Push-button ignition

[HHI944]

A lot of old Rovers had them.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by David

The system in my wife's BMW is pretty cool. The key stays in your pocket and you just push the start button and release. Then the car takes over and starts the car.

THAT is cool and useful.

Originally Posted by msk1986911

The starting experience in my "new to me S2000" is quite like my Honda snow blower...turn the key and push the start button. But seriously, as much as I like the S2000, I think it is a marketing gimmick.

THAT is true for the other 98% of the cars that have a start button.

Lots of folks on the miata board want to install them. Unless it's a racecar or part of a larger system (as on the BMW mentioned above), then it's a useless gimmick that adds nothing.

[Super_Dave_D]

Originally Posted by David

The system in my wife's BMW is pretty cool. The key stays in your pocket and you just push the start button and release. Then the car takes over and starts the car. I understand that many (or all?) of the Japanese systems require you to hold the starter button until the car starts.

My Infiniti works exactly like your BMW.

Strangely - my Pathfinder does not require a key so the FOB stays in your pocket BUT you turn the ignition switch just as you would any 'key' car.

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by masraum

THAT is cool and useful.


THAT is true for the other 98% of the cars that have a start button.

Lots of folks on the miata board want to install them. Unless it's a racecar or part of a larger system (as on the BMW mentioned above), then it's a useless gimmick that adds nothing.

If it's build in... not much you can do but to install them would be like "maybe I should trade my 911 for a WRX" maybe if you are mentally still in you teens "caca" head (it's a smelly 4 letter word... start with an S)

[MysticLlama]

The system on our Cayenne is pretty cool, though a little more conventional looking.

Put the key in the ignition, without turning it or anything, and it sounds like 2-3 deadbolts unlock behind the wheel. I'm guessing it'd be hard to move with them locked.

Then you just twist the key to the right like normal, but just release it, and it cranks it only as long as it needs to to start the motor, you can't over or under crank it.

[RWebb]

when I was younger I used to own many cars that I had to push to start

- used to park on hills all the time too

[James Brown]

LOL I remember thoese days! Walking a extra few blocks for a hill.

[Tobra]

bah, I push started my 914 lots of times, trick is to park on a hill.

[porsche4life]

$200 for a key/fob thing isn't bad... it was about $110 for a key for moms '97 M...

[Moses]

Originally Posted by RWebb

when I was younger I used to own many cars that I had to push to start

- used to park on hills all the time too

Oh hell yes! Got a ticket once on the freeway. Officer made me stop my motor despite my lack of a starter. I turned off the motor and asked him if he could call a tow truck for me. He laughed because he thought I was kidding.

He was kind enough to push start me, though.

[sc_rufctr]

It may be bling but there is one benefits I can think of.

Have you ever broken a key off in your cars ignition switch?
I've never done it but I have fixed cars over the years with this problem. It's never easy.

.................. Another reason why I got off the new car merry go round years ago.

Save your money or invest wisely instead.

[targa911S]

Originally Posted by widebody911

Pfft. You guys are late to the party. My 1952 bug has push-button start.

So did my 1964 Mini Cooper S. It was on the floor between the seats. I spilled a cup of coffee on it once and the car wouldn't start for a few days.

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

... Save your money or invest wisely instead.

and if you do, remember Buy Low Sell High as oppose to guys pass 60's that work for me. I remember that they were shaking their head 10 years ago when I told them I was buying GIC for my RRSP

[sc_rufctr]

Am I a dumb *****?

What's a "GIC for my RRSP"?

[Mark Henry]

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

Am I a dumb *****?

What's a "GIC for my RRSP"?

JJ only a canadian would know what a GIC or RRSP is... GIC is a low (no) risk Gov insured savings plan as opposed to a high risk mutual fund. Less interest but not market driven.
RRSP = registered retirement savings program

I've never bought a new car and I'm in better shape financially then most of my friends, including one who makes almost 3 times the money we do.
P!sses him right off.

I had a push button in one of my old bugs...screwed right to the dash.

[mattdavis11]

The company asphalt eater I sport has the push button ignition and keyless door system. I'm indifferent about it. While on one hand it is nice to not have to mess around with a key (I do lock it sometimes) to get in and take off, the other hand says it might deter theft of a Prius.

I leave it unlocked and running most of the day, in some really shady areas, and have done so in several different cities and towns across Texas, but the thieves have yet to touch it.

Maybe I'll get lucky one day.

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by Mark Henry

JJ only a canadian would know what a GIC or RRSP is...

That is Mr Google is rich

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by dd74

I'm trying to figure out what the advantage is of push-button ignition. Why are so many manufacturers evolving to this? I feel the same about push-button ignition as I do paddle shifting or semi-auto/stick floor-mounted transmission: in short, "Why?"

Is it a legitimate improvement to the driving experience, or just marketing hype?

The start button is just bling as far as I'm concerned. I like the electronic key though. Mercedes had (has) a system where the key is electronic, but you still turn it to engage the starter.
I like the paddle shifter on 6 speed cars. Your shifting has pretty precise when six gates are crammed into the shift pattern. A lot of paddle cars are also dual clutch cars. My only experience with a direct comparison is a VW GTI with 6 spd vs on with the paddle shift dual clutch. I liked the paddle much better.

[svandamme]

I have a push button, but i still have to stick my dongle in the dash.


But a big point is overlooked here...

having a push start button also makes it easier to optimize the start through electronics.
You get in
you push the button , done

some people would floor the accelerator when cranking, some would pump the pedal, some would crank a bit to short, some to long.. etc etc..
No more of that , now you simply push the button. From an engine control point of view, it's better.

Obviously you want a system that works, on a car that doesn't go loopy and on the run, with defunct brakes, but that's a whole different story...

[Zeke]

pfft....push buttons are nothing new. They used to be on the floor. One Buick model started when you pushed down on the gas pedal.

Lots of 50's British cars had them on the dash. Go back to the 30's and starters were activated in all different manners.

I'll agree with the marketing thing. But, having replaced some key ignitions, I see the less moving parts as a plus.

And whoever said push button starts and ignition are different, well, so? Whatever it takes to get going.