urgh...how do you stand auto start/stop?

[swartzentruber]

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showpos...2&postcount=41

Won't bother reposting my lengthly reply from the other very recent start/stop thread, but I wouldn't assume the behavior of start/stop in other BMWs is indicative of how it works in the M3. Also, since it's off by default in US M3s, I'm not sure why anyone would be so happy not to have the feature, since no one makes you use it. As someone who is a regular user of start/stop, it is quite easy to control when it's used and when it is not (other than wanting to use it when temps are in the lower 30s, and not being able to).

[M3Carbon]

Resurrecting an old thread, but I had to add my thoughts about this BMW "gas saving" feature. In short, what a POS! I also received an X1 this morning as a loaner and let me just say that the auto start/stop function on this vehicle is awful. Shut off and restart is abrupt and causes surging, especially in slow traffic. I would never get this feature in any car! It is beyond me how any of you with this in your M can stand it? Thankfully there is an override button....

[bga23]

I actually like it while waiting at some long-ass lights but then again it is usually too hot outside for feature to work on my M3.

[foolio2]

Had it on an x1 loaner. After the initial shock of it, I barely noticed afterward. Thought it worked pretty well.

[Cool Steel]

Never use this, I don't care about emissions nor saving gas. Otherwise I would have bought a Honda not a M3.

[M三]

Useless, totally useless. Tests had been done by professionals and ZERO improvement on MPG with it on...

[BlackLight]

Originally Posted by Vic311

I had read that the system bypasses the starter motor..

Wow!

[B757236]

Originally Posted by dsm918

I wonder how long the batteries and starters last on these cars?

Agree with this. I have a 6sp and I think it works better in my m3 than the auto 328 loaner i had. The auto lurches and bucks...especially when it needs to start back up before you let off the brake. At least in the M3 it only works when you have the clutch out and in neutral. It starts back up when the clutch goes in. When it does start before you are ready, at least the car is in neutral. Having said that, I NEVER use it.

[HeartMD]

a useless feature. Used it the first day I got the car and never again. I too agree that the constant restarting of the engine only adds to increased wear and tear.

[swartzentruber]

Originally Posted by M3Carbon

Resurrecting an old thread, but I had to add my thoughts about this BMW "gas saving" feature. In short, what a POS! I also received an X1 this morning as a loaner and let me just say that the auto start/stop function on this vehicle is awful.

As I stated earlier in this very thread, the X1 "experience" of start/stop is quite different than in the M3. I also had an X1 loaner for about a week, so I know what you are talking about with that vehicle. The turbo engine doesn't restart as smoothly as the M3, and it's much more aggressive about stopping than the M3s. This attitude is a bit like assuming that all V6 engines are POS, just because you found a rough running one.

I will agree with you to not being so impressed with the X1, though. Even with the eco mode and running auto start/stop, I was only getting ~18mpg on my commute, which matches previous experience with turbos -- they use far more fuel in the real world than the EPA tests. The inside also felt pretty cheap.