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      02-05-2013, 10:48 PM   #23
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[QUOTE=BMWCali;13428602]Wow, that's ridiculous. Why would they design a car with two empty buttons when they could just remove them all together?

Take a deep breath. You're going to hurt yourself.
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      02-15-2013, 09:37 PM   #24
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BMWCali View Post
Wow, that's ridiculous. Why would they design a car with two empty buttons when they could just remove them all together?

And yes, the euro-spec Z4 has had the parking sensors for a while, but the US is just now getting them starting with the 2014 model.
First, the US has had parking sensors since release, both front and back... but I believe that was already mentioned.

Secondly, my belief is that they put two empty buttons so they have room for the LCI. As in, they intentionally put less features into the initial release car so they can save it for the LCI and make even more money. For example, 2012+ manual transmission uses the right button for turning off the engine on-off function. Don't think the left button is used (but I wouldn't be surprised if the 2014 Z4 has something there)
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      02-16-2013, 01:11 AM   #25
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CedarZ4 View Post
First, the US has had parking sensors since release, both front and back... but I believe that was already mentioned.

Secondly, my belief is that they put two empty buttons so they have room for the LCI. As in, they intentionally put less features into the initial release car so they can save it for the LCI and make even more money. For example, 2012+ manual transmission uses the right button for turning off the engine on-off function. Don't think the left button is used (but I wouldn't be surprised if the 2014 Z4 has something there)
It doesnt and your logic is off. The reason for them being blank is cost cutting. Its easier to use existing dash parts than make new ones.
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      02-16-2013, 02:01 AM   #26
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ManiacGT
I see your perspective and your opinion. I envy you if this is what concerns you though, I have much larger concerns in my life than the size of buttons on a car.
Very true!
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      02-16-2013, 07:38 AM   #27
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Quote:
Originally Posted by VailM3 View Post
It doesnt and your logic is off. The reason for them being blank is cost cutting. Its easier to use existing dash parts than make new ones.
True - it is cheaper to use existing dash parts. However, why would there be unused dash parts in the first place if during the release of the vehicle, it served zero functions? They put it there for a reason... Like OP mentioned, otherwise, they could have just made the buttons bigger, or taken out the blank ones all together.
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      02-16-2013, 10:00 AM   #28
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BMWCali View Post
Wow, that's ridiculous. Why would they design a car with two empty buttons when they could just remove them all together?
Actually its very smart to maximize the potential for future options. Most cars have blank buttons.

There are three reasons from an engineering view point for those buttons to be blank
1) There is an option that goes there not on your vehicle (Doesnt sound like the case)
2) Their design roadmap invisions an option in the future (like vented seats) so they make a blank button so they dont have to redesign it later
3) When they completed the design the had two spots left over and from a manufacturing viewpoint, it was more cost effective to make the mold with a slot and then add in the blanks

I always like having blank buttons. I have filled all the blank button slots with options I have added in my landcruiser.
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      02-17-2013, 04:40 AM   #29
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Speaking about unused things... what is this cable for? I found it behind the passenger's seat.



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      02-17-2013, 06:10 AM   #30
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Asbjørn View Post
Speaking about unused things... what is this cable for? I found it behind the passenger's seat.
That's where you plug in the oscillation overthruster...

talking about blank buttons... don't look beside your headlight switch... there are two there also.
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      02-17-2013, 07:09 AM   #31
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BuckarooVT90 View Post
That's where you plug in the oscillation overthruster...
But why would I use that in my car? Its not like I ever need to put my horses in there!?

Quote:
Originally Posted by BuckarooVT90 View Post
talking about blank buttons... don't look beside your headlight switch... there are two there also.
I think the lower one is used for the headlight leveling switch in case you dont have the automatic function. The upper one is definitely for the rear fog lights.

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      02-17-2013, 07:05 PM   #32
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Asbjrn
Quote:
Originally Posted by BuckarooVT90 View Post
That's where you plug in the oscillation overthruster...
But why would I use that in my car? Its not like I ever need to put my horses in there!?

Quote:
Originally Posted by BuckarooVT90 View Post
talking about blank buttons... don't look beside your headlight switch... there are two there also.
I think the lower one is used for the headlight leveling switch in case you dont have the automatic function. The upper one is definitely for the rear fog lights.

Probably from before your time:

http://www.figmentfly.com/bb/institute5.html
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      02-17-2013, 09:07 PM   #33
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BuckarooVT90 View Post
Probably from before your time:

http://www.figmentfly.com/bb/institute5.html
Oh I see. Then I will put the thing I thought it was back in the bedroom again.
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      02-18-2013, 01:00 PM   #34
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i want my money back because of these two plates... WAIT what i am saying NO I DONT. does one really care about two empty blanks in the panel. DOes it affect how this thing drives? I hope that is why you bought it.
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      02-28-2013, 03:51 AM   #35
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BMWCali View Post
See the below image. What option is missing on this car that would give it a working button for the button in between the heated seat button and the park assist button, as well as the blank spot on the other side?

Seems like the perfect spot for a ventilated seats button, but I don't think you can get ventilated seats on the Z4?


Guys I finally found out what these buttons are for! It makes perfect sense, man I could ve thought earlier about that!




Now if you excuse me, I will be going out for a run looking out for these

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      02-28-2013, 04:05 AM   #36
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Awesome! I want those!

They would be perfect with the custom ones I have installed on my roof:
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      02-28-2013, 06:52 AM   #37
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My Z is loaded with all options and I have the same 2 blank buttons. Heated seated on outer left and right side, top up and top down and PDC.
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      02-28-2013, 09:52 AM   #38
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ChRR1000S View Post
Guys I finally found out what these buttons are for! It makes perfect sense, man I could ve thought earlier about that!


If those Mario Kart mushrooms really were the button for nitrous that would be AMAZING
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      02-28-2013, 11:52 AM   #39
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Hi Guys, I signed up to this forum having read a few of the topics because I believe I have the answer to (half) of this question.
On manual gear change versions (at least UK spec) there is an auto stop/start function which stops the engine at traffic lights, queues, etc in order to save fuel and then starts it up again when you depress the clutch.
If this gets on your nerves, there's a switch to disable the system. I think the switch uses one of these two blanks.
BTW the auto version of the boxster has the fuel saving stop/start on the PDK automatic as well. Not sure why it's not on the Z4.
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      03-10-2013, 06:33 AM   #40
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Most of my buttons are blank, its a marketing ploy. Sits there reminding you, you have a lesser model, not top of the range, you're a cheapskate!
Even when you buy the top of the range, you still haven't reached the pinnacle of perfection!
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      03-10-2013, 07:23 PM   #41
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      03-11-2013, 10:40 AM   #42
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