Does Your BMW Have Remote Start? Learn How!
If you own a BMW and are wondering if it has remote start capabilities, you’ve come to the right place. Remote start is a convenient feature that allows you to start your BMW’s engine remotely, giving you the ability to warm up or cool down the interiors or defrost the engine before getting inside.
Key Takeaways:
- To determine if your BMW has remote start, check for the “Remote engine start” option in your Premium Package or in the settings of your iDrive sub-menu.
- Remote start was officially introduced in 2019+ G models with iDrive system 7.0, but retrofit kits were available for some older BMW models.
- The complete list of BMW models with factory-installed remote start includes G20 BMW 3 Series, G22 BMW 4 Series, G30 BMW 5 Series, and more.
- You can activate BMW remote start through the My BMW app, the BMW key fob, or the BMW Display Key.
- If your BMW doesn’t have remote start, you can consider retrofit options or upgrade to a newer model with this feature.
How to Activate BMW Remote Start
To activate the remote start feature on your BMW, you need to access the iDrive system sub-menu. Follow these steps:
- From the “Car” menu, navigate to “Settings”.
- Choose “Climate Comfort” from the settings menu.
- Select “Preconditioning / ventilation”.
- The “Remote engine start” option should appear for activation.
Once you have activated remote start on your BMW, you can use different methods to start your vehicle remotely:
- My BMW app: Download and install the app on your phone to control the remote features of your BMW. From the app, you can start or stop the engine, as well as plan the preconditioning of your vehicle, even when it is not nearby.
- BMW factory key fob: If your BMW is equipped with a factory key fob, you can activate or deactivate the engine remotely. Simply press the lock button on the key fob three times in close proximity to the vehicle to start or stop the engine.
- BMW Display Key: If your BMW comes with a Display Key, you can activate remote start through the “Preconditioning setting” in the sub-menu. Tap the climate control symbol and select “Engine start” to remotely start your BMW.
Using any of these methods, you can conveniently activate your BMW’s remote start feature and enjoy the comfort of a pre-conditioned vehicle.
BMW Models with Remote Start
If you’re considering a BMW with remote start functionality, it’s important to know which models come equipped with this convenient feature. BMW offers a range of models that are compatible with factory-installed remote start. These models include:
- G20 BMW 3 Series
- G22 BMW 4 Series
- G30 BMW 5 Series
- G32 BMW 6 Series
- G11 BMW 7 Series
- G15 BMW 8 Series
- G16 BMW M8
- G29 BMW Z Series
- 01 BMW i3
- 12 BMW i8
- G01 BMW X3
- G02 BMW X4
- G05 BMW X5
- G06 BMW X6
- G07 BMW X7
- G08 BMW X8
If your BMW model is not on this list, it may not come with remote start capabilities. However, don’t worry! There are retrofit options available for older BMW models that do not have factory-installed remote start.
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The Benefits of Remote Start
“Remote start is a convenient feature that allows BMW owners to start their vehicles remotely, providing greater comfort and convenience. It allows you to warm up or cool down your BMW’s interior before stepping inside, making your driving experience more enjoyable regardless of weather conditions.
Having remote start on your BMW can be a game-changer, especially during extreme weather conditions. It enables you to prepare your vehicle in advance, ensuring a comfortable driving experience from the moment you step inside. Whether it’s a hot summer day or a chilly winter morning, remote start allows you to customize your BMW’s climate settings and have your vehicle ready to go.
Stay tuned for the next section to learn how to use the BMW remote start feature on different devices!
Using BMW Remote Start
BMW remote start offers a convenient way to start your vehicle remotely, providing comfort and convenience. There are multiple ways to use the BMW remote start feature, depending on the tools you have at hand.
Using the My BMW App
If you have the My BMW app installed on your phone, you can use it to start/stop the engine or plan preconditioning. Even if your car is not nearby, you can initiate the remote start process directly from your phone. Simply open the app, navigate to the remote start section, and follow the prompts to activate the engine.
Using the Key Fob
If your BMW is equipped with a key fob, you can activate or deactivate the engine using this device. To start the engine, press the lock button on the key fob three times in close proximity to the vehicle. This will initiate the remote start process and you can then access your warm or cooled car once you’re ready to drive.
Using the BMW Display Key
If your BMW is equipped with the advanced Display Key, you can also activate remote start through this device. Access the “Preconditioning setting” in the sub-menu, tap the climate control symbol, and select “Engine start.” By following these steps, you’ll be able to remotely start your BMW using the Display Key.
Each method of using BMW remote start has its own specific steps and range of operation. Choose the method that best suits your needs and preferences to enjoy the convenience of remote starting your BMW.
| Method | Activation Steps | Range of Operation |
|---|---|---|
| My BMW App | Activate from the app interface | Remote start from anywhere |
| Key Fob | Press lock button three times | In close proximity to the vehicle |
| BMW Display Key | Access sub-menu and tap climate control symbol | Within range of the Display Key |
Adding Remote Start to Your BMW
If you’re looking to add remote start functionality to your BMW, there are several options available to suit your needs. Whether you have a new BMW or an older model, you can choose from OEM solutions or retrofit kits.
Purchasing a New BMW:
If you’re planning to buy a new BMW, you can specify to the dealer that you want the remote start option added to your iDrive system. This is the easiest way to ensure you get the OEM remote start functionality in your BMW.
Remote Software Upgrade:
If you already own a BMW without remote start, you may be able to download the remote start update over-the-air via the Remote Software Upgrade. Check if your vehicle is compatible and purchase the upgrade through the ConnectedDrive store. This option allows you to enjoy the convenience of remote start without the need for additional hardware installation.
BMW Remote Start Retrofit Kits:
For older BMW models that do not have remote start capabilities, you can consider a BMW remote start retrofit kit. BimmerTech offers retrofit kits that provide similar functionality to the OEM version. These kits are designed to be safe, reliable, and seamlessly integrated into your BMW.
Adding remote start to your BMW allows you to start your vehicle remotely, ensuring a comfortable climate inside before you even step in. Whether you prefer the OEM option or a retrofit kit, you can enjoy the convenience of remote start with your BMW.
| Option | Description |
|————————-|———————————————————————————————————————|
| Purchasing a New BMW | Specify to the dealer that you want the remote start option added to your iDrive system. |
| Remote Software Upgrade | Download the remote start update over-the-air via the Remote Software Upgrade for compatible vehicles. |
| BMW Remote Start Retrofit Kits | Consider a BMW remote start retrofit kit, such as the one offered by BimmerTech. |
Explore the options and choose the one that best fits your BMW and personal preferences. Adding remote start to your BMW can enhance your driving experience and provide added convenience.
Conclusion
BMW remote start is a convenient feature that allows you to start your BMW remotely, providing comfort and convenience. It enables you to warm up or cool down the interiors, defrost the engine, and have your BMW ready to go when you are. However, it’s important to note that not all BMW models have this feature.
The remote start feature was officially introduced in the 2019+ G models with iDrive system 7.0. In these models, you can easily determine if your BMW has remote start capabilities by checking for the “Remote engine start” option in your Premium Package or in the settings of your iDrive sub-menu. Additionally, if your BMW features iDrive 7.0 and a digital gauge cluster, it may have remote start functionality.
If your BMW does not have remote start, there are options available. You can explore retrofit options for older BMW models, such as retrofit kits offered by trusted providers. These kits provide similar functionality to the OEM version and are safe and reliable. Alternatively, you can consider upgrading to a newer BMW model that comes equipped with remote start as a standard feature.
FAQ
How do I know if my BMW has remote start?
To check if your BMW has remote start, you can look for the “Remote engine start” option in your Premium Package or in the settings of your iDrive sub-menu. If your BMW features iDrive 7.0 and a digital gauge cluster, it may have remote start functionality.
How do I activate remote start on my BMW?
To activate remote start on your BMW, access the iDrive system sub-menu. From the “Car” menu, go to “Settings,” choose “Climate Comfort,” and then select “Preconditioning / ventilation.” The “Remote engine start” option should appear for activation.
Which BMW models come with remote start?
BMW models equipped with factory-installed remote start include the G20 BMW 3 Series, G22 BMW 4 Series, G30 BMW 5 Series, G32 BMW 6 Series, G11 BMW 7 Series, G15 BMW 8 Series, G16 BMW M8, G29 BMW Z Series, 01 BMW i3, 12 BMW i8, G01 BMW X3, G02 BMW X4, G05 BMW X5, G06 BMW X6, G07 BMW X7, G08 BMW X8.
How do I use BMW remote start?
There are multiple ways to use the BMW remote start feature. If you’re using the My BMW app, you can start/stop the engine or plan preconditioning from your phone, even if your car is not nearby. Using the key fob, you can activate or deactivate the engine by pressing the lock button three times in close proximity to the vehicle. If your BMW has a Display Key, you can activate remote start through the “Preconditioning setting” in the sub-menu, tapping the climate control symbol and selecting “Engine start.”
Can I add remote start to my BMW?
Yes, there are a few options for adding remote start to your BMW. If you’re purchasing a new BMW, you can specify to the dealer that you want the remote start option added to your iDrive. If you already own a BMW without remote start, you may be able to download the remote start update over-the-air via the Remote Software Upgrade. Additionally, for older BMW models, you can consider a BMW remote start retrofit kit, such as the one offered by BimmerTech.
What is BMW remote start?
BMW remote start is a convenient feature that allows you to start your BMW remotely, either to warm up or cool down the interiors or defrost the engine. It was officially introduced in the 2019+ G models with iDrive system 7.0. Not all BMW models have this feature, so it’s important to check the specifications of your BMW to determine its availability.
