What is the strangest feature on cars?

"jkm7680" (jkm7680) 03/18/2014 at 18:29 • Filed to: None

3

79

Past or Present.

For me, it's the Saab ignition. Why is it there!?!

I tried to start a friends 9-3 when, and thought. "Where the fuck do I put the key?"

Now my Saab knowledge is much more up to date.

I'd be worried that my passenger would constantly turn my car off whenever I hit a light. Haha.

crowmolly > jkm7680 03/18/2014 at 18:31

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Since I am in a historic mood today, I'll say liquid tire chain has got to be up there.

scoob > jkm7680 03/18/2014 at 18:32

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KIDDING!

CAR_IS_MI > jkm7680 03/18/2014 at 18:34

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Funny Saab story. I took my old 9 3 to the drag strip once. During tech the guy says I need to check your neutral safety switch, turn the ignition without pressing the clutch, so I did (key in middle like pic above), to which he looked confused and stated "what the hell are you doing?" I showed him that's where the key was and he was so interested and distracted by it he forgot to finish checking my neutral switch, which, did not actually work.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > jkm7680 03/18/2014 at 18:35

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From Saab wiki page -

Ergonomically, the ignition's location next to the parking brake lever, gearshift, and seatbelt, saves time. Last of all, the ignition is located on the floor because, in the aircraft that inspired Saab automobiles, the throttle controls were all located on the floor.

Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy > crowmolly 03/18/2014 at 18:35

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That one always baffles me, how exactly does it work, and how well?

theloudmouth > Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy 03/18/2014 at 18:37

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Very well! It's from the generation where everything could be cured with chemistry.... Side effects? what side effects?

See also: Asbestos

theloudmouth > scoob 03/18/2014 at 18:38

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Forward to shift up IS the strangest proliferating feature. Drove a 911 the other day and wanted to punch everyone in Stuttgart for that stupidity.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > jkm7680 03/18/2014 at 18:39

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I find the location/mechanism used for the fuel door release can be pretty funny. On my E30 there isn't a release mechanism - if the doors are unlocked you can just open it.

On my old S2000 I was having a panic attack the first time i tried filling it with gas - thank god it was after smart phones became popular (it's a little knob you pull in the wall where the door latches to the car, next to the seatbelt).

My Legacy...I always walk out, get the pump running, and then realize the damn thing is locked and have to go back to the level under the drivers seat.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > jkm7680 03/18/2014 at 18:39

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The oldsmobile jetfire turbo juice

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > theloudmouth 03/18/2014 at 18:41

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Worse is their stupid +/- buttons on both sides of the steering wheel instead of left paddle for down and right paddle for up (which you only get if you have the sports chrono package, I believe?)

crowmolly > Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy 03/18/2014 at 18:42

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It's vacuum operated and I read somewhere that it works OK. It's a special chemical designed by Dow that was only available at the dealership parts counters. Rumored to be cancelled because of racers using it to spray VHT but I'd guess it was because A) Nobody was really ordering it and B) Studded tires were introduced at around the same time and worked a lot better. I always wondered what was in the cans specifically seeing as how it was made by Dow during the Vietnam era...

jkm7680 > crowmolly 03/18/2014 at 18:44

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Yeah, what the hell is that about?

trynthink > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 03/18/2014 at 18:44

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I thought that Saab put/kept the ignition there so that the key wouldn't get jammed into your knee in a crash like it might if it were on the steering column. Either way, I think the strangest thing about Saabs is that you have to put the car in reverse (manual) to remove the key. It makes sense, since reverse is the shortest (?) gear, but it's strange that Saab forced drivers to do the thing they learned in driver training.

jkm7680 > scoob 03/18/2014 at 18:44

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Up, down, Up, Down, Up, Down. Mlllhyyyahhh.

jkm7680 > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 03/18/2014 at 18:45

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Oh, That explains "Born of the Jets" Too bad they had to be out of business. I actually really liked their products.

jkm7680 > CAR_IS_MI 03/18/2014 at 18:45

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Hahaha, great way to get past!

jkm7680 > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic 03/18/2014 at 18:46

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Soooo, you aren't supposed to drink this?

CAR_IS_MI > jkm7680 03/18/2014 at 18:49

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My backup plan was to turn it to the point just before the starter kicked on, lol. it was 1/8 mile racing and me and a bunch of friends brought out the winter beaters just to mess with the big block race cars that were out there. My first run was against a build camaro that ran 8s 1/4s. it was hilarious.

crowmolly > jkm7680 03/18/2014 at 18:52

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Huh? The cancellation or Dow?

Side note, here's a pic of the dealer display:

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > jkm7680 03/18/2014 at 18:53

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I made the same mistake now I see smoke and smell exhausts and hear turbos spooling up constantly

CRider > jkm7680 03/18/2014 at 18:58

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Maybachs come with champagne flutes and a refrigerator, but having an open container in a car, even if the driver isn't drinking, is illegal. Nobody want's to get pulled over for tinted windows and speeding and be forced to pour out their booze.

therevengeofthesaab (really likes pre-2005 hondas right now) > jkm7680 03/18/2014 at 19:00

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They started making them again last fall.....

deadpedal > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 03/18/2014 at 19:04

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My Volvo had the same "doors are unlocked" thing. And I 48% of the time pull the same move in my WRX.

jkm7680 > therevengeofthesaab (really likes pre-2005 hondas right now) 03/18/2014 at 19:06

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The American website is still non existent.

vdub_nut: scooter snob > jkm7680 03/18/2014 at 19:06

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That's what they want you to think...

jkm7680 > CRider 03/18/2014 at 19:07

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I think the same way, With Limos. People get drunk as shit in the backseat, that's an Open Container right there.

deadpedal > jkm7680 03/18/2014 at 19:07

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My lady and I always giggle at the little number pad thingy on Ford products. It's like some dope in Deerborn bought 100 million of those things in 1989 and they've been putting them on vehicles ever since...

jkm7680 > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic 03/18/2014 at 19:07

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I can smell colors.

jkm7680 > CAR_IS_MI 03/18/2014 at 19:08

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Haha, That's always fun.

jkm7680 > deadpedal 03/18/2014 at 19:09

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Haha, "The numeric keypad, making theft easier since 1989."

jkm7680 > vdub_nut: scooter snob 03/18/2014 at 19:09

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I can taste shapes.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > jkm7680 03/18/2014 at 19:12

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Same here can you feel the earth move and taste burning

therevengeofthesaab (really likes pre-2005 hondas right now) > jkm7680 03/18/2014 at 19:12

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They only sell them in Sweden and China Currently

jkm7680 > therevengeofthesaab (really likes pre-2005 hondas right now) 03/18/2014 at 19:13

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Yeah, I wish they brought them back to America. I would seriously consider buying one.

jkm7680 > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic 03/18/2014 at 19:14

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I see lots of colors, and rabbits.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > jkm7680 03/18/2014 at 19:16

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I see breakfast sausages and donuts

Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager > CRider 03/18/2014 at 19:17

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If I had a Maybach, my fridge would be full of Vanilla Coke, Mountain Dew and Dr Pepper.

vdub_nut: scooter snob > jkm7680 03/18/2014 at 19:18

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Teach me your secrets.

What is the smell of speed?

deadpedal > jkm7680 03/18/2014 at 19:19

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It's worth it though, because it's 3 times slower than the key or the keyless entry fob.

Backlit though. Boom.

jkm7680 > deadpedal 03/18/2014 at 19:25

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Haha, It would be easier to smash the window and hotwire the car than use the Keypad.

jkm7680 > vdub_nut: scooter snob 03/18/2014 at 19:25

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Cocaine, Lots of Cocaine.

jkm7680 > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic 03/18/2014 at 19:25

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I taste the weather.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > jkm7680 03/18/2014 at 19:27

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I taste the sun

jkm7680 > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic 03/18/2014 at 19:28

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I can feel scents, and smell feels.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > jkm7680 03/18/2014 at 19:29

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so can I can you read my mind through kinja

jkm7680 > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic 03/18/2014 at 19:30

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Kinja tastes like smells which taste like shapes which taste like, like...music

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > jkm7680 03/18/2014 at 19:35

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and music taste like cob webs in dirty shower curtains plagued with rainbows cursed by a owl who had thumbs which the tiger stole and destroyed

jkm7680 > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic 03/18/2014 at 19:36

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Hahahahaha, All of that tastes like the moon, moon tastes like good.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > deadpedal 03/18/2014 at 19:37

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I think it was a great system, no idea why car makers moved away from it. It's not particularly complicated, I don't think...just so much more convenient!

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > jkm7680 03/18/2014 at 19:38

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like cheese

theloudmouth > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 03/18/2014 at 20:10

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Oh my god, do not get me started on those horrid things. Why did they integrate them into the steering wheel?!?! It's just maddening.

beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard > CRider 03/18/2014 at 20:19

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Nearly every state has a clause that exempts passengers in Limousines, Taxi's or Motorhomes.

CRider > beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard 03/18/2014 at 20:27

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Is the Maybach 57 considered a limousine?

beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard > CRider 03/18/2014 at 20:40

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I believe the modern definition of a limousine is a luxury saloon being driven by a chauffeur, doesn't need to be a stretch and no longer needs to have the driver separated by a partition.

I think the federal law on it that guides the State legislation is worded as "Apply to all vehicle occupants except for passengers of vehicles designed, maintained or used primarily for the transportation of people for compensation (such as buses, taxi cabs, and limousines) or the living quarters of motor homes"

404 - User No Longer Available > CRider 03/18/2014 at 20:45

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And only in North America really, with open alcohol laws. In Hong Kong you can drink wherever the hell you want.

DarrenMR > jkm7680 03/18/2014 at 20:47

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This doesnt compare to some of the other stuff posted, but Mini Coopers have the hood release in the passenger footwell.

jkm7680 > DarrenMR 03/18/2014 at 20:47

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Haha that is strange. I don't really like the center speedometer either.

That's a good entry though.

dmcspeedy > jkm7680 03/18/2014 at 20:51

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Opel's integrated bike rack is ... kind of strange.

jkm7680 > dmcspeedy 03/18/2014 at 20:53

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That must be a bitch to repair if somebody decides to rear end you.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > scoob 03/18/2014 at 20:54

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I know that shifter anywhere....

dmcspeedy > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 03/18/2014 at 20:56

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Trunk release on my Alfa is a button cunningly concealed in the glovebox, which you can't see - it's on the right hand side, facing downwards and you need to feel around for it and push it upwards. Of the four or five cars I looked at when I was buying, only one of the owners even knew it was there.

dmcspeedy > DarrenMR 03/18/2014 at 20:57

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Is it the same on RHD cars?

syaieya > jkm7680 03/18/2014 at 21:01

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You know that few moments in your commute when you're driving along and the sun hits that point between your roof and your rear view mirror? So you slump or lean or do that little motion to get the sun out of your eyes just enough.

From the era where everything about them was over engineered.

The central sun visor from Mercedes Benz

Second thought is the extending single windshield wiper that they put on a few models starting with the W201

jkm7680 > syaieya 03/18/2014 at 21:04

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That would be uselessly useful, Haha. I do know those moments, I momentarily go blind and shrink below the steering wheel.

WZAnon > jkm7680 03/18/2014 at 23:01

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Strangest feature I saw in a car was no cupholders. Supposedly some cars built in europe feel that you shouldn't be allowed to have bottled water or any liquid sitting your car. smh.

jkm7680 > WZAnon 03/18/2014 at 23:03

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Haha, BMW 5 series, would like to shame you for drinking inside of it.

ZugZug > deadpedal 03/19/2014 at 10:47

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Totally a great feature though! If you're going for a hike, or the beach, or letting your friend borrow your car, you just leave the keys in the trunk, and you don't need to worry about it. Just punch in the code, pop the trunk, and you're good to go.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > dmcspeedy 03/19/2014 at 11:02

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I'd love to see the thought process that went into figuring out where to put it - and coming up with THAT as the result! I'm assuming you could also just use the key and pop the trunk still though (otherwise that would be a lot of owners with empty/unused trunks)?

dmcspeedy > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 03/19/2014 at 11:55

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Well, it was sold as a Spider also - so putting it inside the lockable glovebox allows you to park with the top down but the trunk secured. The switch unit itself is from the Alfa parts bin, and also contains the glovebox light and sensor for that ... guessing they found the only place they could mount it so that the glovebox door would press on the sensor switch :)

Mercedes Streeter > jkm7680 03/19/2014 at 17:53

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I love when people ask to drive my smart for the very reason of the key location. I always hand them the key, get into the passenger seat, then sit back as they become bewildered at the fact that there isn't an ignition where they just stuck the key.

jkm7680 > Mercedes Streeter 03/19/2014 at 17:57

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Haha, I get strange enjoyment out of that kind of thing.

I've got a "Switchblade" type of key for my A4, and I just love freaking the hell out of everybody by suddenly hitting the blade button. Haha.

Mercedes Streeter > jkm7680 03/19/2014 at 18:05

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Those switchblade type keys are awesome! I wish Mercedes gave their smart line those type of key fobs. Instead, we get this:

Which is still funny. Some think that the "inverted key" (their description) is somewhat mindblowing.

jkm7680 > Mercedes Streeter 03/19/2014 at 18:07

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Haha, they are great. Especially great for self defense.

Wait, so what do you do to start the car? Button somewhere?

Mercedes Streeter > jkm7680 03/19/2014 at 18:11

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Nope, stick the blade into the ignition (that rectangle hole in the upper right of that picture) and turn right.

They did have a push button start on a special edition model. Shame, a push button would be so cool.

jkm7680 > Mercedes Streeter 03/19/2014 at 18:13

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Yeah, It's too bad that they cut down on the dealers. I actually rather liked the look of Smarts.

DarrenMR > dmcspeedy 03/19/2014 at 21:25

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I would assume its like that because of the RHD cars, and they just didnt bother to redo it on the LHD.

WZAnon > jkm7680 03/21/2014 at 18:09

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Really? So its okay to drink in a Bentley or Rolls Royce but not a BMW? Crazy German automakers. If I own a $60,000 BMW, cupholders are going to be put in it AND I will fly to Hamburg and have my car shipped & drive up to the headquarters, drink in the car while staring at the upper management.

jkm7680 > WZAnon 03/21/2014 at 18:14

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Haha, or just get inside every single car that they have at Hq, and drink a Redbull inside each and every one of them.

WZAnon > jkm7680 03/21/2014 at 18:31

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Well I don't want to get arrested...in Germany. Not sure how old those jails are.