• BMW allowing dealers to reprogram F30 3 Series engine start/stop (MSA) feature - SI B12 15 12

                    
      		   
      Published on 08-13-2012 10:03 PM
      9 Comments Comments
      BMW in the new F30 3 Series offers a start/stop features to conserve fuel. This feature is enabled by default every the time the car is started but can be turned off by drivers with a button. Apparently this feature has infuriated some owners who want it disabled permanently. BMW is giving dealers permissions to enable a last user mode which will remember if the driver had the feature turned off and not require it being disabled again.

      This is great that BMW is listening to feedback but if they are going to do this for start/stop why not allow it for all features? What about traction control or shift modes? The M-button exists for this reason allowing a user to select their favorite setup but it would be great if all BMW's simply stayed the way a driver wanted them by default. Perhaps BMW's electronics are becoming way too much of a burden.


      SI B12 15 12

      INFORMATION
      The Automatic Start/Stop (MSA) system is a further BMW Efficient Dynamics measure aimed at meeting BMW's commitment to reducing CO2 emissions and enhancing fuel economy.

      BMW, always a leader in innovative technology, will be the first automobile manufacturer to bring MSA technology to all new models.

      Automatic Start/Stop systems will become prevalent in the future, as manufacturers strive to meet increasingly stringent emissions and fuel economy requirements.

      By automatically switching the engine off when the car is stationary, MSA can improve fuel economy and reduce emissions.

      New F-vehicles now incorporate the second generation of MSA (MSA II), which has been further developed to operate in combination with an automatic transmission and the BN2020 electrical system.

      A detailed description of the MSA Automatic Start/Stop function can be found in the ICP Technician library under Technical Training course ST1112.

      SITUATION
      Some drivers have expressed the desire to deactivate this function in certain situations. This can be done manually via the Automatic Start/Stop function button with the LED switched on, indicating that the start/stop function is deactivated.

      However, by default, the Automatic Start/Stop function is reactivated each time the engine is started.

      At the request of an owner, it is possible to modify this default logic to "Last user mode."

      With this logic, the current MSA's activated or deactivated setting is stored and used on the next trip.

      Note: All new BMW M models have the "Last user mode" as the default setting from production.
      This article was originally published in forum thread: BMW allowing dealers to reprogram F30 3 Series engine start/stop (MSA) feature - SI B12 15 12 started by Sticky View original post
      Comments 9 Comments
      1. DavidV's Avatar
        DavidV - 08-14-2012, 03:42 AM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by Sticky Click here to enlarge
        What about traction control or shift modes?
        That won't happen.
        The Start-Stop feature is a fuelsaver, TC and ESP are safety features and will always start turned on.
        You wouldn't want your wife to borrow your car on a rainy summers evening after you had fun with the car during the dry daytime, so she 'll spin at the first left turn, kiss the curbs and lands on the first big signpost...
      1. Sticky's Avatar
        Sticky - 08-14-2012, 03:46 AM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by DavidV Click here to enlarge
        The Start-Stop feature is a fuelsaver, TC and ESP are safety features and will always start turned on.
        I understand but it should be up to the driver ultimately, not BMW.

        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by DavidV Click here to enlarge
        You wouldn't want your wife to borrow your car on a rainy summers evening after you had fun with the car during the dry daytime, so she 'll spin at the first left turn, kiss the curbs and lands on the first big signpost...
        '

        This is why we have smart keys that remember your preference. Key for you, key for your wife.
      1. DavidV's Avatar
        DavidV - 08-14-2012, 03:52 AM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by Sticky Click here to enlarge
        This is why we have smart keys that remember your preference. Key for you, key for your wife.
        True.
        But in my case, key for me, spare key.
        My wife does not dare to drive my car Click here to enlargeClick here to enlarge
      1. Remonster's Avatar
        Remonster - 08-14-2012, 06:57 PM
        A car company shouldn't even be allowed to think it knows better than me, the owner who paid for the car. I'm with you Sticky, it should always stay the way I left it and that goes for everything from the A/C temp and radio station to the traction control. My brother was one of the ones who went in and tried to get his Auto Start Stop turned off and the dealer refused to do it, now they called us back and said BMW they can do it so I'm glad BMW is listening to customer feedback. For what it's worth, I've heard that the M cars have last user mode on by default.
      1. Sticky's Avatar
        Sticky - 08-14-2012, 07:05 PM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by Remonster Click here to enlarge
        A car company shouldn't even be allowed to think it knows better than me, the owner who paid for the car. I'm with you Sticky, it should always stay the way I left it and that goes for everything from the A/C temp and radio station to the traction control.
        Exactly.

        I always hate my BMW routines of adjusting 132048104813408 things before I can drive.
      1. Sticky's Avatar
        Sticky - 08-14-2012, 07:06 PM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by Remonster Click here to enlarge
        For what it's worth, I've heard that the M cars have last user mode on by default.
        Just the new M cars.
      1. Remonster's Avatar
        Remonster - 08-14-2012, 08:24 PM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by Sticky Click here to enlarge
        Just the new M cars.
        Right, what I said only applies to Auto Start Stop. I heard that the new M3 will have last user mode on by default but I don't know if the M5 and M6 behave like this.
      1. Sticky's Avatar
        Sticky - 08-14-2012, 09:17 PM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by Remonster Click here to enlarge
        Right, what I said only applies to Auto Start Stop. I heard that the new M3 will have last user mode on by default but I don't know if the M5 and M6 behave like this.
        The new M5 and M6 do from what I understand.
      1. Sticky's Avatar
        Sticky - 08-16-2012, 03:46 AM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by DavidV Click here to enlarge
        True.
        But in my case, key for me, spare key.
        My wife does not dare to drive my car Click here to enlargeClick here to enlarge
        Even better solution.