[MrCooper]

Just thought I'd share that! It's great fun starting it up and girls love to push my button!

(Ive actually had it a fortnight now but forgot to post!)

[spanky2k]

Got any photos?

Also, how does it work? Do you still need to put in the key and turn it? (you can tell I don't have a clue!!!)

[MrCooper]

You need the key (security). I'll post pics tomorrow if I can get the digital camera from work. Ive got some on my 35mm camera but I've gotta finish the film!

Not 100% sure how it works to be honest (got it fitted for me) but I know it is just like an extra starter bit wired into the ignition wires.

I'm not that technical!

[ELISEBOY]

Pictures Pictures Pictures

How much did that cost then?
where and how did you go about getting it done?

[MitchyBoy]

I just thought that I'd be the predictable person round here and ask the all time question of how much did it cost in the end?? That in mind how did they do it? Was it done by your dealer??

MitchyBoy

[MrCooper]

I can't remember the actual prices but I know the button was about £35 and the fitting was £18.

I was going to get a cigarette lighter one as mentioned in other threads but the lighter socket is too out of the way to be practical.

In the end I took the plunge and asked the garage (not mini dealer - they wouldn't fit a non-mini part!) to drill a hole in the sliver plasticy bit where the mirror controls are.

It fitted perfectly (luckily!)

I promise I'll post pics tomorrow!

[Der Blue Potato]

These are popular in the US and kind of seen as "rice" by many, but the heritage of the starter button goes back to the early days of motoring and not the recent days of neon colored wheels and glowing washer jets.

Anyway, the button would only split the starter circuit and your key would need to be in the "ACC" position (or accessory) position - the button would then be used to styart the engine.

In a perfect world of no auto theft, you could wire it directly into your starter circuit and bypass the key circuit, but you risk having your Mini being stolen quite easily.

You can get a generic starter button here in the USSA for about $25 in any color and some that light up.

The best one to use is the Honda S2000 button. We Miata folk have been instyalling these for some time now:
http://www.angelfire.com/mac/brb/brbindex.html

[MrCooper]

Yeah I have an MX-5 too - thats where I got the idea from.

Isn't that a cigarette lighter kit from Moss in that photo? Dont care if some people think they're "rice" (whatever that is! ) I just think its fun and as I said, girls like to push my button!

[C.G]

Damn starter button! I've been driving an S2000 since 99 and half the time when I get in another (more normal) car I can't figure out how to start it.

I think the starter button will look cool in the Mini.

Pictures!

[MrCooper]

Here's picture 1

[monsta]

Check this out: (not mine BTW) 113 Euros


http://www.chromdesign.de/eframe.htm

[MiniCooperS]

Me like Mr C, me like a lot!

[DraiN]

Gonna get me one of them, had one in my old Clubman, was heaps cool, specialy when people jumped in. "Dude, your car dont work" He he
i want one that lights up blue when the engine is on :P

[smiffy]

Richbrook now do an Illuminated starter button with a Green LED for £49.95

[GrahamG]

That look great £18 for fitting seems a bargain
who fitted it for u

[CSDan]

I now know what I am going to do with the blank toggle switch spot that we get in the US MINI'S

Starter switch


Daniel

[BrantV]

Seems like it would be too easy to accidently push while the engine was already running. What happens then? Shouldn't it have a protective spring loaded cover?

I really like the button on the S2000, but it's placed in the dash near the steering wheel, out of reach of young passengers and engineering geeks who like to push everything.

Several years ago a friend purchased a loaded station wagon, that seated about 8-9. He took it to work, and we packed it full of engineers. On the way to have lunch, absolutely every button in the car that could be pushed was over and over. Don't underestimate how irresistible a bright shiny red button is going to be for a board passenger. Tha red button just has to scream "Push Me."

I guess is not quite as bad as old cars, who's owners dogs would, on rare occasions, help guide into reverse on the highway.

[BruceK]

Quote:

Originally posted by BrantV
....I guess is not quite as bad as old cars, who's owners dogs would, on rare occasions, help guide into reverse on the highway.

Sounds like a story there you're not telling us....

[Casey]

I'm curious too - what does happen if it is pushed after the engine is running? Does it still hit the starter and get that awful clanking sound if you turn your key after the motor is running?

Cheers

[MrCooper]

Quote:

I'm curious too - what does happen if it is pushed after the engine is running? Does it still hit the starter and get that awful clanking sound if you turn your key after the motor is running?

I've never accidentilly pressed it - you have to push it quite far and its nowhere near where hands go anyway.

Just checked what happens and you don't get the grating sound.

Quote:

Richbrook now do an Illuminated starter button with a Green LED for £49.95

Thought about that but I figured the red goes best with the red seats and the illumination should really be orange to be effective.

Quote:

Check this out: (not mine BTW) 113 Euros

Pretty much identical to the moss one I initially looked at but the cigarette lighter is too out of the way and I need it for my mobile.

Quote:

That look great £18 for fitting seems a bargain who fitted it for you?

A local car electric garage - one guy did it whilst another 4 quizzed me about the car

Quote:

Me like Mr C, me like a lot!

Cheers MiniCooperS - like that kind of post - keep it up!

Wow - I think this is my longest post ever. Hope I've answered all your questions if not just tell me & I'll try again!