Abut two weeks ago when i pushed the remote key in , and pressed start , the engine wouldn't start but after 3-4 other tries it suddenly did.
Today i had the same problem once again. After i was finished washing my car, i got in and tried to start it but it wouldn't. Everything looked like the usual process unlocked the car, pushed the remote key in, seats changed to the way i have them saved, lights and the idrive turned on, But when i hit the brakes and pressed start it just wouldn't start.

After 20 mins of trying i decided to browse online about the same problem and found a post in another bmw forum saying to hold unlock button than press lock 3 times. I did that and surprisingly the engine started.

Am not sure if its the battery because when i got the car 8 months ago the dealer changed it with a new one, and i don't think its the sparking plugs either cause on the idrive it says i have 32000 more miles before changing them.

What do you guys think could be the problem here?

Thanks.

 

Were there any other iDrive alert messages? Did the car engine turn over at all?

 

no messages at all i went to check control system and everything was ok, do you think it had something to do with the remote key because after i reset it by holding unlock button and pressing lock 3 times the engine turned on

 

Does your car have comfort access?

 

yes it does

 

I'd start the troubleshoot w/ a new battery since they are only ~$4, CR2032.

 

+1 except that there would be an iDrive alert message if the CA fob battery was dead or dying.

 

My 08 fob was losing responsiveness without showing an error message. New battery fixed it, but didn't have same issues as the OP.