Interesting Stop/Start E-Mail from BMWNA

simianspeedster · 03-30-2012, 02:28 AM

We received an interesting e-mail from BMW of North America educating us about the Start/Stop feature on our new 328i. It makes me wonder if BMW has received customer feedback that the feature is annoying, confusing or otherwise not well received. Full text below.

Anyone know more about this?

-----

Subject: BMW's Auto Start/Stop functionality

FINALLY, AN ENGINE SCHOOLED IN EFFICIENCY

Dear ______,

Your vehicle's engine is equipped with Auto Start/Stop, the latest technology in BMW’s ongoing effort to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. This feature can save you money at the pump by automatically turning your engine off when it's not needed and auto-starting it when it is. This means your BMW won’t unnecessarily waste fuel when you’re at a red light or in a traffic jam. The system is intelligent, only activating when the outside temperature is above 38°F, the battery is sufficiently charged and the engine is operating at a normal temperature.

Have more questions? Reach out to CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com or consult your online owner’s manual.

svache · 03-30-2012, 02:33 AM

I'm a bit confused. How come you got that email?

simianspeedster · 03-30-2012, 02:49 AM

As previous BMW owners, we were already registered with BMW's online customer portal. So when we bought the new F30, it automatically showed up in our online account a few days after purchase (I believe the dealer provides that info to BMWNA).

So that would explain why we would receive an e-mail about from BMW about the F30 -- they know we have a new car with Stop/Start -- but it doesn't explain why BMW sent the e-mail.

Anyone else receive it?

svache · 03-30-2012, 03:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by simianspeedster

As previous BMW owners, we were already registered with BMW's online customer portal. So when we bought the new F30, it automatically showed up in our online account a few days after purchase (I believe the dealer provides that info to BMWNA).

So that would explain why we would receive an e-mail about from BMW about the F30 -- they know we have a new car with Stop/Start -- but it doesn't explain why BMW sent the e-mail.

Anyone else receive it?

Hmm... it could be the reason but at the same time I'm not so sure. Thing is, this will be our third BMW and we are also registered online since our first BMW :S

The email seems to me as if you asked them a question, which is why I was wondering but apparently you didn't. Kind of odd they send you that I think

simianspeedster · 03-30-2012, 03:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svache

The email seems to me as if you asked them a question, which is why I was wondering but apparently you didn't. Kind of odd they send you that I think

Right, we didn't ask/e-mail them anything, hence my surprise and this thread wondering out loud about the background. I only posted the text of the e-mail, but it was a fully formatted communication with BMW branding, HTML & images. It seems like some kind of education campaign or something along those lines.

I just noted from your sig that your F30 is on order -- maybe they'll send you something once you receive the car. We've had ours for 3 weeks and the mail came through today.

PrinceBarin · 03-30-2012, 03:44 AM

I have occasional use of an E82 118d MT and the Auto Stop/Start has never caused any issues. In fact, it hardly ever kicks in, presumably because one of the many pre-conditions (engine temp etc) is not being met. So I was somewhat sceptical of the suggestions that this technology was going to cause a raft of issues.

However, there have been a fair few F30 owners on this forum who have complained of problems with it (notably stalling) and this email only adds to the suspicion that 'something's up'!

I'll keep an open mind until I've had a chance to try it in my car but I am beginning to wonder if there is a genuine problem here.

svache · 03-30-2012, 04:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by simianspeedster

Right, we didn't ask/e-mail them anything, hence my surprise and this thread wondering out loud about the background. I only posted the text of the e-mail, but it was a fully formatted communication with BMW branding, HTML & images. It seems like some kind of education campaign or something along those lines.

I just noted from your sig that your F30 is on order -- maybe they'll send you something once you receive the car. We've had ours for 3 weeks and the mail came through today.

Hmm maybe that's indeed why I haven't seen anything, I did not finalize the sale of course (will actually do that tomorrow lol.. I wont see the car just yet but I agreed to do this so I can keep my leased X5 for the time being without any extra cost and having them reimburse my registration costs).

It's kind of odd yeah that they send you that, perhaps it's meant as advertising but a bit in a different way as they normally would do

john4.4x5 · 03-30-2012, 10:28 PM

Fake!

simianspeedster · 03-30-2012, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by john4.4x5

Fake!

Really? If it makes you feel better to believe I made this up, you do what what you have to do.

justinnum1 · 03-30-2012, 10:50 PM

I got one too.

Dear JUSTIN,

Your vehicle's engine is equipped with Auto Start/Stop, the latest technology in BMW’s ongoing effort to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. This feature can save you money at the pump by automatically turning your engine off when it's not needed and auto-starting it when it is. This means your BMW won’t unnecessarily waste fuel when you’re at a red light or in a traffic jam. The system is intelligent, only activating when the outside temperature is above 38°F, the battery is sufficiently charged and the engine is operating at a normal temperature.

Have more questions? Reach out to CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com or consult your online owner’s manual.

from BMW of North America bmwusa@emails.bmwusa.com

simianspeedster · 03-30-2012, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justinnum1

I got one too.

So I guess we can officially call this a conspiracy now...

justinnum1 · 03-30-2012, 10:58 PM

they have sent me some other bull shit too lol

Grumpy514 · 03-31-2012, 02:08 AM

Are you able to disable this? I hope so. If not maybe juicebox or vishnu can work something out. Going to be terrible when you have aftermarket exhaust.

PrinceBarin · 03-31-2012, 04:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grumpy514

Are you able to disable this? I hope so. If not maybe juicebox or vishnu can work something out. Going to be terrible when you have aftermarket exhaust.

Only by pressing the 'off' button each time you get in the car. I don't think anyone has come up with a sure-fire way to turn it off permanently: http://www.f30post.com/forums/showth...ght=Auto+start

Ron Scott · 03-31-2012, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by simianspeedster

This feature can save you money at the pump by automatically turning your engine off when it's not needed and auto-starting it when it is.

Has anyone tried to assess their actual savings at the pump with this feature?

richb811 · 03-31-2012, 10:42 AM

An interesting email... funny they'd send that out after you purchased the car.

raleedy · 03-31-2012, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich@GTBPerformance

An interesting email... funny they'd send that out after you purchased the car.

Huh?

richb811 · 03-31-2012, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raleedy

Huh?

From a marketing standpoint it is ionteresting to me that they felt the need to educate post purchase via email.

Thats all

Feanor · 03-31-2012, 01:54 PM

Um.... there were a bunch of posts in this thread involving people moaning about stop-start and me responding to them that seem to have disappeared.

What's happened to them?!?

simianspeedster · 03-31-2012, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich@GTBPerformance

From a marketing standpoint it is ionteresting to me that they felt the need to educate post purchase via email.

Thats all

Agreed -- that's why I started the thread. It's not to bitch about Stop/Start but rather to suggest BMW feels the need to educate new customer for some reason. Having worked in communications, I can say for certain that BMW wouldn't send a mail like this to new owners without any background or goal.

My hypothesis is that the average new F30 owner (i.e. people not on these forums) are confused as to when the engine stops and when it doesn't. RTFM, I know, but let's be realistic -- the average buyer doesn't do that either, so I'm betting BMW sent this communication to educate people about their new F30s so they don't think the car is misbehaving. It appears they also took the opportunity to promote the efficiency of the feature so the average buyer has an incentive not to disable it every time they get in the car.

richb811 · 03-31-2012, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by simianspeedster

Agreed -- that's why I started the thread. It's not to bitch about Stop/Start but rather to suggest BMW feels the need to educate new customer for some reason. Having worked in communications, I can say for certain that BMW wouldn't send a mail like this to new owners without any background or goal.

My hypothesis is that the average new F30 owner (i.e. people not on these forums) are confused as to when the engine stops and when it doesn't. RTFM, I know, but let's be realistic -- the average buyer doesn't do that either, so I'm betting BMW sent this communication to educate people about their new F30s so they don't think the car is misbehaving. It appears they also took the opportunity to promote the efficiency of the feature so the average buyer has an incentive not to disable it every time they get in the car.

Yep. I know a LOT of people who buy a car and don't know how 95% of the features work within the car, so it does make sense. They must have had a number of confused buyers in the US and Canada to think about putting out the email though.

svache · 03-31-2012, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by simianspeedster

So I guess we can officially call this a conspiracy now...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Feanor

Um.... there were a bunch of posts in this thread involving people moaning about stop-start and me responding to them that seem to have disappeared.

What's happened to them?!?

They got used to it

03-30-2012, 02:28 AM	#1
simianspeedster Captain 61 Rep 631 Posts Drives: 2020 840i Coupe Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: The Vast Interwebs... iTrader: (0)	Interesting Stop/Start E-Mail from BMWNA We received an interesting e-mail from BMW of North America educating us about the Start/Stop feature on our new 328i. It makes me wonder if BMW has received customer feedback that the feature is annoying, confusing or otherwise not well received. Full text below. Anyone know more about this? ----- Subject: BMW's Auto Start/Stop functionality FINALLY, AN ENGINE SCHOOLED IN EFFICIENCY Dear ______, Your vehicle's engine is equipped with Auto Start/Stop, the latest technology in BMW’s ongoing effort to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. This feature can save you money at the pump by automatically turning your engine off when it's not needed and auto-starting it when it is. This means your BMW won’t unnecessarily waste fuel when you’re at a red light or in a traffic jam. The system is intelligent, only activating when the outside temperature is above 38°F, the battery is sufficiently charged and the engine is operating at a normal temperature. Have more questions? Reach out to CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com or consult your online owner’s manual.
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03-30-2012, 02:33 AM	#2
svache Lieutenant Colonel 267 Rep 1,879 Posts Drives: 2012 F30 328i Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Hawaii iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 BMW F30 328i [5.74] 2009 BMW X5 xDrive30i [0.00] 2004 BMW M3 SMG [8.66]	I'm a bit confused. How come you got that email? __________________ F30 328i Luxury w/ Mojave metallic, beige interior (timeline) Note: Many PM me for links to the software needed to code. Please note that I do not have download links to this software. Your best bet is using the search function in the coding thread
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03-30-2012, 02:49 AM	#3
simianspeedster Captain 61 Rep 631 Posts Drives: 2020 840i Coupe Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: The Vast Interwebs... iTrader: (0)	As previous BMW owners, we were already registered with BMW's online customer portal. So when we bought the new F30, it automatically showed up in our online account a few days after purchase (I believe the dealer provides that info to BMWNA). So that would explain why we would receive an e-mail about from BMW about the F30 -- they know we have a new car with Stop/Start -- but it doesn't explain why BMW sent the e-mail. Anyone else receive it?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-30-2012, 03:44 AM	#6
PrinceBarin Major 83 Rep 1,322 Posts Drives: F82 CP (sold) Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Birmingham, UKWest iTrader: (0)	I have occasional use of an E82 118d MT and the Auto Stop/Start has never caused any issues. In fact, it hardly ever kicks in, presumably because one of the many pre-conditions (engine temp etc) is not being met. So I was somewhat sceptical of the suggestions that this technology was going to cause a raft of issues. However, there have been a fair few F30 owners on this forum who have complained of problems with it (notably stalling) and this email only adds to the suspicion that 'something's up'! I'll keep an open mind until I've had a chance to try it in my car but I am beginning to wonder if there is a genuine problem here.
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03-30-2012, 10:28 PM	#8
john4.4x5 E46 ~ E53 ~ E90 ~ E92 ~ F30. 5 Rep 51 Posts Drives: 2013 335i Sedan EB II/Red Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: USA, TX iTrader: (0)	Fake! __________________ Current BMW: 2013 335i Sedan 09/12 build Estoril Blue & Coral Red int., ZMM, 2PF, ZDA, ZDB, ZDH, ZPP, ZTP, 2TB, 5DP, 688, 417, M Performance Brake Kit (Yellow). Former BMW: 2011 335is Coupe 05/10 build ZPP, 7-SPD DCT, 19" 225M, Sirius, H/K, DCT, iPod, NAV. TiAg, Black int.
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03-30-2012, 10:50 PM	#10
justinnum1 Major General 651 Rep 5,803 Posts Drives: 2018 330i Msport 6mt Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: South Florida iTrader: (0)	I got one too. Dear JUSTIN, Your vehicle's engine is equipped with Auto Start/Stop, the latest technology in BMW’s ongoing effort to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. This feature can save you money at the pump by automatically turning your engine off when it's not needed and auto-starting it when it is. This means your BMW won’t unnecessarily waste fuel when you’re at a red light or in a traffic jam. The system is intelligent, only activating when the outside temperature is above 38°F, the battery is sufficiently charged and the engine is operating at a normal temperature. Have more questions? Reach out to CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com or consult your online owner’s manual. from BMW of North America bmwusa@emails.bmwusa.com __________________ F30 330i Alpine white/Coral red Msport 6MT
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03-30-2012, 10:58 PM	#12
justinnum1 Major General 651 Rep 5,803 Posts Drives: 2018 330i Msport 6mt Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: South Florida iTrader: (0)	they have sent me some other bull shit too lol __________________ F30 330i Alpine white/Coral red Msport 6MT
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03-31-2012, 02:08 AM	#13
Grumpy514 Major 625 Rep 1,140 Posts Drives: 2022 M3X Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: DMV iTrader: (1) Garage List 2022 BMW M3X [0.00] 2014 Toyota 4Runner [0.00]	Are you able to disable this? I hope so. If not maybe juicebox or vishnu can work something out. Going to be terrible when you have aftermarket exhaust.
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03-31-2012, 10:42 AM	#16
richb811 465 Rep 4,592 Posts Drives: 2020 G20 330i M Sport Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: NJ iTrader: (21)	An interesting email... funny they'd send that out after you purchased the car.
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03-31-2012, 01:54 PM	#19
Feanor Lieutenant 61 Rep 444 Posts Drives: BMW F30 320d Luxury 6MT Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: United Kingdom iTrader: (0)	Um.... there were a bunch of posts in this thread involving people moaning about stop-start and me responding to them that seem to have disappeared. What's happened to them?!?
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