Many modern vehicles use a computer to control body functions. Lights stay on when you exit the car for a pre-determined amount of time, doors lock after you exceed a certian speed, timers flash after elapsed driving time is exceeded, so on so forth...

Some people consider these "luxuries" to be annoying. If there was a way have a level of control of those functions, I for one, would be much happier.

Many cars come with displays to show current and average MPG, estimated range, trip odometers, etc. Even better, some have full on LCD screens for GPS and the like. If the manufacturers were to program a Vehicle Setup Menu function onto these devices, control freaks like me would be very pleased.

I envision a setup menu simalar to one on a TV, or digital camera, or anything other product like that.

If a vehicle does not have any type of display that would allow for the owner to change the features themselves, perhaps the dealer could re-program the vehicle to the owner's liking via an OBD type of interface.
-- KLRico, Jan 24 2004

BMW iDrive System Explained http://www.pistonhe...lt.asp?storyId=3867
[jonthegeologist, Oct 04 2004, last modified Oct 05 2004]

37BetterMotors http://37signals.com/better_motors.php
[waugsqueke, Oct 04 2004, last modified Oct 05 2004]

[KLRico] I think the tool you describe has already been baked. It'll cost you a few quid/bucks, but the BMW iDrive system seems your kind of thing. See link.
-- jonthegeologist, Jan 24 2004


See link for 37signals' take on how this should be approached.
-- waugsqueke, Jan 24 2004


Those are both fantastic approcaches at a similar problem.

Perhaps you are missing the point of what I want to control, and focusing on the point that I want to control features.

The setup menu is a much more practical and simple idea that could be used in almost any auto today.

Simply allow a way for the owner to change the settings of the body controller built into the car.

I'm not asking to start the car at 2 pm on tuesday and then turn on the AC if the temprature is over 90 degrees or anything like that...

Only a simple interface where it is possible to change settings like if or when the doors automatically lock when you start driving. Or how long the the lights stay on when you exit. Simple things that the car does all ready.
-- KLRico, Jan 24 2004


I didn't miss your point. I wasn't addressing it.
-- waugsqueke, Jan 24 2004


// Simply allow a way for the owner to change the settings of the body controller built into the car.

That's where it helps to read the manual. Cars mostly use a sequence of on/off transitions of the ignition switch, followed by things like turn signal or door lock and power window keypresses in a sequence to change default settings. Changes are confirmed by chimes and dashboard lights, things like that. You bet, it'd be a lot nicer to have a menu, but the options are there. :)
-- Rintoul, Jan 24 2004


I have a relatively old (1998) security system in the car which takes over functions like this. A tiny keypad on the top corner of the windscreen serves as a control panel to set vaious things. Feedback is reported by beeps and an LED on the dashboard.

My old Rover 200 (1990) had a body control computer that was in charge of things like lights, wipers, screen heaters, door locks etc, and that had extremely limited configurability - as [Rintoul] mentioned, by turning the ignition on while holding down certain buttons.
-- Jim'll Break It, Mar 23 2005


Well although I dislike most automatic things cos they're annoying, I think setting up everything would be equally annoying. Especially since BMW did it, and in the majority of situations the phrase "BMW driver" is an oxymoron. Because they usually can't. And BMWs are just for sad people who don't understand that there are much better cars out there. Not that I'm stereotyping or anything. I'm just talking from experience.
-- quaero curvus, Sep 09 2005



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