2012 Start / Stop feature

Kirstie_H

Our forums are a little different than others - we ask that new discussion NOT be created for each individual question; otherwise, it gets pretty messy around here and questions go unread. I've moved your recent posts to our 2012 BMW 5-Series discussion, where they're more likely to be noticed.

tenet1

Kirstie - Understood and thanks. However, you have also renamed that thread (which was also started by me), to be generic to 2012 BMW 5 series. I started the thread for the 2102 BMW 528i specifically due to the new engine and any features unique to it. Would appreciate it if you could change the name back to original.
Thanks
tenet1

Kirstie_H

I'll name it 528i, but the original was something about driving impressions and again, that's too narrow for our forums.

cbp1

I'm considering a 2012 535 to replace my 2008 335. Love the 335, but need something a little bigger. I'm concerned about the auto start/stop feature and would like to hear from anyone who has it. Must you turn it off each time you start the vehicle? How long are you stopped before it kicks in and how quickly does it restart? Thanks in advance for any comments.

busiris

I believe the feature can be turned on/off via iDrive, but I'm not positive.

james27

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.

busiris

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.

cbp1

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.

busiris

I hope you enjoy your new ride. Come back once in a while and update the thread on your experience with the 5'er...

tenet1

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

carguy178

I test drove a Ford Hybrid with start stop. It was hot outside and I was in stop & go traffic. It was hideous. The AC turned off and the car immediately heated up. Insane! I live in a hot part of the country and get ill from heat and can't afford to move away.

Also when you have to turn left across traffic, it is really dangerous. I have MANY of these situations!

Start stop carries eco to the lunatic fringe. And at a time when we are on a global cooling cycle some say.