Anyone installed an engine start button?

P

powerontap

Senior member
 Montreal
Is anyone using something similar to this and if so, how easy was it to install? I'm thinking of mounting one in place of my cig lighter.

microswitch_zps36826d08.jpg

wholekit_zps98990808.jpg
 
I think the main trouble with retrofitting a start button is that they turn starting the car from a single fluid action i.e. insert key and twist, into a disjointed double action i.e. insert key, turn it a couple of clicks, and then press the button, this soon becomes tiresome.

I speak from experience, although not with a Z4, as I had exactly the same issue with our previous 'key-in-the-slot' 1 series, you'd get in, insert the chunky key in the slot, then have to move your hand over to press the start button - it started off as a minor irritation but, over time, became an real PITA and I really wished the car had a normal insert & twist startup.

It appears that BMW got a fair bit of negative feedback on this system as all new F20 1-series and, I believe, the other Fxx series cars, have 'keyless go' as standard - so no key to insert just get in the car and press the start button, and this works absolutely fine and is easier than inserting the key. If they'd kept the old system, I'd have probably spec'd the 'keyless go' on our new 1-series even as a cost option.
 
Thanks for the feedback and link guys. True that I might just get tired of it after the novelty wears out...
 
these would be dead easy to wire in but like its been said you would still need to use the keys.

Get the right switch and wire and you wont even need the relay after all its only a push button on the starter wire.

i did away with the keys totally in my westy and just had a toggle swtich and a button.... not particulaly practical if you want to leave the car places but i never really did with that car anyway. i was going to get a proximity immobiliser but in the end just put an ignition key back on.

the novelty never wore off, jump in (literally) strap in the harnes, flick the switch press the button. it kind of appeals to my kid side :)
 
It would look cool but as others have said tiresome, but you don't have to use it every time.

I have one on my Jag XF. Mated to a keyless entry system means you don't have a key to take out of your pocket. Starting is then foot on brake pedal and press the start button momentarily and it sorts itself out.
 
On my Qashqai its a keyless entry with a twist start.

On the 1 series its the cassette type which is just as good.
 
Thinking about purchasing this button off eBay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/250893950478

Installing it to where the "sport" button is, by moving the "sport" button to where the airbag light is (so the passenger can hit it for me on convenience) And removing the airbag light completely (since its so useless) I hate the button it comes with, it just looks to aftermarket for me. I like to stick to the oem look, so I would like to switch the buttons by using the bmw engine start stop button

http://www.ebay.com/itm/200851386700

Would that be possible? Any suggestions?
 
You still need to keep that passenger airbag light plugged-in, or else you'll get a permanent airbag warning light in the dash. There's enough room under the console trim to secure it.
 
I used to have an engine start button on a Shogun I used to have.
Only because the electrics were knackered and the ignition system had to be bypassed. :lol:
 
if your going to do this swap out the starter button with the one from the 1 series so it looks stock... that one looks like something you would find on an arcade machine IMO :rofl:
 
This is something I'd love to do... But without the need to put the key in.
Have it to where you have an RFID card in your wallet to act as an immobilizer for when you're gone.

Anyone know how to do that?
 
Why not have the switch hidden (im sure you coukd get a multy layered switch to mimic the ignition connections that are made) then the push button where mentioned earlier (swap sport button and airbag light), take out ignition barrel and voila!
You could still lock / unlock your car with the key press, with key in pocket, jump in, flick switch and push go...
Unless I'm not thinking of something? I quite like the idea! :thumbsup:
If the ignition barrel was still there it would be a frustration I think.
 
I'd just rather no need to flip an additional switch, or have it as an "at-risk" item in the setup.
The immobilizer is ideal because it guarantees (as well as anything can) that the car can't be stolen.

The perfect scenario, though I haven't the slightest clue how to do it, would be to have the RFID card automatically lock/unlock the car as you approach or walk away, and then once you're in, you just hit the button.

I know some newer cars have it, which means it's definitely possible... Just not within my expertise on how to do it; yet.
 
Joe Martin said:
I'd just rather no need to flip an additional switch, or have it as an "at-risk" item in the setup.
The immobilizer is ideal because it guarantees (as well as anything can) that the car can't be stolen.

The perfect scenario, though I haven't the slightest clue how to do it, would be to have the RFID card automatically lock/unlock the car as you approach or walk away, and then once you're in, you just hit the button.

I know some newer cars have it, which means it's definitely possible... Just not within my expertise on how to do it; yet.
Click to expand...

My focus has key less entry and key less start

Walk up touch handle unlock

Get in press start button, starts

Get to destination, open door car goes off

Shut door, touch handle, door locks


The key knows when it is inside because you can hear the steering lock disengage

I would imagine you would need a whole host of sensors to add this to your car


Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
 
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