Cigarette Lighter Push Button Start

S

sbottum622

Member
I have been trying to decide what to do with the cigarette lighter space on my Z4 for some time now. It has no use, and I wanna do something about it. One of my favorite car features of all time is the fighter jet style push button start that they have on the newer lambos. Does anyone know of some way to get a custom button, or buy one somehow similar to this style and install in that space? I know it may sound stupid, but its just what Ive been envisioning and wanted to know if its possible.

Thanks!
 
If you do a search you will find that there's a few old threads on the subject

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=5537

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=1669
 
Do a quick google there are plenty of kits available, so can't advise re fitting to a zed though.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/sis.html?_nkw=Universal%20Car%20Engine%20Start%20Push%20Button%20Switch%20Ignition%20Starter%20Kit%20Blue%20LED&_itemId=251016542098
 
IMO the push-button start systems are a bit pointless unless coupled with a keyless ignition system. Using a push-button start in a car with a key-based ignition system turns starting the car from a simple single 'insert key and twist' action into a more cumbersome process

Both my wife and I disliked the ergonomics of the push-button start in our old (E87) 1-series as you had to push the key into a slot on the dash and then move your hand over and press the start/stop button. On our new (F20) 1-series, however, it works well because it's coupled with keyless entry and 'keyless go' so the key can stay in your pocket, you just open the door, get in and hit the button.
 
i agree perry, had a push start in the westy, but then i didn't have any keys on that. just flick the toggle switch down and press the button. toggle switch back up to turn off.

i took it out when installed an ignition key (thought that it might be less easy to nick) as all some of them do is replace the third stage key turn.

this will look the part on the dash :evil:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12V-PUSH-BUTTON-START-STARTER-IGNITION-ISOLATOR-SWITCH-PANEL-3-HOLE-ALUMINIUM-/231118886479?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item35cfc2564f

daft thing about these is the dead-man cover when down turns the switch off, its srping loaded so first bump you go over it turned the car off :D
 
I've not found the push start on the E87 a problem as you just push the key in and press the button directly above, but on a E85/6 it would be a real pain in the arse.
 
srhutch said:
I've not found the push start on the E87 a problem as you just push the key in and press the button directly above, but on a E85/6 it would be a real pain in the arse.
Click to expand...

We just didn't get on with it. It was something that we tolerated but it never felt natural - and it always ended up as a 3-stage process for us, key in, press start button, turn off auto stop/start....

It doesn't help if you have a lot of other keys on the keyring as they have to be arranged just right to get the key in the slot without them swinging and scratching the console area - with a traditional column-mounted key everything dangles in free space so it doesn't matter.
 
So true, my key ring is organised so they don't rattle etc. Was worried about swinging against the dash but that doesn't seem to happen.

What I think is even worse is the never BMW's where you need the key to press to open the door but not to start. So where do you put it. Then when you get out you have to use the key to lock. Either have a system where you use the key and need an ignition slot/barrel or a key that only need to be in the proximity :headbang:
 
srhutch said:
So true, my key ring is organised so they don't rattle etc. Was worried about swinging against the dash but that doesn't seem to happen.

What I think is even worse is the never BMW's where you need the key to press to open the door but not to start. So where do you put it. Then when you get out you have to use the key to lock. Either have a system where you use the key and need an ignition slot/barrel or a key that only need to be in the proximity :headbang:
Click to expand...
Comfort Access is your friend... :thumbsup:

As long as you have a key somewhere on or about you (including in a bag or case you're carrying), the car unlocks as soon as you grab either front door handle and, when you get out and shut the door, you only need to touch the top of the door handle to lock the car - a long touch closes windows and folds the power mirrors in as well. It also allows you to open the boot/tailgate of the car when it's locked (it doesn't unlock the doors when you do this and relocks the tailgate when you shut it)

We have this on the F20 - when I specc'd it, Cindy was dubious... now she wouldn't want to be without it.
 
PerryGunn said:
srhutch said:
So true, my key ring is organised so they don't rattle etc. Was worried about swinging against the dash but that doesn't seem to happen.

What I think is even worse is the never BMW's where you need the key to press to open the door but not to start. So where do you put it. Then when you get out you have to use the key to lock. Either have a system where you use the key and need an ignition slot/barrel or a key that only need to be in the proximity :headbang:
Click to expand...
Comfort Access is your friend... :thumbsup:

As long as you have a key somewhere on or about you (including in a bag or case you're carrying), the car unlocks as soon as you grab either front door handle and, when you get out and shut the door, you only need to touch the top of the door handle to lock the car - a long touch closes windows and folds the power mirrors in as well. It also allows you to open the boot/tailgate of the car when it's locked (it doesn't unlock the doors when you do this and relocks the tailgate when you shut it)

We have this on the F20 - when I specc'd it, Cindy was dubious... now she wouldn't want to be without it.
Click to expand...

The 3 series F series along with the X3's we have at work have the halfway house. When iv get my next company car it is something I will spend done time researching.
 
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