Over Engineered features/options

[Paul O]

Hi all,

Following the good ideas/uncommon features thread, it got me thinking about the alternative... those pointless features.

When we bought our Evoque, there was an optional extra available called "Blind Spot Montioring". This puts a little light onto your wing mirror which lights up if there is a car in your blind spot. This option costs several hundred quid.

Every other car I have had since the 90's came with a free "blind spot monitor"; the edge of the mirror that was slightly warped to give you a full and comprehensive view. Simple, job done.

Land Rover's version seems rediculously over engineered and is just using technology for the sake of it.

Has anyone seen anything similar whereby tech has been used to solve a problem that had already been fixed?

Edited by Paul O on Thursday 24th May 12:03

[kambites]

Cars where you have to insert and turn a key then press a button to start the engine always confused me. Surely this is worse in every way than using the key to start the engine, yet I'm sure I've seen it advertised as a "feature"?

[mnkiboy]

The electronic handrake. Instead of a handle connected by cable directly to the rear brakes, you've now got a switch which gives no tactile feedback, and has a built in delay of around a second.

[Maxus]

On a more basic level, but very intricate for the job in hand, is the Saab 9-3 cup holder.
Push the button then watch in amazement whilst it springs from the dash and unfurls itself ready to take a cup. I love touches like this in a car.

[Wafflesmk2]

wankel engine.

Totally no point in a roadcar.

[Bonefish Blues]

mnkiboy said:

The electronic handrake. Instead of a handle conencted by cable directly to the rear brakes, you've now got a switch which gives no tactile feedback, and has a built in delay of around a second.

Now I actively like mine...

[Krikkit]

The blind spot jobbies are better because the bent mirror still leaves you with a blind spot, it's reduced, but still there.

Agree on the key + start button (trying to make you feel like you've got a racer) and the awful blight that is the electronic handbrake.

[mike325112]

Maxus said:

On a more basic level, but very intricate for the job in hand, is the Saab 9-3 cup holder.
Push the button then watch in amazement whilst it springs from the dash and unfurls itself ready to take a cup. I love touches like this in a car.

And dont forget the credit card holder in the centre consol that cna house the optional ice scraper...

[k15tox]

Blindspot monitor?

Whatever happened to turning your head?

[telecat]

Bonefish Blues said:

mnkiboy said:

The electronic handrake. Instead of a handle conencted by cable directly to the rear brakes, you've now got a switch which gives no tactile feedback, and has a built in delay of around a second.

Now I actively like mine...

Personally I think they are pointless and lack control. What happens if you need to move the car and the Battery is flat.

[chris182]

Well someone put these in the useful features thread but I disagree: Mercedes seat belt presenters.

When you switch on the ignition, little arms come out behind your shoulder to hand you the seatbelt (because clearly one is incapable of reaching over ones shoulder to get it?). That is just so amazingly pointless and just something to break really, although it does amuse people when I take them for rides.

[Pontoneer]

kambites said:

Cars where you have to insert and turn a key then press a button to start the engine always confused me. Surely this is worse in every way than using the key to start the engine, yet I'm sure I've seen it advertised as a "feature"?

When electric starters were first introduced , most cars had starter buttons ; key start came later .

My 1957 MB has this and I like it - if the engine ever fails to catch first time , you just press the button again rather than having to turn the key all the way back to the beginning .

[Pontoneer]

chris182 said:

Well someone put these in the useful features thread but I disagree: Mercedes seat belt presenters.

When you switch on the ignition, little arms come out behind your shoulder to hand you the seatbelt (because clearly one is incapable of reaching over ones shoulder to get it?). That is just so amazingly pointless and just something to break really, although it does amuse people when I take them for rides.

In a W126 SEC , where the presenters were first introduced , it really is a very long reach back to the top of the truncated 'B' pillar , due to the length of the doors , so I think they are good .

[daemonoid]

Pontoneer said:

When electric starters were first introduced , most cars had starter buttons ; key start came later .

My 1957 MB has this and I like it - if the engine ever fails to catch first time , you just press the button again rather than having to turn the key all the way back to the beginning .

Beat me to it! I added the £55 starter button to my caterham order (£5 of electronics, if that!). But I'll be using it in races and a stall can be sorted by mashing the button rather than wasting precious time fiddling with the key.

[Vitorio]

chris182 said:

Well someone put these in the useful features thread but I disagree: Mercedes seat belt presenters.

When you switch on the ignition, little arms come out behind your shoulder to hand you the seatbelt (because clearly one is incapable of reaching over ones shoulder to get it?). That is just so amazingly pointless and just something to break really, although it does amuse people when I take them for rides.

obviously rather overengineerd, but i could see the value in that. In many smaller 3 door cars, the B pilar is so far behind the driver seat that you have to reach back quite an end. In my previous Alfa mito i'd have to fold my right arm flat across my chest and wiggle left a bit in the seat to get the belt, no biggie in a small sporty hatchback, but if i had to do the same in a luxury coupe i spent oodles of money on, i'd be dissapointed.

[Pontoneer]

Anything is better than some of those disgusting American contraptions of the 1970's ( probably thanks to Ralph Nader ) where the seatbelts were attached to the door and you stepped into them when getting into the car .

[CampDavid]

The 20 way adjustment on the comfort seats in the BMW are a bit mental

[simer553]

"Intelligent" drive option on OH's Outback 3.0R. - fking pointless but standard on the auto.

"Sport" = quickly proceed at normal driving rev ranges

"S#" = go mental and proceed very quickly with revs at red line in every gear

What more do you need???

[Alfanatic]

Vitorio said:

chris182 said:

Well someone put these in the useful features thread but I disagree: Mercedes seat belt presenters.

When you switch on the ignition, little arms come out behind your shoulder to hand you the seatbelt (because clearly one is incapable of reaching over ones shoulder to get it?). That is just so amazingly pointless and just something to break really, although it does amuse people when I take them for rides.

obviously rather overengineerd, but i could see the value in that. In many smaller 3 door cars, the B pilar is so far behind the driver seat that you have to reach back quite an end. In my previous Alfa mito i'd have to fold my right arm flat across my chest and wiggle left a bit in the seat to get the belt, no biggie in a small sporty hatchback, but if i had to do the same in a luxury coupe i spent oodles of money on, i'd be dissapointed.

I felt the same about the self closing doors. They have value, sure, but they are nowhere near vital, and I don't see the benefit of adding the weight and complexity of a door that you have to swing closed yourself anyway but then has some electrickery to seal it.

On that subject, the electric doors on the Pug 1007 take the cake.

Another one is some old aftermarket radios that had a remote control. I've never been in a car that needed it, though the remote controls on steering wheels can be nice.

I'd also add inboard disc brakes. It seems that quite a few cars that have had them have had overheating problems and in the Esprit's case they were eventually moved outboard (I think that was to do with gearbox clearances or structure, not sure) with no apparent detriment to the handling.

[jon-]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Like the merc one, totally not pointless. If you're well built, like the average PHer, you generally have slightly restricted mobility from your massive chest / shoulders. This makes getting the seatbelts without the little arm is a right mission!