[Shellz1000]

Newbie here. I’m buying a manual M2 and wanted to ask about starting the engine. Is it the usual case of the clutch having to be pressed to start up or does neutral need to be engaged as well (i.e. you can start the engine in first gear if wanted for example).

Appreciate any responses.

Cheers

[turvytopsy]

It doesn't matter whether it's in gear or not, as long as the clutch is pressed it'll start

[Yoshuey]

That’s pretty much standard practice on a lot of manual sports cars.

It was the same on my previous cars, 350z but not on my z4 coupe. It’s something to do with minimising wear on the transmission or clutch or something during cranking engine up.

I just do it by habit on all manuals now anyway.

[doughboy]

Originally Posted by Yoshuey

That’s pretty much standard practice on a lot of manual sports cars.

It was the same on my previous cars, 350z but not on my z4 coupe. It’s something to do with minimising wear on the transmission or clutch or something during cranking engine up.

I just do it by habit on all manuals now anyway.

It's on cars with timed cranking, ie you momentarily press start and it turns the engine till it starts.

Whereas older cars with turn key start it only cranks while you turn the key.

Clutch down is to protect stupid people who start it in gear by mistake and drive into a wall or worse...

[///MPhatic]

I prefer the way my Exige starts. Key on, press the button, no clutch needed. It knows when it's in gear...

Not sure why anyone would want to start the car in any gear if the clutch is depressed. What's the difference?

I very much like being able to reach in and start my Exige without having to actually get in the car. Maybe Lotus did that because it's a PITA to get in and out of? Either way, I like it.

[doughboy]

Is the exige a timed crank start? Ie do you just dab the start button and it cranks till it fires or does the starter only crank while you hold the button? (Like old skool key turn start)