Push start button

[Twixboy]

Did some Z4's come with a push start button? I just came across this image in another thread. The button doesn't look stock so maybe the owner added it aftermarket, but it was the first time I've seen one so I figure I'd ask. If anyone's wondering, the member's name is Diokaef.

[JCF]

That's got to be aftermarket and even with the button you would still need the key in the ignition and turned to unlock the steering column, wouldn't you?

Seems like a wasted effort to me.

[Twixboy]

That's what I thought. I've never seen a Z4 M in person so I figured I'd ask here to see if that was an option on the M's. Many mods that are worth it to the person who did the mod aren't worth it to another person, so all I will say is I'm impressed with his effort and creativity.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Someone else did it with a writeup: http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=89369

[Twixboy]

I found the guy's DIY thread here:
http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=430948

He installed a keypad to bypass using his key for both the doors and ignition. There's a video to show it in action. So I take back my earlier comment - I do think this mod is really cool, although I still wouldn't do it to my car. Pressing a 5 digit code then pressing the start button really isn't any easier than taking a key out of my pocket, inserting it into the ignition and then turning it.

[UntzUntzUntz]

low key ejecto seato

[jdoublehcubed]

I remember one guy who did it, and it struck me as incredibly sketchy. you still need the key immobilizer to be read by the ignition, so you either (a) need the key in the ignition, in which case the start button is totally superfluous, or (b) you need to move the ignition sensor thingy somewhere else and put the key in there.

the guy I remember doing it took the ignition switch out and had it basically loose in the glove box, with the key permanently left in it. he then back filled the hole in the steering column with a 12v socket, which I thought was hilarious, in a riced-up-civic sort of way.

[ZStig]

seems like a waste of time and space

[ried]

I like the fact that our cars are the last BMWs that start with a real key. Really, the last ones. Wouldn't change that for anything!

[Diokaef]

Originally Posted by jdoublehcubed

I remember one guy who did it, and it struck me as incredibly sketchy. you still need the key immobilizer to be read by the ignition, so you either (a) need the key in the ignition, in which case the start button is totally superfluous, or (b) you need to move the ignition sensor thingy somewhere else and put the key in there.

the guy I remember doing it took the ignition switch out and had it basically loose in the glove box, with the key permanently left in it. he then back filled the hole in the steering column with a 12v socket, which I thought was hilarious, in a riced-up-civic sort of way.

Thank you for the comment however even if you had found the system box the guts of the key would not had help you, anyways I had made many advances since them, will post soon.

[Huz-Z]

Nice to see that post footer back here again!

[gmbbs]

Ummm...that push-start system has been removed and smashed with a hammer.

[wdb]

Originally Posted by gmbbs

Ummm...that push-start system has been removed and smashed with a hammer.

Gif or it didn't happen.

[Diokaef]

Unbelievable how things evolved in 9 years or so, literary that push start don’t even need a keypad anymore or fob, just my iPhone lol, not in a Bmw tho but still. I honestly believe someone would have more luck stealing a regular z4 then the way I modified that one

[Jsinghzzzz]

Originally Posted by Diokaef

Unbelievable how things evolved in 9 years or so, literary that push start don't even need a keypad anymore or fob, just my iPhone lol, not in a Bmw tho but still. I honestly believe someone would have more luck stealing a regular z4 then the way I modified that one

Got a write-up somewhere, interested to see how you iterated towards the latest version.

[Diokaef]

I’m building a new one for my truck I will post a link when I’m done

[gmbbs]

The car would have very hard to steal the multiple times it left me stranded and wouldn't start, including for the last time on the grid of an HPDE.

While I can appreciate the time and effort that went into the execution, having 9 non-serviceable, non-testable mechanical relays encased on a brick of resin...as Clarkson would say "That's not gone well". It was nice that the factory wiring had not been altered, so taking it back to stock was not too difficult.

Que sera, sera!

[Diokaef]

Thanks for the update, I’m not sure what version it went on the Z4, maybe 3 or 4, however with the ones I build I got a couple that are still working after maybe 8-9 years with no problems, I did however upgraded many of the components to a solid state relays and better micro processors, I wish I would remember what number the Z4 was and yes I tried to keep as oem as possible exactly in case of problems.

[Diokaef]

Too bad I didn’t know about you, I would gladly had sent you a new one at the time