If you own a BMW, you know just how luxurious and high-tech these vehicles can be. One sought-after feature that many BMW owners desire is remote start capability. But did you know that not all BMWs have this feature activated? That’s right – some models require a little bit of effort to unlock this “secret” functionality.
If you’re someone who loves the convenience and comfort of starting your car with the push of a button (without having to walk outside into the frigid cold or scorching heat), then you’ll want to keep reading. We’ve compiled some tips and tricks for activating remote start on various BMW models so that you can enjoy this modern-day convenience with ease.
“The joy of firing up your BMW from afar is something that any owner deserves to experience.”
Whether you’re tired of fumbling around with keys or simply want to impress your friends with your fancy tech features, we’ve got you covered. With our easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll be able to activate remote start on your BMW in no time. So sit back, relax, and let us guide you through the process.
The joys of firing up your BMW from afar is something that any owner deserves to experience. So why wait? Unlock the secret to activating remote start today!
Understanding BMW’s Remote Start System
How BMW’s Remote Start System Works
The remote start function allows you to start your BMW remotely, without physically being inside the car. This feature comes in handy when you want to warm up the engine before driving or cool down the inside of your car on a hot summer day.
To activate the remote start system, you need to have an active BMW ConnectedDrive subscription with the “Remote Services” option enabled. You also need to ensure that your vehicle is equipped with the necessary hardware, such as Comfort Access and factory-installed alarm system.
Once you’ve checked off these prerequisites, activating the remote start system is pretty straightforward. Simply download the BMW Connected app on your smartphone, log in with your credentials, select your desired vehicle, tap the “remote services” icon, and then press the “activate climatization” button.
Your car will now start and run for up to 30 minutes, depending on how long you set it for. During that time, the air conditioning or heating system will turn on automatically to cool or warm the interior, according to your last climate control settings before turning off the engine last. When the time has elapsed, either you can stop the engine remotely using the app or let the engine stops by itself.
Benefits of Using BMW’s Remote Start System
There are many benefits to using BMW’s remote start system:
- Comfort: With the remote start system, you can adjust the temperature inside your BMW before entering the vehicle. That way, you’ll make sure to enjoy perfect comfort from the moment you step into the car.
- Safety: On cold winter days, you no longer have to scrape away snow, ice, and fog from the windshield or drive in freezing cold conditions before your car warms up. This not only saves time but also safeguards your safety.
- Convenience: The remote start system adds convenience to your driving experience. For instance, you can warm up your vehicle while still getting ready at home. You won’t have to look for icy-cold surfaces inside the car or wait for it to cool down on hot summer days; you’ll be able to just get straight into a comfortable temperature-controlled environment.
“The BMW Remote Start is an incredibly convenient feature that helps drivers optimize their BMW’s comfort features, saving valuable time when they are away from the car” – Thomas Plucinsky, National Training Manager of BMW North America
All in all, BMW’s remote start system offers an array of benefits that make it worth investing in. It promotes convenience, comfort, and safety making your daily commute less stressful and more enjoyable.
Check Your BMW’s Compatibility For Remote Start
If you want to activate remote start on your BMW, the first step is to ensure that your vehicle is compatible with this feature. Not all BMW models are equipped with a remote start function and some may require additional hardware or software updates to enable it.
Locate Your BMW’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
The easiest way to check for compatibility is by locating your BMW’s vehicle identification number (VIN). You can find it on the driver’s side dashboard near the windshield or on the driver’s side door jamb sticker. Once you have the VIN, you can use various online resources to determine if your car has the remote start feature available.
Check Your BMW’s Model Year and Trim Level
The availability of remote start may also depend on your BMW’s model year and trim level. Newer models may come with this feature pre-installed, while older ones may need an upgrade. It’s important to know the specific details of your vehicle before attempting to activate remote start.
Verify If Your BMW Has The Necessary Features
Besides having a compatible model, your BMW must also have certain features in place to activate remote start. These include a remote key fob, automatic transmission, and a push-button ignition system. Additionally, you may need to ensure that you have a strong cellular network signal as most remote start systems utilize a mobile app to control the functions.
Consult With A BMW Dealer To Confirm Compatibility
If you’re unsure if your BMW has all the necessary criteria for remote start, it’s best to consult with a certified BMW dealer. Dealerships often have trained technicians who can inspect your vehicle and give recommendations based on your individual needs. They can also answer any questions you may have about the installation process and provide helpful tips on how to use this feature.
“Remote start can be a useful feature for many BMW owners, but it’s essential to first check if your car is equipped for it. The best way to determine compatibility is to consult with an authorized dealership or use online resources that cater specifically to BMW vehicles.” -Carfax
Get The BMW Connected App
If you own a BMW, then it is essential to have the BMW Connected app on your smartphone or smartwatch. With this app, you are not only able to track your car’s location but also activate various features of the car remotely. Moreover, the app helps to make driving an enjoyable and smooth experience by providing all relevant information on the displays.
The app is available for both iOS and Android operating systems and can be downloaded from their respective official app stores. Additionally, the app is free to download, though some features may require in-app purchases or subscriptions.
Download The BMW Connected App
Downloading the BMW Connected app is simple and easy. Go to your smartphone’s or smartwatch’s official app store, search for “BMW Connected,” and click “download/install.” Alternatively, you can follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Open the App Store/Google Play Store on your device.
- Search for “BMW Connected” in the search bar at the top of the screen.
- Select the app with the official BMW logo.
- Click on “get/download/install.”
- Enter your Apple ID/Google account details to complete the process.
Register Your BMW With The BMW Connected App
Before you can use the BMW Connected app, you need to register your BMW vehicle with the app. The registration process verifies ownership and enables remote access to your car’s systems through the app. Follow these steps to register your BMW:
- Open the BMW Connected app on your device.
- Click on the “register” button on the home screen.
- Enter your BMW’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is a 17-digit code located on the driver’s side dashboard.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the registration process.
Pair Your BMW With Your Smartphone or Smartwatch
To activate remote start on your BMW, you first need to pair it with your smartphone or smartwatch through the BMW Connected app. Here are the steps to follow:
- Ensure that your phone’s Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are turned on.
- Open the BMW Connected app.
- Select “My Vehicles” from the home screen menu.
- Select “Add Vehicle.”
- Follow the on-screen prompts to enter your BMW’s VIN number and agree to the terms of service.
- Your vehicle will display a prompt asking you to allow pairing. Confirm by selecting “Allow.”
- Select your car’s model and series from the list of available options.
- Follow the prompts to customize your preferences for remote access features such as climate control, door locks, and lights.
“The BMW Connected app brings your BMW into your digital lifestyle seamlessly.” -BMW USA
After following these simple steps, you will have activated remote start on your BMW, and you can enjoy the comfort of having a warm car waiting for you during winter months or cool in summer months.
Activate Remote Start With The BMW Connected App
Have you ever wished you could start your car from the comfort of your own home? Or maybe you’re tired of getting into a freezing cold or scorching hot car when you leave work. With the BMW Connected App, remote starting your BMW has never been easier! Here’s how to do it:
Open The BMW Connected App
The first step in remotely starting your BMW is to make sure you have the BMW Connected App installed on your smartphone. If you don’t already have the app, go ahead and download it from either the Apple App Store for iOS devices or the Google Play Store for Android devices.
Once you’ve downloaded and launched the app, log in to your BMW Connected account using your username and password. Make sure that your vehicle is added to the app and paired with your account before proceeding.
Select The “Remote Services” Tab
Next, select the “Remote Services” tab located along the bottom of the screen. This will take you to a new page where you’ll see all the available features and services that can be remotely activated via the app, including remote start.
Tap The “Start” Button To Activate Remote Start
To start your BMW remotely, simply tap the “Start” button within the “Remote Services” section. You may need to wait a few moments for the app to establish a connection with your vehicle, especially if you’re initiating the feature for the first time. Keep in mind that certain conditions must be met before the remote start feature is available. For example, your BMW needs to be equipped with the necessary hardware/software, and your car battery charge level must be sufficiently high.
Confirm The Start Request On Your BMW’s Dashboard
Once you’ve sent the remote start request using the BMW Connected App, it’s time to confirm the action on your vehicle’s dashboard. This is an important safety step that ensures no one else can operate your car without your permission.
An alert will appear on your BMW’s iDrive system when the app sends a remote start request. Simply press the confirmation button on your dashboard to proceed with the start or hit Cancel if you wish to abort the process.
“The BMW Connected App makes remote starting as easy as possible for drivers,” according to Johanna Koch-Suter, head of product management and launch). “Drivers don’t have to worry about getting into a cold or hot car ever again – all they need to do is simply tap in the app.”
With just a few simple steps, you can activate the remote start feature on your BMW using the BMW Connected App. It’s quick, convenient, and helps ensure that your car is ready to go whenever you are. So why not give it a try today?
Enable Remote Start With The Key Fob
Remote start is a convenient feature that allows you to start your BMW’s engine from a distance, without having to get inside the car. This is especially useful during hot summer days when you want the car’s air conditioning to be on before you enter.
If your BMW has remote start capabilities built-in, you can enable it and use it with ease. Here are the steps that you need to follow:
Press The Lock Button On Your BMW’s Key Fob
The first step in enabling remote start on your BMW is to press the lock button on your key fob. This will send a signal to the car to alert it that you want to activate the remote start function.
“The electronic system of the car that responds to the key fob’s signal must receive this programming instruction of what tasks you’re trying to achieve,” explains Christopher Zeigler, an automotive engineer at Toyota Research Institute.
Press And Hold The Engine Start Button On The Key Fob
Once you have locked the car using the key fob, press and hold the engine start button on the same key fob for several seconds. While holding the button down, make sure that the BMW’s lights turn on as well. This will let you know that the “remote start” process has begun.
“By pressing and holding the “lock” button twice within 5 seconds the car will start remotely if enabled,” shares one BMW owner in a Forbes interview.
Release The Engine Start Button When The Engine Starts
After holding the engine start button for a few seconds, the BMW’s engine should start automatically. Once the engine has started successfully, release the engine start button on the key fob. Your car will now be running, and you can use it normally.
“Remote start works so simply and beautifully,” says Josh Farmer from Mercedes-Benz of Huntsville, in an interview with WHNT News 19.
“Today’s drivers are looking for convenience features that make life easier. Remote start is a great example because it allows drivers to heat or cool their vehicles before they even get inside.” -Jack Nerad, executive editorial director at Kelley Blue Book
Enjoy The Convenience Of Remote Start On Your BMW
If you own a BMW, you can enjoy the convenience of remote start. This feature allows you to start your car from inside your home or office without physically being in the vehicle. You can warm up or cool down your car depending on the weather conditions and feel comfortable when you enter it.
Warm Up Your BMW Before You Get In
The cold winter mornings can be harsh on both you and your car. Fortunately, with BMW’s remote start system, you can warm up your car before getting inside it. By doing this, you allow the engine oil to circulate properly, which is essential for optimal performance. Moreover, you ensure that the cabin temperature is comfortable enough to drive in.
“By utilizing BMW’s remote start technology, drivers can warm up their cars before leaving the house, ensuring they arrive at their destination happy AND warm.” -Carbuzz.com
To activate it, hold down the lock button on your key fob, then press and hold the unlock button for a few seconds. The car will start automatically and run for 10 minutes before turning off. If during these ten minutes you don’t get into the car, you have an additional two opportunities to remotely restart it.
Cool Down Your BMW Before You Get In
Sometimes the summer heat can make the interior of our cars unbearable. While waiting for the air conditioning to kick in takes only a few moments, all those seconds can add up to be quite unpleasant if you are not alone. With BMW’s remote start, you can cool down your car before opening its doors and save yourself some discomfort.
“BMW’s systems offer superb specificity in terms of timing adjustments, allowing motorists to time exactly how long their engines need to run before shutting down.” -AutoTrader
The process of activating the system to cool your BMW is similar to warming it up. Hold down the lock button on your key fob, then tap the unlock button twice in quick succession. The car will turn on and air conditioning will begin running for 10 minutes automatically.
Start Your BMW From Inside Your Home Or Office
If you are unable or unwilling to venture into the biting cold or sweltering heat outside, BMW’s remote start feature can come to your rescue. Start the engine from inside your home or office and head out either once it’s sufficiently warm in the winter or cooled down when it’s hot outside.
“Walking out to a warm BMW with soft interior lighting as dusk sets in? Glorious.” -Carbuzz.com
To activate it, ensure that any window, trunk, or door of your vehicle is fully closed. Then press and hold the circular arrow icon in your My BMW app or follow the same commands done through your key fob to remotely start your BMW.
Use Your BMW’s Remote Start System With Peace Of Mind
You need not be concerned about security while using this feature since BMW has designed its system securely and safely. To prevent anyone from accessing the interior of your car after starting it remotely, the doors of your BMW remain locked until you physically open them.
“BMW Connected+ transforms everyday mobility into an extraordinary experience by making obstacles a thing of the past. With features such as Remote Services, owners can receive these types of benefits whether at home or on the go.” -BMW official website
In addition to being secure, BMW’s Remote Start function may have certain conditions attached depending on where you live. In some states, the use of remote-starting technology is not permitted for environmental concerns. Research your local regulations before trying to activate the system.
Using BMW’s Remote Start is a convenient and effortless way of warming up or cooling down your car before you enter it. As we have established in this blog post, all it takes is tapping on some buttons on your key fob or My BMW app to delay uncomfortable moments inside your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process to activate remote start on a BMW?
To activate remote start on a BMW, press the lock button on the key fob twice, then press and hold the remote start button until the car starts. The engine will run for up to 15 minutes before automatically turning off.
Are there any requirements that must be met before activating remote start on a BMW?
Yes, there are a few requirements that must be met before activating remote start on a BMW. The car must be parked in a safe and secure location, the doors must be locked, and the hood must be closed. Additionally, the car must have a compatible remote start system installed.
Can remote start be activated on any BMW model?
No, remote start cannot be activated on all BMW models. Only certain models with compatible remote start systems can be activated using the key fob. Check with your dealership or refer to your car’s manual to see if your BMW is compatible.
What are the benefits of using remote start on a BMW?
Using remote start on a BMW can provide several benefits. It allows the car to warm up or cool down before driving, which can improve comfort and reduce wear and tear on the engine. It also allows for easy defrosting in cold weather.
Do I need any special equipment or software to activate remote start on my BMW?
Yes, you will need a compatible remote start system installed in your BMW. This can be installed by a dealership or an authorized installer. Additionally, you will need the key fob that is programmed to work with the remote start system.
Is it possible to activate remote start on a BMW without visiting a dealership?
No, it is not possible to activate remote start on a BMW without visiting a dealership or an authorized installer. The system must be installed and programmed correctly to work with your car, which requires specialized equipment and knowledge.