starting in first gear, with clutch in.......why?

[extraball]

The 147 owners manual says that, you should start with clutch in, and first gear selected. I have never started manuals this way, any idea why alfa suggest this? 

[colcol]

Usually you start in neutral with the clutch in, so that the starter motor is turning over the engine only and not the gearbox as well, no idea why Alfa says, leave it in gear with the clutch in, maybe so that there is oil going round the finaldrive for lubrication purposes, Colin.

[Steve S]

Some Asian cars wont start unless you have the clutch pressed. As for your Alfa I would not worry about it. It ensures the gearbox is no rotating at startup.

[extraball]

yep, i am happier to start in neutral, just seems natural

[Beatle]

There is also the view that you should never start a car with the clutch depressed as it end-loads the crankshaft before oil pressure comes up, but I'm not convinced.

I reckon in gear with clutch depressed is dangerous.  What if your foot slips off the clutch (or the clutch fails).

[aggie57]

Most if not all manual cars sold in the US will only start with the clutch depressed. Not a reason for the 147 or in gear, but an explanation for the clutch.

It's so the car does not move as soon as its cranked. A la Audi.

[poohbah]

I was taught to always start the car with clutch in to make sure car actually is in neutral. My last car wouldn't start unless you put the clutch in.

[Cool Jesus]

ET, as Col suggested, clutch in places less load on the starter motor not having to turn over the extra weight of the gears. I'd say this was always a stated requirement with Alfas, particularly with the transaxle models. Also, as others have mentioned, it should be the norm for starting a manual vehicle with the clutch depressed. The first gear,  (shrugging shoulders), wouldn't surprise me if the Italians aren't saying its for a quicker get away