[BMWUltimateDriv3r]

I can't imagine constantly turning on and off is good for ANY engine in the long haul...

[The X Men]

What would be the possible damage?

[MaestroAl]

I can only think a worn out starter motor but I can't imagine BMW haven't factored that in Personally, I think the SS tech is awesome, especially with the auto trans. It was a bit weird in a manual but not too intrusive. And if it saves another few % of fuel then I'm all in favour

[justinnum1]

anyone that has experienced the ass tech on both the 328 and 335, is their any difference in how it feels? my current 328 feels kind of rough on restart, hoping the 335 i ordered is a little smoother.

[jmatero]

There's really no difference restarting the 328 or 335. The problem is that they're simply re-starting the motor. On hybrids, there is an electric motor connected directly to the crank so it's smooth.

The Mercedes system on their 2013's is fantastic. When the motor stops, a sensor detects which cylinder is at full compression and they simply fire that plug and turn the starter just a hair. The restart is almost imperceivable. Add to that, they install a second battery to run the accessories and AC when the car is stopped and it really does stay off until you lift your foot from the brake.

Both systems save some gas. As for motor-wear, a re-start causes no extra wear. With the BMW system, the battery and starter are the victims.

[SomeRandomer123]

Originally Posted by jmatero

There's really no difference restarting the 328 or 335. The problem is that they're simply re-starting the motor. On hybrids, there is an electric motor connected directly to the crank so it's smooth.

The Mercedes system on their 2013's is fantastic. When the motor stops, a sensor detects which cylinder is at full compression and they simply fire that plug and turn the starter just a hair. The restart is almost imperceivable. Add to that, they install a second battery to run the accessories and AC when the car is stopped and it really does stay off until you lift your foot from the brake.

Both systems save some gas. As for motor-wear, a re-start causes no extra wear. With the BMW system, the battery and starter are the victims.

Wow I didn't know that! Nice one Mercedes!

[Ron Scott]

This "feature" is just so ill-conceived its ridiculous; an uninspired step backwards. ASS will be dead by the 2014 models.

In the meantime, get the dealer to uninstall it.

[SmoothSteeringHopeful]

Originally Posted by Ron Scott

This "feature" is just so ill-conceived its ridiculous; an uninspired step backwards. ASS will be dead by the 2014 models.

In the meantime, get the dealer to uninstall it.

I disagree. I think the feature is quite common in Europe and recently brought to the USA. It can get annoying at times, but in stop and go traffic I'm sure it helps increase mpg.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Ron Scott

This "feature" is just so ill-conceived its ridiculous; an uninspired step backwards. ASS will be dead by the 2014 models..

You'd think this was 'new' technology... this is second generation 3-series technology in the UK. OK, there are advances into autos, but it was proven in the E9X series, amongst other BMW models.

Auto industry experts predict that stop-start will be used in up to 20 million cars by 2015. Even less optimistic estimates are around 8 million cars. And that is without China, who could double figures if they also regulate.

HighlandPete

[rayusaFL]

I honestly HATE that feature!!!!!
I wonder how many executives took to approve this!!
I'm taking my car to the dealer this Thursday to have it re-coded so that it will default to the last user mode! I can't wait.

[raceing86]

Originally Posted by BMWUltimateDriv3r

I can't imagine constantly turning on and off is good for ANY engine in the long haul...

I bet they didn't test it...

As someone else just said, this isn't new technology... Its just new on our BMW's stateside. And its BMW's 2nd version of the system. Auto start stop in general has been a part of hybrids for over a decade now.

So to answer your question, they have been testing it for years, literally.

Originally Posted by Ron Scott

This "feature" is just so ill-conceived its ridiculous; an uninspired step backwards. ASS will be dead by the 2014 models.

In the meantime, get the dealer to uninstall it.

Yeah, so ridiculous that it saves gas, and reduces emissions.... Can you please explain how this is a step backwards? lol...

Good luck uninstalling that, buddy.


Also, its not just a bigger starter motor. The hydraulic fluid pump in the transmission is different as well. They have to be able to lubricate the transmission pretty instantaneously once the car starts moving again. If the car has set for a while, most of the transmission fluid drains off the gears in the transmission.

[MaestroAl]

Originally Posted by Ron Scott

This "feature" is just so ill-conceived its ridiculous; an uninspired step backwards. ASS will be dead by the 2014 models.

In the meantime, get the dealer to uninstall it.

Really?

[raleedy]

Originally Posted by Ron Scott

This "feature" is just so ill-conceived its ridiculous; an uninspired step backwards. ASS will be dead by the 2014 models.

In the meantime, get the dealer to uninstall it.

Absurd comment.

[JamesMA]

Hmm, my dealer agreed to code to "save the last setting" when I take delivery. Problem solved as far as I am concerned.

[jmatero]

The feature on the manual transmission is much better. Throw it in neutral and it stays off until you throw it back in gear. The Autos are a bit more annoying.

This feature isn't going anywhere. In fact, it will be in most cars in the near future. Again, I test drove the 2013 C350 sedan and I'd never turn it off. You simply don't notice the motor is turning off/on it's implemented so brilliantly.

[JoeyO]

It's like turning a light bulb off and on. The lifespan of any bulb would be much longer if the light bulb was kept constantly on.

[Elk]

Originally Posted by JoeyO

It's like turning a light bulb off and on.

This is a poor analogy, at least for an incandescent bulb.

If you mean an LED bulb than yes, this is correct; no harm comes to either an LED bulb or an internal combustion engine restarted after a brief hiatus. There actually is a miniscule, meaningless amount less wear.

The starter gets a little bit more workout but, as we know, the starter internals are many times stronger in recognition of this extra use. Additionally, the starter internals on the F30 are designed to be easily replaced.

Auto off/on systems have been used for many years - neither starters nor engines are burning out prematurely.

[clarence]

U'll only suffer engine wear during cold starts cos all the oil is at the pan. ASS will only function when the engine is at a certain operating range & so no additional wear to the engine will be experienced as it's well oiled by that time.
The only time where ASS becomes annoying is during very frequent stop-start traffic & also at busy road junctions & roundabouts. U need instant response in those conditions so i'd leave ASS off at that point.

[cavm335i]

geez people, if you don't like the technology in the F30 then get an e9x or a mercedes; this subject has been beaten to death. Yeah it's a little rough to start/stop - you get used to it. Most of the people complaining probably haven't even driven an F30 for more than a test drive.

[boltjames]

Originally Posted by Ron Scott

This "feature" is just so ill-conceived its ridiculous; an uninspired step backwards. ASS will be dead by the 2014 models.

In the meantime, get the dealer to uninstall it.

+1

Not only is it implemented badly, but a $50,000 sports luxury sedan isn't the place for this penny-pinching nonsense. Tree huggers have lots of cars to choose from, don't need the F30 too.

BJ

[boltjames]

Originally Posted by cavm335i

geez people, if you don't like the technology in the F30 then get an e9x or a mercedes; this subject has been beaten to death. Yeah it's a little rough to start/stop - you get used to it. Most of the people complaining probably haven't even driven an F30 for more than a test drive.

I've got 1,000 miles on my F30 and I couldn't wait to get my re-code done. It's an awful feature, something that means nothing to the environment and saves so little money that no BMW owner would really care.

This should be a no-cost option installed at the factory for those that want it, shouldn't be shoved down our throats.

BJ

[Remonster]

Originally Posted by boltjames

I've got 1,000 miles on my F30 and I couldn't wait to get my re-code done. It's an awful feature, something that means nothing to the environment and saves so little money that no BMW owner would really care.

This should be a no-cost option installed at the factory for those that want it, shouldn't be shoved down our throats.

BJ

Agreed, they can install it on the car as a standard feature I just wish the Last User Mode was on by default, and while we're at it why doesn't the car stay in Sport mode when I turn it off? I think every single setting (except traction control) should stay the same until I change it.

The way I see it, I like driving my car in Sport mode, I park it at home and get in it the next day...why does the car assume my preference has changed?