This is the story

1) All that have old 5:ers without this feature (or any feature for that matter) will claim that it is useless simply because they cannot have it.

2) The fob + button do add a new dimension to the car which is security. The fob cannot be copied as the regular key. The fob has built in DES encryption which makes it impossible even to manipulate the car to get it to start. The old 5:ers only have the built in electronic security of the engine start mechanism. This means that anyone who can get their hands on the regular key can make a copy to steal the car. The fob is not possible to copy. You will have to have the exact fob that came with the car for it to start.

3) The mumbo jumbo of "extra steps/work" to start a button-car vs an old 5:er is just so fun to read. Imagine the same story for active steering vs normal steering:-) Wow, don't you have active steering. I have since I don't have the stamina to turn the wheel. It is too much extra effort.

Ciao!
/Knubblo
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There will always be people that complain and then people that complain about people complaining.

 

As for the question about the key fob battery dying and leaving you stranded...I think it charges if you put it in the key slot but I could be wrong. If anyone knows that would be good info.

 

Unlike the MY05 and earlier keys, which charge while driving, I don't see how the MY06+ key fob can--there's no exposed metal to make contact with the car.

 

Unlike the MY05 and earlier keys, which charge while driving, I don't see how the MY06+ key fob can--there's no exposed metal to make contact with the car.
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I don't actually know if this happens on the new keys, but there is the concept of inductive charging: this doesn't require any metal terminals, and is quite simple to implement (those of you with some models of electric toothbrushes may witness this).

And, as others have noted, you'll never be stranded as there is a physical key present.

Further, many keyless entry systems are based on RFID. RFID can function without a battery at all, as it is powered by the RF field from the vehicle. Some RFID systems can even charge in the ambient RF field. I *do not* know if this is now BMW has implemented the device.

 

Dont need it... have you seen the new "cell phone chargers" at electronic showcases or even better Oral-B's Professional care toothbrush. See das post above.


Mira Aqui...

 

I just with the "Start" button on the E60 (and E90) had the same tactile feedback that you can feel in the Z8 start button ....

 

Unlike the MY05 and earlier keys, which charge while driving, I don't see how the MY06+ key fob can--there's no exposed metal to make contact with the car.
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As a "Specialist" :-) you should know that it isn't required to have metal to metal in order to charge a battery. In lack of better examples, just take a look at a standard electrical toothbrush. It charges itself without actually connecting metal to metal in the charger. This is called induced charging and is done through inducting current in a coil and having another coil surrounding (tight) the smaller one.

/Knubblo

 

Just to make some points clear:

1. IMHO Start/Stop button is not an extra step EVEN without CA (and I DO have CA). As you have to turn your key in the slot to fire the engine (and evenly take it turned until the engine starts), with the S/S button you have to press the button without waiting for the engine to start (and this answers a question above). You simply press the button and the start motor will work "trying" to start the engine till it really starts.

2. There is no rechargeable battery inside the remote WITH the CA and the reason is very obvious just because you don't have to place it in the slot and you wouldn't recharge anything. Moreover, you will use it very few times (you will simply have it in your pocket :-))) and the lithium battery will last long. (Idrive will tell you when the battery is getting low).
If, for whichever reason, the battery goes down all of a sudden, you will obviously get in your car with the key in the remote.

Luca

 

I don't have a comment relative to whether CA is a waste of time or not, but you do not have to hold the key in the start position for it to start. Just turn the key and let go and it will fire until it kicks over. My 540 does this and so does the e60.

 

This problem was discussed over and over again, but we all reply anyways. The main thing with this start/stop button IMO is that if it comes with the car than great, with CA even better but I wouldn't mind an E60 with a key is still a great car.

And yes for sure, those with the keys (including me) would say the button is an extra step because we don't have it, maybe... but then again we are all happy with or without the start/stop button agree?


And next time if someone ask me why my E60 doesn't have the button and Lexus have it, I will tell them get a BMW and you will understand why the E60 doesn't have the button and you would still want one.