Start-stop systems/ new car tech

[lolcantturn]

I valet for my other job and I am recently experiencing new automobile technology, as I have virtually only driven E30's and my dad's car since obtaining my license 4 years ago.
Yesterday I drove a new X3 as I was valeting it, and when at the light the engine stopped. I was so incredibly confused, especially since the A/C kept working. I took my foot off the brake and it started back up but very aggressively, I thought something was wrong with the car. Later I found out it was start-stop, something I never heard of before.
I can't imagine this being very advantageous at all, I'm sure it increases wear on the starter ten-folds, and kills battery faster as well.
Does the engine really become that much more fuel efficient?
What do you guys think of this? Driving newer cars all day makes me realize how much car's aren't really made to last 20+ years, 200,000 miles anymore. I know when we talk about E38's how the electrics are a big concern since it was an advanced car for it's time and now it's old, but I can't imagine half of these newer cars lasting with all working systems too long at all.

[Jon325i]

My aunt owns a 2006 Prius which I've driven several times. It doesn't have the start/stop feature you mention, but the motor will suddenly shut off then turn on again as the hybrid system requires more electric 'juice'. It is weird though, to be sitting at a light then the motor shuts off. In the Prius, when the light turns green and you accelerate, if there's enough battery level you just start going without any sensation of the internal combustion engine involved. Then, as your speed increases (and more power is needed), the gas engine suddenly kicks in and you just keep going. For me, the oddest thing to adapt to is the brakes of some of these hybrid cars.....they just don't have the same feel as your 'typical' braking system. Some recent hybrid supercars such as the Porsche 918 and McLaren P1 have some incredible re-gen braking systems that feel a lot like your typical braking system. I believe as the technology improves and the costs become more feasible, re-gen brakes will be a lot like braking systems we know today. It'll just be a matter of time.


Jon

[AndrewBird]

My E34 turned into a a start/stop car when I was having vanos issues. Died at every stop and had to be restarted. lol

[BlackSpeed66]

My concern is the "emergency" braking system more manufacturers are starting to get involved with that stops the car for you. I guess it's just assumed that no one is paying attention anymore while driving which is just plain sad. I do get the usefulness of it but on the other hand, just so many more things and electronic junk to go wrong. I can imagine an accident claim getting called in to one of our local branches with the customer saying "...but the car was supposed to stop for me!"

When one of those systems finally does malfunction.... the lawyers will have a field day...

[rturbo 930]

IMO new cars are stupidly complicated, and I would NEVER own one outside of warranty. I can't imagine what's going to happen to these cars when they're 10+ years, but I don't think it'll be good.

I think cars need to go back to the basics. Bring back personal responsibility (ie, no self driving cars), get rid of all the pointless electronic shit, and only the basics for safety. IMO there should also be size and weight limits. Cars would be so much simpler, and more affordable. But in the meantime, I'm going to hang onto my E30. For me, it's the perfect balance between luxury/features and simplicity.

[Northern]

some of the only features I've seen in the past few years that I like are the proximity based/RF unlock/push button start. I really would love to own a car that feels like you don't have to lock and unlock it when you leave, and don't need to dig in your pockets for the right set of keys.

[kwill22]

You would not believe how many customers get cars towed and sent back for "car issues" when the bmw's would shut off at stops. And lately it's been ford fusion hybrids. It's a hybrid. It doesn't start with the engine. People are so oblivious it's ridiculous. The cars even have a message that pops up and says ready to drive. To much technology for their own good. Everyone expects stuff to be done how they want, when they want and at the snap of a finger.