big_ipaq

I do not have comfort access. However on two occasions, I did a combination of things and the car let me pull the key out of the dash then I could start the engine by pressing the break pedal and pushing the button. With no key fob inserted...

Does anyone knows how? Can anyone direct me to a topic or post about this?

EBMCS03

Ya theres couple topics on it... Its a bug in the Software... I think it was after you shut down the car and remove the key you have 30 seconds or so to restart the car with out the fob by steping on the brake and pressing the start button... It was first discovered in the E90s when it first came out.

DrLev99

Yup....you can restart without the fob in ignition, but only after the engine has been on prior for 30 sec. If the car hasn't been running at first, you cannot just plug in the fob, pull it out and then hit the start/stop button and expect it to start.

Ricracing

Very nice car you got there DrLev99

Does the "x" really work with the H&R lowered chassi?

Loaned a pic of your car - below.
One would never believe it's a "x".

ressla

I was first told about this by a BMW tech. I think it is intentional and may be due to technology leftover from the comfort access.

The way it was explained to me was that it could be used as an anti car-jacking feature in non comfort access cars.

It allows you to drive the car without the key in: thus if you are unlucky enough to be car-jacked , you just let the thieves take your car.They will assume that the key is in the ignition because the engine is on. As soon as they stop and turn off the ignition they will be unable to turn the car on again as they have no key.

The guy who told me worked for BMW emergency services and said he did this all the time with his 5 series tourer as he was often called to unsavoury locations to assist drivers.

The procedure is:-

1) start the car as normal.
2) stop the engine ( you do not have to leave the engine running for 30 secs unlike previously stated)
3) remove key
4) Put the key in your pocket ( very important not to leave the key lying in the car for obvious reasons).
5)put foot on brake and press start engine button. you have only about 10 secs to do this.
6) Voila ! You can drive without the key.


You can also lock the car with the engine running using this method which may be handy on winter days to warm up the car before you get in.

big_ipaq

No, the poster you refer to, said, you have a timeframe of 30 seconds to start the engine without key after you extracted the keyfob out of its hole.

ressla

big_ipaq I was quoting the 3rd poster DrLev99

The above does imply that the engine needs to be running for 30 secs,which is not correct, at least on my car .
It is also factually incorrect that you have 30 secs to start the car after shutting down. I have just tried this my car again and the time limit is approximately 10 secs.
Thanks.

big_ipaq

You are right. I was refering to another paragraph. Thanks for heads up, my fault.

BMW#7

Tried it today. Works as described.

The only problem is you have to remember to push the start/stop button twice when getting out the car. Else the electronics stay on.

Haven't tested yet what happens when you close the door, but I suspect you might end up with a flat battery as the car "thinks" the FOB is still inserted unless you press twice.

big_ipaq

Yes, I tried it in my E64 650i and in my friends E90 330i and E87 116i. All behave the same, but I still have no clue why is this good for anything. Nothing makes sense.