Automatic Start/Stop

Does anyone know if the Start/Stop override button will still be available on the 2014, as it is on the current model? A local BMW service foreman has been told that it very likely will not be. I'm considering a new order for a 2014, but I don't think I could live with the Automatic Start/Stop as a required function. thanks!

it will most likely be there, maybe as off by default if not, the dealer can program it for you.

I had my Start/Stop function set to "Last Use" by the dealer last week, and it's greatly increased my enjoyment of the vehicle.

I would check carefully before buying a '14 to ensure that there is indeed a disable button. Taking away the button would make some sense for BMW, since few want that horridly implemented function and (as explained to me by a BMW sales mgr) if too many owners disable it, it will call into question that additional 1 mpg they're claiming on the sticker (which was the whole point of the Start/Stop project - the govt doesn't care if you have to replace a starter 4 times; they just want their cred with the green movement). Start/Stop detracts significantly from vehicle enjoyment and most probably from engine part longevity.

I would not buy an X3 without an override button. I'd definitely triple-check that one out before plunking down the $.

The start stop is really meant for lowering pollution while you idle, the fuel savings is an added bouns. FYI, the starters on these car with start stop are heavier duty compare to the non start stop models, it is design for multiple start stops.

Originally Posted by The X Men

The start stop is really meant for lowering pollution while you idle, the fuel savings is an added bouns. FYI, the starters on these car with start stop are heavier duty compare to the non start stop models, it is design for multiple start stops.

Yet the Owner's Manual states that additional wear on components could result from the feature.

Originally Posted by noka

Yet the Owner's Manual states that additional wear on components could result from the feature.

It also says the car can burn a quart of oil every 1000 miles but wed all start a riot if that really happened.

Start stop has been on cars in Europe for years so its not something I worry about. On top of that starters are pretty cheap parts if it fails 100k miles from now like starters tend to

I use it regularly. I get 9.2 litres to the 100 km. (US 25.5 mpg) travelling to and from work in downtown traffic.

Yesterday my auto start/stop quit working. Looking at my owner's manual I read several items that may stop the ASS from working.

The one catching my attention stated that if the "passenger compartment has not yet been heated or cooled to the required level" the engine will not switch off. With spring in the air my air conditioning has replaced my heater and it runs all the time. Does the climate system ever reach a thermostatically controlled level?

Has anyone experienced their ASS not working because of interior heating/cooling, (or for any other reason)? Everything else works fine on the vehicle so I don't think it is a failure of the system.

ERK

ASS works fine for me with our Chicago Spring weather since Friday when we picked up the X3. My 2014 X3 has the override button. For the life of me I do not understand the criticism of Auto Stop Start. It could not be more seamless and easier. ASS works great.

The only caveat is that when stopping you have your foot completely off of the accelerator and on the brake.

Originally Posted by erkbiz

Does the climate system ever reach a thermostatically controlled level?

I guess that depends on your AC setting, try turning the temp up and if ASS start working again.

I tried to adjust temp settings and it didn't make any difference I think I'm in denial, something must be wrong. Today it's in the 40's and the ASS is not working....I think I need to take it to the dealer and have them diagnose what's goin' on.

In the eco mode I drive screen, there should be a speedo icon with a X across it if the ASS is shut off by the computer. Sports mode and outside temp below 39 deg. will also shut off the ASS.

Originally Posted by pharding

ASS works fine for me with our Chicago Spring weather since Friday when we picked up the X3. My 2014 X3 has the override button. For the life of me I do not understand the criticism of Auto Stop Start. It could not be more seamless and easier. ASS works great.

The only caveat is that when stopping you have your foot completely off of the accelerator and on the brake.

does your x3 have the auto hold feature?

If so, just activate it while sitting at the stop light or stop and go traffic. when its time to go push the accelerator the car starts back up instantly, turn off the auto hold feature until the next light, or when you no longer need it. no need to hold your foot on the brake pedal.

Hi Guys,

Here are a few things that happened to me while using AS/S. It works fine however if I am at a very lengthy traffic signal and the AC is on, the engine will re-start after a short while to continue providing AC. Secondly, when in heavy traffic, if I use the option to turn off the AS/S it won't become operational again as long as I don't completely shut off the engine and restart again; i.e., during one trip I can't use the on - off AS/S switch at leisure depending on traffic to select when I want AS/S. My X3 2013 also has the auto-hold function. So used in conjunction with AS/S all I have to do after a stop in traffic (no foot on the break) is to gently depress the gas pedal and way I go. Beautiful.

Originally Posted by pharding

For the life of me I do not understand the criticism of Auto Stop Start. It could not be more seamless and easier. ASS works great.

I agree completely. I love it on my 2013, and leave it on 100% of the time. The only time I ever press the override button is when I'm going to valet the vehicle or some reason that I wouldn't want it on.

With the auto-hold feature it's amazing. Nice and quiet when the engine is off waiting at the light.

Originally Posted by erkbiz

Yesterday my auto start/stop quit working. Looking at my owner's manual I read several items that may stop the ASS from working.

The one catching my attention stated that if the "passenger compartment has not yet been heated or cooled to the required level" the engine will not switch off. With spring in the air my air conditioning has replaced my heater and it runs all the time. Does the climate system ever reach a thermostatically controlled level?

Has anyone experienced their ASS not working because of interior heating/cooling, (or for any other reason)? Everything else works fine on the vehicle so I don't think it is a failure of the system.

ERK

If the A/C compressor needs the engine running to keep up it won't shut off the engine, which is by design.

Go to your iDrive menu, Vehicle Info and EfficientDynamics. When the ASS is disabled it will tell you why on the screen, climate or battery or whatever.

Does anyone here know if the dealer will still code vehicles to remember the last ASS setting? I have no desire to have my engine turn off on its own and I couldn't care less about the miniscule fuel or emissions savings, so I want to shut off ASS and leave it off.

If the dealer won't still do this, I guess I have a reason to learn to code my vehicle myself.

Originally Posted by BMWDude49120

Does anyone here know if the dealer will still code vehicles to remember the last ASS setting? I have no desire to have my engine turn off on its own and I couldn't care less about the miniscule fuel or emissions savings, so I want to shut off ASS and leave it off.

If the dealer won't still do this, I guess I have a reason to learn to code my vehicle myself.

My advisor did mention they would code this to off all the time if I requested. Personally I like the feature

Originally Posted by scottjays

My advisor did mention they would code this to off all the time if I requested. Personally I like the feature

MY CA offer to code the ASS to remember its last setting also, but my wife decline. She is starting to get use to the stop and go feature and she said she actually like it when its dead silent at a stop light.

I'm leaving mine on but I was told this function is on its own fuse. Ergo . . .
RP

The more I get to know my car, the less ASS bothers me. There are so many ways to avoid it without using the disable button, I seldom think about it anymore. At long lights, I find that with the car shut off and Auto Hold on, the stress of keeping my foot on the brake goes away. Driving is much more relaxing. At the same time I'm offsetting the reduced gas mileage from my Sport mode bursts of speed. Then just a gentle tug on the steering wheel starts the car just before I know the light is changing green. Basically, my dislike of the ASS feature is gone.

Took my X3 to the dealer today. I was told they have never seen a problem like this before, (good news for the X3 community?).

They are keeping the vehicle for a couple of days to figure out the problem. The thinking is that one or more of the several signals needed to enable the ASS function are not getting to the module controlling the function. Sounds logical, I hope it turns out to be something not too complex.

ERK

On my 2014 if I am not in Eco pro it remembers my last setting. No coding needed.

I feel the AS/S setting is really dependent on the driver. I personally don't mind the feature, however my wife hates it. I had the coding added so that it remembers the last setting (you'd think it would have been added to the key profile settings) and it works well. The funny thing is my wife prefers to drive her Ford, oh darn guess I get to enjoy the car that much more.