Start button question

toxicnerve · 07-20-2010, 07:50 AM

Chaps,

The other day while ferrying my sister-in-law around she asked me what would happen if I pushed the Start/Stop button while the car was in motion (we were on the motorway at the time).

I told her that I assumed because the car was in motion the button probably would not do anytyhing at all but that I wouldn't like to try it out!!

Does anyone have a definitive answer to this?

xenon · 07-20-2010, 08:01 AM

Does nothing - try it, you know you want to....

MEGA · 07-20-2010, 08:06 AM

On an auto it wouldn't do anything unless the car was in park.

On a manual? I'm not sure how it would know... I want to think it'd do nothing but as above I don't want to test it

M3-FAST · 07-20-2010, 08:12 AM

does nothing.

(how many will try this on their next journey!!!)

Makes me remember an incident my mate had on the motorway when driving his mum's E reg Nissan Bluebird - his brother who was in the passenger seat wanted a cassette tape out of the glovebox that was locked so he figured if he removed the key from the ignition, the car would coast long enough for his bro to get the glovebox unlocked, cassette out and then re-insert the key back into the ignition to start the engine.

He failed to think about the steering lock which came on just as his bro was retrieving said cassette!

The car ended up climbing a grass embankment, luckily with no damage and no one hurt!

dobsy · 07-20-2010, 08:26 AM

Is it possible to fit a new Start button? Mine's a bit worn with all the finger action.

xenon · 07-20-2010, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dobsy

Is it possible to fit a new Start button? Mine's a bit worn with all the finger action.

No it's completely impossible I'm afraid. I wondered if it might be possible to remove the old, worn button and replace it with a new one from the parts department but I'm told the car has to be scrapped.

creepy coupe · 07-20-2010, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xenon

No it's completely impossible I'm afraid. I wondered if it might be possible to remove the old, worn button and replace it with a new one from the parts department but I'm told the car has to be scrapped.

Feck me... them buttons must be expensive

xenon · 07-20-2010, 08:36 AM

Not so much expensive, just "impossible" to replace. I had the same thing with windscreen wiper blades. I went in to the dealer to see if it was possible to change them and the next thing I knew the car was in the crusher out back.

creepy coupe · 07-20-2010, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xenon

Not so much expensive, just "impossible" to replace. I had the same thing with windscreen wiper blades. I went in to the dealer to see if it was possible to change them and the next thing I knew the car was in the crusher out back.

Worrying that, my washer bottle needs a refill, am I in for a bill for a new front end?

xenon · 07-20-2010, 08:39 AM

Nasty. Get a few quotes at least.

creepy coupe · 07-20-2010, 08:41 AM

I might take it to the Auction tonight, just cut my losses, I'm worried sick now.

dmurray14 · 07-20-2010, 08:44 AM

FWIW, you CAN turn off the engine while the car is in motion by HOLDING the start/stop button in...just in case it turns into a runaway toyota.

Delta0311 · 07-20-2010, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dobsy

Is it possible to fit a new Start button? Mine's a bit worn with all the finger action.

Hahaha are you finger banging your start button?

toxicnerve · 07-20-2010, 09:15 AM

lol.

I figured it wouldn't do anything. MEGA, on a manual the car will still have speed/wheel rotation sensors etc so I am guess it would also do nothing.

dmurray, good to know. I won't be testing though!

dobsy, xenon is right. The start button is actually a part of the chassis, if it breaks/needs replacing it would actually be cheaper to buy a new car.

creepy, if you take yours in to have the washer bottle refilled I fear it may come back filled with piss. Might as well get shot of it and buy an M3.

Or an E91 SE

creepy coupe · 07-20-2010, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toxicnerve

lol.

creepy, if you take yours in to have the washer bottle refilled I fear it may come back filled with piss. Might as well get shot of it and buy an M3.

Or an E91 SE

Hmm, you might be onto something toxic.

dobsy · 07-20-2010, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delta0311

Hahaha are you finger banging your start button?

Ha that reminds me of

willhollin · 07-20-2010, 10:47 AM

I switched my engine off by holding down the button when going down a hill. I wouldn't advise doing it when approaching a corner as I did though, panic starts to set in as the steering gets a bit heavy.

Jon D · 07-20-2010, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xenon

No it's completely impossible I'm afraid. I wondered if it might be possible to remove the old, worn button and replace it with a new one from the parts department but I'm told the car has to be scrapped.

Depends which model year Xenon; this was a known issue prior to 2008 and has subsequently been addressed by BMW engineering.
The start/stop button is now replaceable as part of the dashboard/steering column/engine/transmission and front suspension sub assembly. If you remove the ashtray you'll see a big red quick release pin underneath - simply pull it out and the car splits at the front wing/door split line - 10 minute job max.

MEGA · 07-20-2010, 03:22 PM

Lmfao this topic is hilarious

Dr Dave · 07-20-2010, 03:44 PM

Great thread. Hope I never have to replace my button!

I335 · 07-20-2010, 05:33 PM

Tough crowd...

NFS · 07-20-2010, 05:56 PM

I replaced my start button with an otters nose.

07-20-2010, 07:50 AM	#1
toxicnerve Colonel 97 Rep 2,834 Posts Drives: E92 335d M-Sport Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: UK iTrader: (2)	Start button question Chaps, The other day while ferrying my sister-in-law around she asked me what would happen if I pushed the Start/Stop button while the car was in motion (we were on the motorway at the time). I told her that I assumed because the car was in motion the button probably would not do anytyhing at all but that I wouldn't like to try it out!! Does anyone have a definitive answer to this?
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07-20-2010, 08:01 AM	#2
xenon Major General 1422 Rep 8,114 Posts Drives: 2021 G21 330i M-Sport Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Coventry iTrader: (0)	Does nothing - try it, you know you want to.... __________________ Ian Current: 2021 G21 330i M-Sport Previous: 2018 A6 Avant S-Line MMI+, 2014 F31 320d M-Sport, 2013 F10 520d M-Sport, 2011 F10 530d M-Sport, 2008 320i M-Sport Coupe, 2002 325i, 2001 318i valvetronic, 1998 318i, 1996 525i, 1990 Porsche 944S2
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07-20-2010, 08:06 AM	#3
MEGA Dieseasal 204 Rep 6,881 Posts Drives: LCI E92 335d M-Sport Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Harrow, London iTrader: (2)	On an auto it wouldn't do anything unless the car was in park. On a manual? I'm not sure how it would know... I want to think it'd do nothing but as above I don't want to test it __________________ Previously: 2003 Peugeot 206 1.6 8v \| 2006 E90 320d M-Sport, 19" BBS CH, Full Ice-cold JL audio install, August 2010 Total BMW 6 page feature car. \| 2003 Nissan 350Z GT Coupe 286BHP Now:2010 E92 LCI 335d M-Sport
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07-20-2010, 08:12 AM	#4
M3-FAST Defected to the dark side..... 211 Rep 5,795 Posts Drives: BMW M5 LCi Join Date: May 2007 Location: Stafford, UK iTrader: (11) Garage List 2009 E90 M3 [10.00] 2007 325i M-sport C ... [9.00]	does nothing. (how many will try this on their next journey!!!) Makes me remember an incident my mate had on the motorway when driving his mum's E reg Nissan Bluebird - his brother who was in the passenger seat wanted a cassette tape out of the glovebox that was locked so he figured if he removed the key from the ignition, the car would coast long enough for his bro to get the glovebox unlocked, cassette out and then re-insert the key back into the ignition to start the engine. He failed to think about the steering lock which came on just as his bro was retrieving said cassette! The car ended up climbing a grass embankment, luckily with no damage and no one hurt!
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07-20-2010, 08:26 AM	#5
dobsy Private First Class 6 Rep 133 Posts Drives: E92 320d Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Wirral iTrader: (0)	Is it possible to fit a new Start button? Mine's a bit worn with all the finger action.
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07-20-2010, 08:36 AM	#8
xenon Major General 1422 Rep 8,114 Posts Drives: 2021 G21 330i M-Sport Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Coventry iTrader: (0)	Not so much expensive, just "impossible" to replace. I had the same thing with windscreen wiper blades. I went in to the dealer to see if it was possible to change them and the next thing I knew the car was in the crusher out back. __________________ Ian Current: 2021 G21 330i M-Sport Previous: 2018 A6 Avant S-Line MMI+, 2014 F31 320d M-Sport, 2013 F10 520d M-Sport, 2011 F10 530d M-Sport, 2008 320i M-Sport Coupe, 2002 325i, 2001 318i valvetronic, 1998 318i, 1996 525i, 1990 Porsche 944S2
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07-20-2010, 08:39 AM	#10
xenon Major General 1422 Rep 8,114 Posts Drives: 2021 G21 330i M-Sport Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Coventry iTrader: (0)	Nasty. Get a few quotes at least. __________________ Ian Current: 2021 G21 330i M-Sport Previous: 2018 A6 Avant S-Line MMI+, 2014 F31 320d M-Sport, 2013 F10 520d M-Sport, 2011 F10 530d M-Sport, 2008 320i M-Sport Coupe, 2002 325i, 2001 318i valvetronic, 1998 318i, 1996 525i, 1990 Porsche 944S2
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07-20-2010, 08:41 AM	#11
creepy coupe Lieutenant General 1870 Rep 13,043 Posts Drives: BMW M340I G20 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: UK iTrader: (2) Garage List 2015 BMW 435d [0.00] 2009 335i [0.00]	I might take it to the Auction tonight, just cut my losses, I'm worried sick now.
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07-20-2010, 08:44 AM	#12
dmurray14 The Stig 31 Rep 1,232 Posts Drives: Quickly Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: US iTrader: (1)	FWIW, you CAN turn off the engine while the car is in motion by HOLDING the start/stop button in...just in case it turns into a runaway toyota. __________________
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07-20-2010, 09:15 AM	#14
toxicnerve Colonel 97 Rep 2,834 Posts Drives: E92 335d M-Sport Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: UK iTrader: (2)	lol. I figured it wouldn't do anything. MEGA, on a manual the car will still have speed/wheel rotation sensors etc so I am guess it would also do nothing. dmurray, good to know. I won't be testing though! dobsy, xenon is right. The start button is actually a part of the chassis, if it breaks/needs replacing it would actually be cheaper to buy a new car. creepy, if you take yours in to have the washer bottle refilled I fear it may come back filled with piss. Might as well get shot of it and buy an M3. Or an E91 SE
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07-20-2010, 10:47 AM	#17
willhollin Major General 268 Rep 9,915 Posts Drives: VW T5 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Worcestershire iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 BMW E92 330d SE [10.00] 2010 Transporter T5 ... [0.00]	I switched my engine off by holding down the button when going down a hill. I wouldn't advise doing it when approaching a corner as I did though, panic starts to set in as the steering gets a bit heavy. __________________
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07-20-2010, 03:22 PM	#19
MEGA Dieseasal 204 Rep 6,881 Posts Drives: LCI E92 335d M-Sport Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Harrow, London iTrader: (2)	Lmfao this topic is hilarious __________________ Previously: 2003 Peugeot 206 1.6 8v \| 2006 E90 320d M-Sport, 19" BBS CH, Full Ice-cold JL audio install, August 2010 Total BMW 6 page feature car. \| 2003 Nissan 350Z GT Coupe 286BHP Now:2010 E92 LCI 335d M-Sport
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07-20-2010, 03:44 PM	#20
Dr Dave Zummerzet Zyder Drinker! 112 Rep 5,541 Posts Drives: '06 330D Le Mans Blue Join Date: May 2009 Location: Somerset iTrader: (3) Garage List 2006 330d M Sport [0.00]	Great thread. Hope I never have to replace my button! __________________
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07-20-2010, 05:33 PM	#21
I335 Brigadier General 123 Rep 4,249 Posts Drives: '08 335i Coupe Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: New England iTrader: (11)	Tough crowd...
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07-20-2010, 05:56 PM	#22
NFS Major General 275 Rep 9,218 Posts Drives: M340i Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	I replaced my start button with an otters nose.
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