I cant stand that crappy Stop/Start system BMW have introduced to the world's most perfect car "The Mini"....every time I stop at traffic lights, or on a motorway jam my car cuts out...I depress the clutch and behold it starts again!!! I know I just have to press a wee button to stop this annoying occurrence every time I decide to go out, but is this just another one of these needless technical additions for when they go wrong, puts you out of pocket???

When the R56 first came out, it didnt have the start stop button feature. They introduced it later and as a result were able to lower the tax bracket as it reduces emmisions (well stops!) everytime the vehicle comes to a halt. So therefore in my eye the annoying feature is well worth it.

Many other manufacturers are bringing it in also

I think it is a stupid idea, and when it develop's a fault like failing to start...you're stuck at traffic lights and facing a huge repair bill....I'd rather pay the extra £10 a year road tax, than have that hassle every time you don't expect it.

I think it is a stupid idea, and when it develop's a fault like failing to start...you're stuck at traffic lights and facing a huge repair bill....I'd rather pay the extra £10 a year road tax, than have that hassle every time you don't expect it.

+1 and its annoying.
supercharged ftw!!!

Nope I like it. Perhaps there should be a poll, or perhaps we've already had one!

You're going to have to get used to it, this will be the future. Manufacturers really don't have any choice if they have any hope of meeting ever stricter emission regulations.

Besides, I've stopped my engine, whenever I'm stationary in traffic, for much of the last 25 years and (even at 30,000 + miles a year) I've never had to replace a starter motor and my batteries have always lasted for the usual time. I really can't see the "problem".

You're going to have to get used to it, this will be the future. Manufacturers really don't have any choice if they have any hope of meeting ever stricter emission regulations.

Besides, I've stopped my engine, whenever I'm stationary in traffic, for much of the last 25 years and (even at 30,000 + miles a year) I've never had to replace a starter motor and my batteries have always lasted for the usual time. I really can't see the "problem".

Stopping and starting your engine constantly might be good for the environment...but it aint for your car, I prefer to press the wee contradictory button when I start out on todays jammed roads

Stopping and starting your engine constantly might be good for the environment...but it aint for your car, I prefer to press the wee contradictory button when I start out on todays jammed roads

I just spent an hour putting the fes-AutoSport Plus in my 2010S and it automatically starts Sport, turns of DTC or eDLC, and will turn off start/stop.
Works great as you see the SPORT name flash on the Tach info screen & then the DTC come up showing it's turned off. Since we don't have start/stop here in the US I just pulled that wire out of the connect per the directions (http://www.fes-auto.com/products_detail.php?productid=24).

Stopping and starting your engine constantly might be good for the environment...but it aint for your car, I prefer to press the wee contradictory button when I start out on todays jammed roads

Like I say, I've done it for most of the last 25 years at around 30,000 miles every year and I've never had any mechanical or electrical consequences. Having lived on the side of a busy main road previously, with traffic backing up from the traffic lights at rush hour, I can tell you there is nothing quite like waking up to the smell of exhaust fumes in your bedroom :(

I live out in the country now, but I still like to consider those people who have little choice but to live and walk next to congested roads.... The more jammed the roads become, the bigger their problem.

Maybe the best solution of all is to ban cars in town and use public transport with the annoying stop/start system to get there...no chance!

I like the stop start in the MINI. Seems a better, smoother system than the one I had in the 1 series

yes it maybe eco friendly, ( and personally I don't think it is ) but the worst thing you can do to any engine is stop/start constantly during a journey.

Diesel engines in particular do not like it, and any turbo engine likewise.

time will tell........................

Iain

I personally like the idea of regenerative breaking, since otherwise all of that energy is being converted into heat, which is useless. That said, adding 4 electric motors to a car adds weight, which makes it handle worse and accelerate slower.

I think the best option would be to make the start/stop and regenerative breaking features an option, so that people who want to save a bit on gas have the option, while those who purchased a MINI because it's a simple and fun to drive coupe get what they want without any fluff.

I personally like the idea of regenerative breaking, since otherwise all of that energy is being converted into heat, which is useless. That said, adding 4 electric motors to a car adds weight, which makes it handle worse and accelerate slower.

I think the best option would be to make the start/stop and regenerative breaking features an option, so that people who want to save a bit on gas have the option, while those who purchased a MINI because it's a simple and fun to drive coupe get what they want without any fluff.

Unfortunately for that argument, manufacturers and importers in Europe can't choose to opt in or out of the regulations relating to the average CO2 output of their vehicles.

Unfortunately for that argument, manufacturers and importers in Europe can't choose to opt in or out of the regulations relating to the average CO2 output of their vehicles.

Unfortunately 'manufacturers and importers' are quite happy to go along with the flow, so opting 'in or out' doesn't come into their equation, they simply bump up the cost of motoring to "Joe Public", conveniently relieving themselves of the burden....anyone who thinks otherwise must be oblivious or spaced out (or both?). The stop/start system is just another of many revisions on how to make your driving experience as expensive as possible. Wake up!!!
Think I'll buy a bus:aargh:

You both have a point. I'm sure BMW has lobbyists that have a say in what governments regulate about their cars (especially in Germany, considering the form of government), however lawmakers can be stubborn.

Ironically, the US doesn't get the MINI D because of California's insane smog regulations, and the cost to get a new engine certified in the states.

You may not be happy about having a start/stop system, but at least you get all MINI models available!