2012 Automatic Engine Start/Stop SUCKS!!!

[yokoseiki]

Been rolling in my new 2012 535 I purchased for my wife and the auto start/stop is aweful. It has a delay and in reality doesn't feel good for the car. I just think it is an extremely weird way to save gas in a $60K / 4000 lb luxury car. If you drive the car you can tell BMW spent some money designing the whole ECO PRO features of the car plus programming the engine and trans computers to work this mode. They had to add a button to manually stop the mode etc etc. In my opinion a huge waste of money.

[meteck]

Makes me think of golf carts. :(

[R brown]

Mighty glad my 2011 doesn't have it- that could be a deal-breaker! My 535 weighs about 700# more than my 2006 330 and is faster and still gets better mileage. I couldn't ask for more. I've gotten as high as 37.5 mpg on non-ethanol 93 octane driving 70-75mph on I-81 without drafting behind any trucks.

[ALEX 540i]

If you don't like the feature.......turn it off.

[yokoseiki]

"Turn it off" isn't as easy as it sounds. TRUST ME I've own 4 BMW's and actually still have 3 of them. I EXPECTED to be able to turn it off but you have to toggle it off CONSTANTLY.

-every time you put the car in park
-every time you change the mode to eco-pro

It DOESN'T stay off !!!!

[ALEX 540i]

Any way to change the settings through the iDrive?
I know that on the M3s the switch is always in the off mode unless you turn it on.

[meteck]

Did you check the owner's manual?:confused

[acepilot]

But wait...just think of all that money you'll be saving .... For that new starter.

Thank god I don't have that "feature"

Ace

[acepilot]

But wait...just think of all that money you'll be saving .... For that new starter.

Thank god I don't have that "feature"

Ace

[yokoseiki]

Well it's not an M3 and yes I did look the owner's manual.

Now that I've driven the car a dozen or so times, it's still massively annoying but you get used to it.

Hop in, buckle seatbelt, push start stop button, push start stop button. You just have to remember if you toggle to the Eco Pro it turns back on and evertime you restart the car.

BMW also has a "cancel" function through the brake pedal but that is more annoying.

[gsmith999]

Thats what I'm thinking too. Just get in the habit of double tapping the start button. Annoying, but not as bad as the engine shutting down every time you stop the car.

[meteck]

Sounded like a good idea at the time. :(

[yokoseiki]

I would use the brake pedal cancellation more too if the pedal pressure required wasn't so high. You really have to shove it down.

I've driven about 5-6 hours in the car now and your brain does retrain itself. You have to release the brake early at lights to start the motor in anticipation of the green the basically the most important new habit. I live in New Jersey and notice how annoyed people are you're 1-2 seconds behind the green light or the traffic in front of you, pretty funny !!!

[Vitric]

I would use the brake pedal cancellation more too if the pedal pressure required wasn't so high. You really have to shove it down.

I've driven about 5-6 hours in the car now and your brain does retrain itself. You have to release the brake early at lights to start the motor in anticipation of the green the basically the most important new habit. I live in New Jersey and notice how annoyed people are you're 1-2 seconds behind the green light or the traffic in front of you, pretty funny !!!
Sounds like the Prius.. Every time you take your foot off the brake pedal there is a delay between the time the BOO switch cuts off, and the time the electric motor starts moving. Really stupid IMO.

Edited to mention that I guess most people who aren't in to cars either as a hobby or a passion (like us) would never notice it, but we do.

[yokoseiki]

I have no issue having the feature in the car. But it should only be default in ECO PRO mode and not in comfort or sport modes. It was an obvious oversight on BMW's part. Also there should be a menu function to set the defaults.

Toggling the button is stupid and assumes that only a couple different drivers will use the car. If I let someone borrow the car trust me they will think it's broken.

In fact the first time my wife drove the car she cause a transmission malfunction after the engine auto stopped and she floored it while it restarted.

The car should not have the ability to break itself. It should only break if the driver breaks it :)

[webdesigner]

Did you ask the dealer if they can program it to have it always off?

[RobNavy]

yokoseiki,
I just ordered a 2012 528i and am pretty excited about the start/ stop feature. I did quite a bit of research and test drove the car several times beforehand. The start/ stop and improved MPG is what led me to a BMW over the new A6. I'm curious why you bought the car if you didn't like this feature and if I missed something in my test drives? Thanks!
Rob

[ajherran]

I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about. The Start/Stop button works perfectly as far as I'm concerned. What is ECO/PRO mode? Why would a start/stop button save gas?

[stpierrewm]

I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about. The Start/Stop button works perfectly as far as I'm concerned. What is ECO/PRO mode? Why would a start/stop button save gas?

Please read the thread.....:rolleyes

[gsmith999]

Just e-mailed DVDinMotion asking if they could come up with a software patch for this. Maybe if they get enough requests they will look into it.

[ajherran]

Please read the thread.....:rolleyes

Now I know what you're referring to. I don't have that feature on my 2011 535i as far as I know.

[yokoseiki]

yokoseiki,
I just ordered a 2012 528i and am pretty excited about the start/ stop feature. I did quite a bit of research and test drove the car several times beforehand. The start/ stop and improved MPG is what led me to a BMW over the new A6. I'm curious why you bought the car if you didn't like this feature and if I missed something in my test drives? Thanks!
Rob

Firstly we don't purchase cars the same way :) I'm a BMW enthusiast and honestly wouldn't even consider buying an Audi.

The start/stop feature would not deter or encourage me to buy a particular car and is a good way to save gas. I'm not saying saving gas is bad but I should be able to turn this feature off all the time if I don't like it. It takes AWAY from my driving experience.

[meteck]

Just e-mailed DVDinMotion asking if they could come up with a software patch for this. Maybe if they get enough requests they will look into it.
:whatmiss

[RobNavy]

Firstly we don't purchase cars the same way :) I'm a BMW enthusiast and honestly wouldn't even consider buying an Audi.

The start/stop feature would not deter or encourage me to buy a particular car and is a good way to save gas. I'm not saying saving gas is bad but I should be able to turn this feature off all the time if I don't like it. It takes AWAY from my driving experience.

No problem Yokoseiki, thanks for clarifying. I hope to be in your shoes several years from now as this is my first BMW and first German car. I hope My experience as a new owner will keep brining me back. My car has left Germany and should arrive on the west coast in a few weeks!

[meteck]

Welcome to the forum and send us pix as soon as it arrives!:buttrock

[NYF10DRIVER]

I have a new 2012 535. This feature "SUCKS" indeed.

BMW NEEDS to change this. Personally, I do not like the way it feels and I

am SURE it puts excessive wear and tear on the Engine components.

I would REALLY prefer that it default to "OFF"

How do you feel ?

Joseph

[trakcar]

I drove a Panamera with start/stop function, but once you pushed the button off it stayed off forever.

With it on it was massivly annoying and I could never own a car where it could not be turned off permanently.

I don't have it in our '11 535 but are you guys sure that you can't turn it off permanently??

Start/stop button is gimmicky if you ask me but not a big negative.
I hate that the trunk and 3 passenger doors don't unlock when you put the car in park. Very annoying to remember to unlock the car.

[meteck]

I have comfort access so I don't have that problem. :)

[ALEX 540i]

I drove a Panamera with start/stop function, but once you pushed the button off it stayed off forever.

With it on it was massivly annoying and I could never own a car where it could not be turned off permanently.

I don't have it in our '11 535 but are you guys sure that you can't turn it off permanently??

Start/stop button is gimmicky if you ask me but not a big negative.
I hate that the trunk and 3 passenger doors don't unlock when you put the car in park. Very annoying to remember to unlock the car.

Have you tried changing the settings for the locks through the Idrive?

[ward66]

Sounded like a good idea at the time http://www.sf700.info/7.jpg

[Bluewire]

After having my 2012 535i for a couple days, this was the first thing I went back to ask the dealer about. The user guide shows no option to have this feature default to "off" and the dealer can find no work-around.

I am getting used to it, but it still is a poor decision to not give us the option to turn it off. All I can think is there was some EPA rating BMW was trying to hit, and the mileage without this feature didn't measure up so thy had to lock it in the "on" position.

Still very curious about the long term impact on the car, engine, starter, etc.

[BimmerBri84]

Yes I agree with you all. It is a highly annoying feature! Wish BMW thought this through and actually did a customer survey on this feature before mass producing it.

[BimmerBri84]

After having my 2012 535i for a couple days, this was the first thing I went back to ask the dealer about. The user guide shows no option to have this feature default to "off" and the dealer can find no work-around.

I am getting used to it, but it still is a poor decision to not give us the option to turn it off. All I can think is there was some EPA rating BMW was trying to hit, and the mileage without this feature didn't measure up so thy had to lock it in the "on" position.

Still very curious about the long term impact on the car, engine, starter, etc.


Very good Theory on the EPA rating BMW was trying to hit! :buttrock

[BimmerBri84]

After having my 2012 535i for a couple days, this was the first thing I went back to ask the dealer about. The user guide shows no option to have this feature default to "off" and the dealer can find no work-around.

I am getting used to it, but it still is a poor decision to not give us the option to turn it off. All I can think is there was some EPA rating BMW was trying to hit, and the mileage without this feature didn't measure up so thy had to lock it in the "on" position.

Still very curious about the long term impact on the car, engine, starter, etc.


Very good Theory on the EPA rating BMW was trying to hit! :buttrock

[meteck]

the CAFE standards are rising every year and BMW is trying to keep you from getting hit with a "guzzler" tax. :)

[Savannahian]

I'll tuck this information away for my next purchase! Thanks for sharing!

[tomoastler]

I am in the market for a 535i 2010 or 2011 because of the idiotic auto
start/stop feature and that it defaults to always being on. I test
drove a 2012 3 Series with it yesterday and its a fun car too, but the
start/stop thing is just "not right". What you notice is when you take your
foot of the brake you hear a "vroom" BEFORE you step on the accelerator,
rather strange for driving enthusiasts to say the least. I asked the salesman about it and he said he has stepped on the pedal before it had fully turned on so it can happen and it makes sense that there would be potential damage and/or
lurching involved if you did it. I can see myself doing it if im in a rush (which is most of the time). NO THANK YOU, I'd rather get a used 2011 or 2010!

BTW, he is looking into whether BMW is planning a change in how it defaults.
I agree, they should just limit it to defaulting on for eco mode, and defaulting off for the other modes. Simple. I will repost his answer to the above question.

YES it is a game changeer and a deciding factor. The 2011's DO NOT have the feature, 2012's all do, so far, and they are all set to default on every time you put it in drive.

My first post! :)

Tom

[meteck]

Welcome to the forum! :redspot

[tomoastler]

I test drove a 535i today, base model. Firstly, just so no one is confused the start button is totally separate from the auto start/stop button, which is what you have to hit to disable it. Of course, it worked just as it should at the first stop today, bringing the rpm's immediately down to zero. I was tempted to then slam the brake pedal down and scare the salesman like you all mentioned but did not...lol...anyway as others have said eloquently.. it's MASSIVELY annoying.

My salesman found out from BMW that there are NO PLANS to change this feature in the slightest. They claim that all cars will have this feature in the future and BMW is leading the pack to save on EMISSIONS because so many cars are obviously stuck at red lights polluting our skies. And there is even a sticker (not easily removed it looks like) just below the two buttons that exhorts you to use the feature to save us all. GIMME A BREAK. Who can sell me a black 2011 525i, please? There might be a run on these soon...

Does anyone know if the German versions of these cars have the feature on their 2012's?

It sounds like we might need a after-market specialist to help owners default it to off electronically.

Save me from the over-reaching government. On the positive note, I still totally love the 535, I rented one in 2007 in Germany and cruised the Autobahn, and loved every minute. :) And thanks for the welcome.

I'll post a pic when I get my pre-owned 535.

Tom

[psebagh]

Hey everyone. Just got a 2012 528i a couple days ago. First time BMW owner. I agree the start/spot is kinda annoying just because it doesn't feel right. It feels like its putting a lot of strain on the car and yes the first thought that came in my head was 'this is probably gonna cost me more then I save. I think if they can figure a way to make it a little more smooth then it would be a much larger success. I just toggle it off if I'm in traffic or on busy streets.

[rjinaz85308]

just put the slightest pressure to turn the steering wheel and the engine will start and stay on. Maybe not ideal, but it works.. For what it's worth I don't mind the start/stop now that I am used to it.

[meteck]

BTW, it's a Bosch invention and the starter, etc., is designed for it. They are constantly refining it, so maybe it'll get better.:)

[Savannahian]

just put the slightest pressure to turn the steering wheel and the engine will start and stay on. Maybe not ideal, but it works.. For what it's worth I don't mind the start/stop now that I am used to it.

good to know. Thanks!

[Kredithai]

I got an F10 as a loaner, I'm 50/50 about the start-stop feature. While I appreciate the technology and what it brings to the table, the polite shudder you get in the cabin after every stop got old quickly.

[aterren]

Mighty glad my 2011 doesn't have it- that could be a deal-breaker! My 535 weighs about 700# more than my 2006 330 and is faster and still gets better mileage. I couldn't ask for more. I've gotten as high as 37.5 mpg on non-ethanol 93 octane driving 70-75mph on I-81 without drafting behind any trucks.

Where did you find non-ethanol gas???

[xisco44]

and what happened with the air conditioner compressor does it stops working?

[Die Wolfe]

Man, I've been reading this thread since it started and I was worried since I ordered my 2012 535i...but after picking up my car and driving it for the last few days, this feature does not bother me at all!

1) The lag time to restart is barely noticeable especially if there are other cars in front of you waiting to go...which is majority of the time.

2) If you have to launch off from a stop then it's pretty easy to anticipate the light. A slight decrease of pressure off the brake restarts the engine so there's no lag when it's actually time to go.

3) Stop acting spoiled and lazy! Just press the button that's within arms reach and it's off!

My opinion: If this feature is what helped BMW achieve their MPG numbers, hey, then use it and save a few dollars.

Either way, when I want to get on it, I hit two buttons: Sport mode and Auto Stop/Start OFF!

[bmwgso]

Do what I did!

Purchase a 2012 550i!

No Stop/Start!

[Die Wolfe]

Do what I did!

Purchase a 2012 550i!

No Stop/Start!

Yeah, I already have a couple of cars that get 14mpg...I'm happy now with my 30mpg :)

[BMWAutoStopCom]

I purchased a new 2012 535i and absolutely hate the auto stop start implementation. They should have made the button persist the setting indefinitely. So I made a website to warn potential buyers of the technology.

You can visit my site at-
http://www.bmwautostop.com

Please spread the word about this site so we can stop the engineering foolishness of BMW.

Thanks

[TheChemist]

Indeed, Start/Stopp automatic can be very annoying. All BMW cars in Germany also have this feature. I wrote to BMW in Munich and asked them for a statement, why they prohibited my BMW-dealer to activate the memory-function for the Start/Stopp automatic. I'm still waiting for the answer.

I will help myself, if BMW (Munich) will not cooperate:
It is possible to code the CAS, so that start/stopp is in memory mode (last used setting is always remembered at new start).
With software like E-Sys (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1831705), the datafiles (http://www.f30post.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=698257&stc=1&d=1338275656) and the appropriate adapter (http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=696777) you only have to set the function value "TC_MSA_MemoryModul" in CAS, section 3000TC, to „aktiv“.

It is also possible to program start/stopp so that it will be off by default. Therefore the function value "TC_MSA_DEFAULT_OFF" has to be set to "aktiv" and start/stopp will be off by default. You shall get the same function (off by default) if your BMW dealer updates the cars software while the start/stopp-function is manually deactivated.

[arkeith1]

I recently had my car in for a service and they gave me a 2012 528 loaner, with the stop & start very annoying.

[BMWAutoStopCom]

I purchase a new 2012 535i without knowing the full details about how the switch works. I was told by the dealer that pushing the Auto Start/Stop button would disable the feature. No No WRONG! You have to push it every time you start the car if you don't want it on. So I made a website warning potential BMW buyers. You can visit it at...

http://www.bmwautostop.com

[TheChemist]

Today I got the news, that BMW in Germany from now on will activate the memory function for Auto Start/Stop, if the customer asks for it. I think it will be the same in the US.

[accuphase]

well i'm glad my 520d doesn't have this "feature". I was actually testing the new 2012 3 series with this thing on - even though I was not annoyed - I thought that turning on/off the engine on stops is bad for the engine isn't it? What if the turbines are hot and it turns it off and there's no oil flowing - the damn thing will break. However I am very happy with the new 5-series :D

[TheChemist]

...I thought that turning on/off the engine on stops is bad for the engine isn't it? What if the turbines are hot and it turns it off and there's no oil flowing - the damn thing will break. However I am very happy with the new 5-series :D

BMW took precautions: The engine will not turn off via auto start/stopp-function, if the turbine ist too hot (i. e. after a ride on the german Autobahn with 240 km/h / 150 mph)