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2012 Start / Stop feature

11 messages,  Last post on May 22, 2012 at 6:33 AM

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What is this discussion about? BMW 5 Series, BMW, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 2 of 2

#7 of 11 Re: Start/Stop Experience [cbp1] by james27

May 01, 2012 (11:23 am)

Replying to: cbp1 (Apr 30, 2012 5:24 am)
Have to ask the question as to why you want to turn it off? The a/c, radio, and other functions remain on while the engine is off, and as soon as you touch the gas the engine runs. The big thing is it does save fuel.
 
Way back in the early 70's, I was in a taxi in Seoul, Korea. Start/stop wasn't even a possibility as computers were generally not in automobiles then. Each light, the key got turned off, the lights got turned off. It saved a little fuel. The vehicles got lots of miles, and the starters lived on. Point being, this has been done for decades, but now, the computer can do it, and it's quicker without having to think about it. Other than countries where fuel is subsidized, we've consistently had some of the cheapest fuel costs in the world and 'saving' hasn't been a big issue. Most of Europe would rejoice if they could fill their tank for what we pay. I'd rejoice if BMW would put the diesel in more vehicles in the USA, but that's another thing altogether.
 
Might as well get used to it, as it will become standard on more and more vehicles as we approach the next hurdle mandated by the EPA.
 
Most of the user's manuals are available on the BMWUSA website...that should answer all of your questions, and more.

#8 of 11 Re: Start/Stop Experience [james27] by busiris

May 18, 2012 (8:26 am)

Replying to: james27 (May 01, 2012 11:23 am)
I drove a new 3-series auto transmission last Wednesday that was equipped with start-stop. On the 3-series, there is a button immediately above the "start" button that disables it. The default action each time he car is started is in the "on" position, and you must manually disable it each time you start the car.
 
Personally, I hated it. It may save a bit of gas in high traffic situations, but I would bet the additional wear and tear on things such as the starter, battery, etc. would far outweighs any savings on gas.
 
Sitting at a long traffic light, the car will automatically start again if the air is running, even if you still have your foot on the brake. Depending how long you wait, it may cycle on-off multiple times, and each time the engine restarts it sends a "shutter"to the passenger compartment.
 
It might be great for one driving in Manhatten, NY, but I doubt the majority of buyers will use it much.

#9 of 11 Re: Start/Stop Experience [busiris] by cbp1

May 18, 2012 (6:47 pm)

Replying to: busiris (May 18, 2012 8:26 am)
Thanks for the reply. I ended up buying a 2012 535 and love it. I'm already used to the start stop feature. Button is right below the start button and very easy to disable. I always disable as I don't like the engine tuning off at every stop. Looked at Infiniti M37, Lexus GS 350, MB E350 & Genesis. Nothing came close to the handling & comfort of the BMW.

#10 of 11 Re: Start/Stop Experience [cbp1] by busiris

May 19, 2012 (6:40 am)

Replying to: cbp1 (May 18, 2012 6:47 pm)
I hope you enjoy your new ride. Come back once in a while and update the thread on your experience with the 5'er...

#11 of 11 Re: Start/Stop Experience [cbp1] by tenet1

May 22, 2012 (6:33 am)

Replying to: cbp1 (Apr 30, 2012 5:24 am)
I have now owned my 528i for almost 5 months now and have come to appreciate the SS feature. It is not perfect but it is great at long traffic lights because the engine cuts off seamlessly to you, while all the other gadgets are still going. This saves fuel
 
It is not so perfect in stop-and-go traffic or when you are behind a long line of cars coming up to a stop sign. Every time you stop completely, the engine will shut down, so this can be annoying even if it is not harmful to the engine and starter itself. However, there are many many ways to prevent these unwanted stops from happening. For example, if after a stop, you give a hard press to the brake pedal, the engine wont stop. You can disable it easily via a switch near the start switch, or you can drive in DS mode with the tranny in sport mode. There is also a page long list of criteria that needs to be met in order for SS to work as designed.
 
The bottomline is this...the feature is not perfect and it will get better over the years. if you really hate it, you can just switch it off easily every time you start the car. However, I guarantee that most drivers will not turn it off because it is very neat, but will turn it off in some scenarios like stop-and-go traffic. I really like it and glad I have it

Messages Page 2 of 2

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