Does Clutch "Need" to be Engaged to Start??

[Jonny318IS]

I already know the answer to this question, the answer is no, at least not on my car. I have a 318IS, and I have never 'had' to engage the clutch to start the vehicle. I had to have the car inspected for insurance, and they wouldnt clear it cause they said it shouldnt start with the clutch out.

I've seen some posts that say you dont need it neccessarily, but what is the stock setting on the car? It's a 1991 318IS. Also, if it is supposed to be engaged to start the car, is it an easy fix? The mechanic called it a "Clutch Pedal Neutral Switch" and he said it wasnt working. Is he full of shit??

Thanks

[KenC]

no e30s have to have the clutch in

[asubimmer]

no e30s have to have the clutch in

[DaN]

Up until 96, I believe all BMWs dont have the clutch safety switch.
Tell them, thats how it's designed.
Who checks that anyway, seriously? thats weird.

[Jonny318IS]

thats what i thought

Dont ask me why he checked. That'll teach me for taking it to a Ford place for an outta province inspection. But I saved $50 bucks!

I'll tell him he's full of shit and he should refund my money for wasting my time.
Thanks guys.

[Jonny318IS]

It was an inspection that you need in Canada to insure a vehicle in a new province. Apparantly they are really picky. The Stealership wanted $200 to do the inspection, the Euro Dude I usually go to wanted $150, and Ford wanted $99. I guess you get what you pay for sometimes....

[EtaSport]

edited because i read someone's reply wrong

[Axxe]

There is a clutch swith.... My e30 and my friend's 89 do NOT need the clutch in to start. I never messed witht he switch because i dont like the clutch feature. I like to reach in the window and start the car.

It looks just like the brake pedal light switch under the dash.

That's for cruise.

[e30evolution]

That's for cruise.

correct... you beat me to it

[NC325iC]

so technically you could hook up a starter kill to that switch and ta da there you go

[Tangent]

I love not having a switch on the clutch for the starter! One, it weeds out the 'tard drivers who forget to take it out of gear befroe cranking the engine, and two, it can be a literal life-saver in emergency situations. I'm sure everyone's seen or heard about at least case of a car stalling on the train tracks and not being able to restart. In our cars you just stick it in second, leave the clutch out, and crank it off the tracks!