Really stupid design features

[Funk]

Countering the thoughtful design features thread, what have you come across in your car where you thought, "That's ridiculous, I can't believe someone thought that was acceptable..."

A couple to start; Ford Puma's boot lid - designed with the sole purpose of filling the boot with rainwater when opening in the rain.

My 123d had a handbrake you couldn't actually operate with the centre armrest down as it required your forearm to bend in the middle like a reverse elbow to reach it.

I also recently drove the latest 3-series (F-something) and the design of the door bin on the driver's side seemed to be done in such a way as to dig into your right lower leg in the most painful way possible. One of the most uncomfortable cars I've ever driven which was a shame as the rest of it was pretty good.

[Funk]

24lemons said:

The inside door handle on my 120d is too far forward which means that when I open it there is nothing to grab hold of to stop it swinging open. The problem is made worse by the fact that I have to sit quite far back due to my long legs.

3-door? Mine was the same. Surprisingly long doors.

[Funk]

24lemons said:

Funk said:

3-door? Mine was the same. Surprisingly long doors.

yeah 3 door. The long doors also make it more awkward if you are parked close to another car as they wont open as wide. Ive stabbed myself with the corner of the window so many times trying to squeeze in and out!

If i recall correctly, a double- or triple-tap on the unlock button on the key fob drops the glass halfway down when you open the door (rather than the 2-3mm usual drop) and closes again once you're seated and shut the door. As for egress, drop the window yourself in the car and then press and hold the lock button from outside to global-close the window.

[Funk]

Sensibleboy said:

The 1 series doesn't have any boot handle so the only way of controlling the fall of the tailgate is to hold the wiper arm.

Technically it does have a boot handle (the badge flips) but I agree, it's nigh-on impossible to use that the slow the descent of the tailgate when closing.

Is it just BMW that suck at design then....?

[Funk]

R_U_LOCAL said:

Funk said:

Technically it does have a boot handle (the badge flips) but I agree, it's nigh-on impossible to use that the slow the descent of the tailgate when closing.

Is it just BMW that suck at design then....?

The boot release button on the key fob is also made almost completely redundant by the lack of an external handle. Press the button, the boot clicks open, but the only way to open it is to use the boot badge/handle, or grab the wiper.

Yes, my 1-series had more irksome features than the Focus ST did.

Good to see you again Reg, it's been a long time since we shredded some tyres at Llandow.

Edit: just found these...



'Mad Andy' (legend, I think he lapped faster than any of us in that thing...!):



Your M3 hiding behind my car:

Edited by Funk on Saturday 20th December 12:51

[Funk]

55palfers said:

Bongs.

Door open - Bong
Key in ignition - Bong
Reverse selected - Bong

Not only 'bong' , but the same 'bong' for EVERYTHING:

Dropped below 3 degrees? BONG
Tyre lost pressure? BONG
Seatbelt not on? BONG
Something of no significant weight on the passenger seat that doesn't require a seatbelt? BONG
Nuclear warhead incoming? BONG
Ebola detected? BONG

I fking hate 'bongs'. I look into trying to work out how to turn them off on the cars I have but it's often not a simple option. The problem with so many bongs? You become deaf to them eventually. My E36 doesn't make a single sound unless I take the key out with the lights on.