
I used to enjoy driving so much.
if people can block your path THEY WILL :impatient It's nutty. The "new goal" seems to be the 'rolling roadblock' philosophy... I have no idea why.
About the silly BMW blinkers- it's the same on my 335, and I still have trouble getting used to it. It's counter-intuitive, IMO, and I usually have trouble giving it just the right amount of force to cancel without going past the detent..
awkward.I also used to enjoy driving, that's why I'M SOOOOOOO looking forward to the Dragon again this year!!!
6th Gear
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,395
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach, Virginia
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 7,578
Likes: 5
From: Paradise
That there are people who drive for miles with turn signals on is an indication that there is room for change. The old is what we are used to. It isn't always the best. Now, whether the BMW three-flash is a good solution, time will tell.
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Just picked up a 07 MC on Monday and have not had any issues with the turn signals or key. What a fantastic car this little Mini is. Not had so much fun driving since we had a Honda CRX back in 83'. This is primarily my wife's car, but, I find that I'm offering to run errands, pick up kids, drive her to hair appointments, go the the grocery store and about anything else that gets me behind the wheel! Funny thing is that this is the least expensive car I have purchased in 18 years!
OVERDRIVE
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,010
Likes: 11
From: Ridgefield, CT
dean.
button at the bottom of the post you want to quote! 
Then, when you see the "Reply to Thread" window come up, you will see the old text in there already.
If you like, you can delete some of the quoted post stuff, and keep only the part that you specifically wanted to respond to.
Note that in order for the quote to work properly, it still needs to have the [ quote = <username> ] at the start of it, and the [ /quote ] at the end of it (without the spaces), so don't delete that stuff!
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 12,295
Likes: 1
From: Prescott, AZ, USA
...Oh, and the menu navigation for adjusting the audio system and other stuff? Bleh. Ridiculous complexity for its own sake. I can't change the bass, treble, fader, or balance while I'm driving; too dangerous. And it took me many days of driving before I could figure out how to change from one radio preset to another without accidentally wandering into some menu mode I didn't want. ...
Sometimes I wish I had a loudspeaker: "Hey bonehead, turn signals were invented a half century ago! Use them." I love those who start changing lanes, then signal, the split second decider type.
I've learned to point forward when using the stalk, so I won't flash the headlights.
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,743
Likes: 5
From: Hot Springs Village, AR
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,743
Likes: 5
From: Hot Springs Village, AR
Progress doesn't ALWAYS move forward, sad to say...
Thread Starter
|
Former Vendor
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,472
Likes: 2
From: Sterling, VA
Quite a bit of traffic on this thread! Looks like there are some who have similar feelings about some of the ergonomics of the car. Also some who think that the Mini MUST NOT BE BESMIRCHED! THOU SHALT NOT COMPLAIN ABOUT THY MINI! Forgive me, it's in my nature. For my work, I take perfectly good cars and modify them. I can't leave well enough alone, and there will never be a product that I won't have some suggestion for improving...
Um, thanks. Your comment is very helpful.
That was sarcasm. But good point about not triggering the high beams.
I...I don't know what to say. This post just stunned me.
Exactly!
I guess my take is that there are certain things (in terms of car ergonomics) that have become standard because they work. This car tinkers with some of those things, and I don't really see the benefit, although I see the downside in my not being able to quickly and easily adjust to their use. Of course I will eventually adjust, and after a while it'll be normal. But I feel a bit put off by having to adjust in the first place. Thank goodness the gear shifter still works like a normal one, and the steering wheel too. If they put a joystick in for steering, I'm bailing out for sure. 
One last anecdote about the ergonomics of starting/stopping cars: The other day I dyno tested a Honda S2000. I turned the key all the way over; nothing happened. Ah ha! There's an Engine Start button. I was smug because I figured that out before anyone noticed. Start car, complete dyno test, go to turn engine off. Grrrrkkkkkk! Ooops. It's ONLY a start button! It engages the starter, just as the key did in the old days. By pushing the Engine Start button again, I tried to restart the car while it was running. Very embarrassing.
--Dan
Mach V
FastMINI.net
Um, thanks. Your comment is very helpful.
That was sarcasm. But good point about not triggering the high beams.
"how annoying these details are in comparison to almost every other car on the market." This is the point, to a point. The MINI isn't supposed to be like every other car on the market. Sometimes something different just takes time to get used to. Sometimes it remains a pain in the ***.
One last anecdote about the ergonomics of starting/stopping cars: The other day I dyno tested a Honda S2000. I turned the key all the way over; nothing happened. Ah ha! There's an Engine Start button. I was smug because I figured that out before anyone noticed. Start car, complete dyno test, go to turn engine off. Grrrrkkkkkk! Ooops. It's ONLY a start button! It engages the starter, just as the key did in the old days. By pushing the Engine Start button again, I tried to restart the car while it was running. Very embarrassing.
--Dan
Mach V
FastMINI.net
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 325
Likes: 0
From: Greenwood, IN
I like the fob because it keeps those scratchy keys away from the car's finish. (Both exterior AND interior) I've been driving our '05 (which is still scratch/nick free--only 10K miles and garaged) and find that I'm forever more struggling to keep my keys away from the finishes.
I agree, I had trouble with the turn signals during the test drive. REALLY looking forward to seeing if I get used to them when I have my car. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.
I agree, I had trouble with the turn signals during the test drive. REALLY looking forward to seeing if I get used to them when I have my car. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.
1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
One last anecdote about the ergonomics of starting/stopping cars: The other day I dyno tested a Honda S2000. I turned the key all the way over; nothing happened. Ah ha! There's an Engine Start button. I was smug because I figured that out before anyone noticed. Start car, complete dyno test, go to turn engine off. Grrrrkkkkkk! Ooops. It's ONLY a start button! It engages the starter, just as the key did in the old days. By pushing the Engine Start button again, I tried to restart the car while it was running. Very embarrassing.
Welcome to my world. I don't even give that start button a second thought. And if you didn't touch the clutch pedal, hitting the start button with the engine already running won't do anything.BTW, have you seen the start and stop characteristics of the C6?
I take perfectly good cars and modify them.
A perfectly good car, made BETTER!
4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 568
Likes: 0
Noticed a couple of comments on the start button.
My 1941 Mercury (no I'm not old enough to have owned a new '41 Merc) had a start button at about the same location on the dash as my current MCS. With my Mercury you had to hold the button in until the car started (sometimes required several tries). And if you weren't enamored by loud grinding sounds you would never push it while the engine was running (that happens with rotate-the-key starters too doesn't it).
The R56 button is cool. Even though you only push it momentarily, the starter continues rotation until the engine kicks over (usually a second or two). And if you inadvertently push that button while the engine is running it ignores you.
I think the start button technology is sound. It's a good thing.
As for the fob, most cars have one for locking and unlocking the doors so it's really nothing new. It's worth remembering though that the R56 fob actually stores your radio and programmed-in preferences. And .. if the other person who drives your car has different preferences, those are stored in his or her fob. Cool!
My 1941 Mercury (no I'm not old enough to have owned a new '41 Merc) had a start button at about the same location on the dash as my current MCS. With my Mercury you had to hold the button in until the car started (sometimes required several tries). And if you weren't enamored by loud grinding sounds you would never push it while the engine was running (that happens with rotate-the-key starters too doesn't it).
The R56 button is cool. Even though you only push it momentarily, the starter continues rotation until the engine kicks over (usually a second or two). And if you inadvertently push that button while the engine is running it ignores you.
I think the start button technology is sound. It's a good thing.
As for the fob, most cars have one for locking and unlocking the doors so it's really nothing new. It's worth remembering though that the R56 fob actually stores your radio and programmed-in preferences. And .. if the other person who drives your car has different preferences, those are stored in his or her fob. Cool!
Last edited by Ken Cooper; Apr 12, 2007 at 09:05 PM.
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 8,354
Likes: 0
From: Overthemountain, AL
I have the long tutorial post on multiquoting I wrote up just waiting to be linked to!