Push button start: Why?

[[TW]Fox]

I like gadgets, they are fun. As you all know, a car full of gadgets is my idea of good.

However, some things I just don't get. Principly... Push button starters.

Place key in ignition, and instead of simply turning it, you have to let go of it and press a button the other side of the steering column.

Why? What possible purpose does this solve? You've already had to put the key in the ignition so why can't we just keep our hand there and turn it?

Electric Windows, Cruise, AC, parking sensors - all nice gadgets which save a bit of effort. But push button starters?

 

[[TW]Fox]

Got it on mine, security is loads better as they can't just crack open the steering column shroud, i still find myself going for the normal right hand side to stick my key in even after a year with it

Yea, the 1 Series is the only car I've actually experienced it in (Actually I can't remember if the new 5 Series had one).

First three times: WOW LOL IT HAS PUSH BUTTON START
After that: WHY?

 

[[TW]Fox]

I sometimes get in the car and turn the ignition on so that the CarPC comes on, without the engine running. If i've been playing with the PC, and i'm then going to go somewhere, I can just press the button which is right next to the touchscreen, and the engine will start.

See I wouldnt find that very useful becuase if I want to play computers I will do in the comfort of my room, cars are for driving

 

[[TW]Fox]

Theres something about starting a car with a button which just adds to the sense of occasion. Admittedly on the Westfield I also had to flip up two toggles to activate the base electrics and the ignition/fuel pump circuits as well. The key was hidden under the dash down on the steering column.

At the moment, I agree. It's a sporty feature.

But will that sense of occasion still exist when push button starts are found on all cars?

 

[[TW]Fox]

Security?

How are they more secure? Remember, all cars these days have electronic immobilisers. No key, no start. At least with high end stuff, the sort of thing you find push button starts fitted to...

 

[[TW]Fox]

I am running around in a 118d at the moment which has done nothing but reinforce my view that push button starters are irritating, if slightly cool.

 

[[TW]Fox]

Erm if you REALLY want a review of a bottom of the range BMW hatchback I suppose I could throw one together tommorrow

 

[[TW]Fox]

Whats your paintwork like mightynimrod?

This one is swirlmarked to hell and back despite being an 06 plate car with just 1000 miles on the clock. If you told me it was a 2 year old ex-demo launch car I'd have beleived it were it not for the plate..