A most bizarre starting wierdy!

[Maniac]

Today while leaving the car for a short period with a passenger I stopped the engine, took out the key and immediately pressed the start button again so the hifi stayed on for the passenger until my return.

Odd thing was, the engine started up (as I still had my foot on the brake).

I was sat there staggered as the engine fired up while I still had the key in my hand!

I don't have comfort access, and it's something I can reproduce.

How very weird!

[Z4 Beemer]

I think this 'feature' is in the manual... and as you say the car will restart within a short time frame as long as you don't open the door.

I think its an emergency thing... in case you need to restart and drive away quickly. I also think the car will warn you after a while that you need to insert the fob into the dash.

[OwenT]

I seem to remember reading that it's a 'winter comfort' feature, ie u can start the car, remove key & re-lock so it warms up / de-frosts without sum low-life jumping in & driving off?

[Maniac]

I seem to remember reading that it's a 'winter comfort' feature, ie u can start the car, remove key & re-lock so it warms up / de-frosts without sum low-life jumping in & driving off?

I'll have to check the manual.. You have to start it. Then stop it, take out the key and then start it again within about 2 seconds.. Cant be good for the engine on a cold start.. Sounds weird lol

[LeeME3]

Hey my Renault Megane (I know I know, it's long gone) had the silly Renault card-start and you could start it up with the 'key' in the slot then pull the key out and walk away with it in your pocket. This seemed to encourage theft of the car. After just a few weeks of ownership I could see why theft of it could be considered a good thing!

[JBBY]

I tried this on mine today.

Works just as described above although I can confirm you can drive as normal without any notifications to tell you to insert the key.

Jason

[andysat]

Clever or not?

[Jembo]

It's something us in the software industry refer to as an 'undocumented feature',

To the man in the street it's a bug...

[JBBY]

I would say yes. A bug.

If it would only drive a very short distance it would be great in the winter for warming the car up.

But as it stands, it would be an excellent way of getting your car stolen off your drive.

Jason

[Allattar]

Indeed. It would be great if engine came on, and if it was driven without the key it would come to a stop.

Has anyone tried starting the car without a key and then locking the car? just to see what happens?

I may have to try this.

[JBBY]

It just carries on running.

Had mine on with doors locked for 30 mins.