Are todays cars too hi-tech?

[0iD]

Simple question really. Do we actually need all the computerised equipment on todays modern vehicles? Sadly, I remember when a computer on a car was a thing of science fiction..& nowardays they all have one. Now I concede that some computerisation is a good thing leading to better fuel economy/less emissions etc, but it all seems lke more expensive kit to go wrong & be expensive to fix.

Your thoughts....

[badass]

Simple question really. Do we actually need all the computerised equipment on todays modern vehicles? Sadly, I remember when a computer on a car was a thing of science fiction..& nowardays they all have one. Now I concede that some computerisation is a good thing leading to better fuel economy/less emissions etc, but it all seems lke more expensive kit to go wrong & be expensive to fix.

Your thoughts....

If you know how to use the ECU for diagnosos properly and have the proper tools, it can make it a lot quicker.
Also, if done properly, having the engine completely controlled by an ECU can make it a lot more relaible

[Taz]

I think the amount of technology is *generally* beneficial. ECU's with a 'limp home' mode are great as without such a feature, you would be stranded by the roadside. Run-flat tyres with puncture warning systems are great as you can drive home or to a garage if you get a puncture.

Stability management systems make irresponsible driving safe

Head-up displays enable you to keep your eyes on the road, satnav systems (and TMC) are far safer than trying to read a map whilst driving and can warn you about traffic problems before you get to them. A car with ABS is generally better at avoiding accidents than a car without. Parking sensors help in avoiding broken lights! Automatic lights and wipers are great if you're forgetful. Outside temperature sensors warn you of black ice. CBS (condition-based-servicing) means that you only service your car when a service is actually needed.

By the way, i've got a lovely car for sale with most of the above...

Seriously though, what was scary for me recently was that I took my Beemer in to get a service book updated and rather than the service guy come out to take a look at the car, he just asked for the key. Everything is recorded on the key itself! Gulp!

[DTM107]

I agree with most points and that computers in cars are a great help these days, but as in the case on the new M6 and other top end BMW's they load far too much stuff onboard which dampens the driving experience. For example the M6 will load the 400bhp option as standard and you have to go into the I-drive and manually switch to 500bp ! I prefer that if I want to use less power, I will employ less throttle !!!

[Konan555]

On a most basic level, whilst cats are a legal requirement the ECU will have to be there (there are some carbbed cars with cats, they don't do well in the MOT bay).

My general rule is that I don't mind a bit of technology on the car so long as I understand what it's doing. Cars with a 'take me to your dealer' general warning light I can't stand. Makes me wonder if I own it or if I'm just renting it.

[hitman67]

"take me to your dealer"

Damn that really cracked me up.

As for Tech, a Lot of it's just there for the off chance, and I do love stuff like Series Land Rovers that are really basic.

[badass]

I agree with most points and that computers in cars are a great help these days, but as in the case on the new M6 and other top end BMW's they load far too much stuff onboard which dampens the driving experience. For example the M6 will load the 400bhp option as standard and you have to go into the I-drive and manually switch to 500bp ! I prefer that if I want to use less power, I will employ less throttle !!!

LOL ben taking top gear too literally methinks!
You just press the M button on the steering wheel and it changes the suspension, gearbox, diff and engine power to max performance.
Plus I bet in M mode it runs off a pre determined map designed for max power and is permanantly in open loop mode, whilst in 400 BHP mode across much of teh rev and throttle range its lambda controlled (closed loop mode) keeping the cats alive.
Plus I would expect leaving it in 500 BHP mode will make the engine break quicker!

[Nox]

Neither of my cars have a lot of technology in them, its the way I like it. Got too much in my life as it is...

Nox

[Funkstar]

i like a lot of the electronics in most cars - the engine management for example, for reasons already stated. But some off the faff you got on high end cards is just silly. motorised everything to me is a waste

[Zak33]

I'd love a company to be brave enough to launch a range of cars with just Engine Electronics (for environmental and fuel benefits)

No other electrics....nowt. Just a £3995 car with nowt but fuel injection. Manaul everything else.

I'm here to say it would sell.

Course...I've been wrong before

[Howard]

I'd love a company to be brave enough to launch a range of cars with just Engine Electronics (for environmental and fuel benefits)

No other electrics....nowt. Just a £3995 car with nowt but fuel injection. Manaul everything else.

I'm here to say it would sell.

Course...I've been wrong before

Perodua tried that didn't they? You barely got a steering wheel. No, they didn't sell.

[madmaca]

Cars with a 'take me to your dealer' general warning light I can't stand. Makes me wonder if I own it or if I'm just renting it.

Me too - that's just Manfacturers taking advantage of "techfusion" whereby your average car buyer thinks by telling them there's a fault and that it requires service etc. they think it is too complicated to fix themselves.

Far from it - the Tech2 diagnoses that Vauxhall uses can be circumvented using a simple paperclip

[Lowe]

I'd love a company to be brave enough to launch a range of cars with just Engine Electronics (for environmental and fuel benefits)

No other electrics....nowt. Just a £3995 car with nowt but fuel injection. Manaul everything else.

I'm here to say it would sell.

Course...I've been wrong before

Clio 172 Cup

(OK, nearly manual everything, but not far off!)

[Rave]

As a Practical Performance Car reader I'm completely sold on the many benefits of fully mapped fuelling and ignition. The rest of it I could basically take or leave- but if adding DSC to a car only costs a few hundred quid and increases my chances of surviving a momentary lapse of concentration (be it my own or someone else's) then I think that's a good idea.

[Konan555]

I'm quite happy with An ECU and an ABS computer. Well, on one car the 4x4 kind of demands ABS, but I feel the 2WD benefits aswell. I'd never assume my ability to cadence brake was better than the computers ability to control 3 separate things at once. However, it is a pain in the arse on mud and snow. Fortunatly, you can manually switch it off.

[dangel]

I think that ECU's are pretty much the biggest thing to happen to cars in the past couple of decades - engines have improved in both economy and output due to computer technology. Safety systems - yes ABS was a huge step forward and the next 'big thing' to be driven by computers is ESP/DSC (Stability Program) IMHO - it's nothing short of brilliant - which can independantly brake wheels to 'correct' major problems (like the back end stepping out). People always complain about driver aids but i'm with Rave - these things can save your life in that one moment of lax concentration or just when you fail to see oil or ice on the road. It actually quite good fun to play with the system and see what it does for you (conditions providing). Hi-tech isn't just about nannying you anyway - some systems can really benefit the driving experience - DSG is great, i like launch control, skyline anybody?
Traction control is another matter (although linked to ESP) entirely and can be a big pain on full lock in the wet (i.e. coming out of a junction) as it simply robs you of your ability to pull away. Turn it off you must
For the most part i leave things alone - in day to day driving i'm not going like a bat out of hell (well, mostly)