Clutch lockout when starting the car?

sharpyboy

Member
 Cornwall
Hi guys

Just been reading a downloaded PDF version of the z4 owners manual and in the section on starting the car it states you need to press the clutch in as there is a lockout preventing the car from starting without this being done. I've heard some autos need you to press the brake pedal before it will start but never heard of a manual needing the clutch pressed in. I would like to know if this was just on American versions of the car or if it was a pre facelift thing because my car definitely does start without having the clutch pedal depressed.

:driving:
 
More than likely a US think, liability & lawsuits etc.. However, I've had a couple of manuals where you have to do this, and most if not all manual cars with "keyless" ign do it as a safety precaution.

Mike
 
Us thing although my E87 does this, mainly due to stop start tech I guess.

Always start and stop my car with foot on clutch though.
 
I agree good practice, I always put my foot on the clutch and check not in gear it's just I've never heard of a lockout preventing startup and I don't think they were thinking of keyless ignition in 2004.
 
To be honest its something I have always done out of habit and I think its standard now on virtually every new car out there, certainly everything registered in the past 5-6 years that I have driven anyway and that must be hundreds of cars across 10-15 brands.
 
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