Curious where the forum stands regarding the Engine Start/Stop Button since it appears to be becoming as ubiquitous as automatic transmission.

Which do you favor and why?

 

Personally I prefer the feeling of turning the key versus pushing a button. I feel I have more control and like the feeling of power over the machine. Similarly is why I prefer MT over AT

 

key is better:

idiot owners (or unfamiliar renters/borrowers) don't know how to use the button in an emergency.

the motion of the key gives a natural progression to the action:
acc<-off->on->starter (or off->acc->on->starter which i think is less safe); with the button, does pushing it engage the starter or just change the state in some non-obvious way? What if you've got one of those cars where you still have a key nub where it needs to be turned to on, and then the button just does the starter? well, now you've got to add logic to not engage the starter if the nub is in the wrong position... blah blah blah

 

I'm fine with the key, don't really see the button to be more than a gimmick.
But the button is OK as long as it does not require inserting a key (or anything into a socket) first before pressing the button.

 

i think the button is just a way to make the car feel more like an appliance. It was previously only used on exotic cars and one off race cars.it should have stayed that way

 

Lexus smart key/push start FTW. I love not having to take the key out of my pocket.

For those adding push start to the RX-8, it seems kind of redundant. Still have to insert key and push button --> I'd rather just start it while I still have my hand on the key.

 

In a weekend warrior like my RX8, i don't care for push button starts. For a daily driver, sure why not?

 

I'm a valet and drive over 50 different cars a night. I perfer the turning of the key. It's faster and everybody always forgets to give me their key since they always have it tucked away in their purse or pocket.

 

i have a 04 rx8 with a key..

and a 10 mazdapeed3 with no key. i am adjusting. but really no key is silly simple..

but you have to program the car to do what you want.

beers

 

Let me just push the button ..............

 

'Traditional key?' In the very early days cars had pushbuttons, then later when inevitable crime occured keys.

Military vehicles have always had pushbuttons (with padlock-capable e-brakes).

It takes some getting used to, but I like the fob/pushbutton concept..... until the fob battery dies that is!

 

My brother has a '10 BMW 135i. . . you gotta stick the little key fob thing into a hole in the dash... then push the button.

2 steps....

Starting the car should be a 1 step process... The smart key is in your pocket and you push the start button.

OR put the key in the hole and turn it....

Not insert some device somewhere and then turn something else. . .


I think push button starts are cool. Big red button like that gives the feeling of a race car. But don't make a 1 step process a 2 step process, ya know?

 

Start button with the car sensing a remote FOB is the future. No use in fighting it.

 

I already use a button on the fob to unlock the doors, why not start the engine as well?

 

I see the "push button start" as just another electrical device that can and will fail in the future and need to be fixed or replace, costing you more money out of your pocket and into the stealerships.

 

Are you sure he *has* to? If its anything like the Infiniti G37x system, that slot is just for if the fob's battery died.

I'm ok with the RX-8's system. I don't mind turning it even though there's not a key in it.

 

true that, my remote already broke, don't want to have to blow 100 bucks for a smart key if that breaks.

 

The poll is pretty close

 

No, I'm not sure he has to. . . I just know it annoys me when it feels like he has to do a "pre-drive" checklist before we actually start moving.

He's a pilot also, so I guess I don't hold "Bavarian motor werks" responsible.

 

in my buddy's 7 series bimmy you definitely NEED to stick it in the little slot, but it is a few years older. not sure how it is on the new ones. basically, it's most idiotic thing i've ever seen. ones that don't require that are cooler... i wouldn't mind one, but somehow i'm still not too embarrassed to show my friends the lowly key ignition

 

I have an 09 gt rx8 and it have two option as ....well jus turn the cap and start or take off the cap and use the key..

 

Start buttons and remote transmitters are expensive electronic gimmicks that just add to the cost of buying and keeping a car. In other words, they are here to stay.

 

^ unfortunately

 

nothing excites me about pushing a button, I like to crank and know that I have the power for my engine to turn over, and not some electronic start up sequence...

I like holding the power, which is exactly what a key is to me, a tangible representation of the power i control.

 

Sephy with power!!