Does BMW Have Remote Start? The Definitive Guide

The ability to start your car remotely from inside your home or office is a luxury many drivers appreciate, especially during extreme weather conditions. But does BMW have remote start? The short answer is yes, most modern BMW models offer a remote engine start function.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about BMW’s remote start technology, including:

What it is and how it works
Which BMW models come equipped with remote start
Instructions for using the key fob, display key, or app to start your BMW remotely
How to activate and set up the remote start feature
Availability of remote start in different countries
Costs for adding it to new or older BMW vehicles

So, let’s dive in and take a closer look at this handy feature that can make your driving experience more comfortable and convenient.

What is BMW Remote Start?

BMW’s remote engine start allows you to turn on your vehicle’s engine from a distance using either the key fob, the BMW Display Key, or a compatible smartphone app. This lets you warm up or cool down the interior to your preferred temperature before getting in.

The remote start system consists of two main components:

A remote starter module installed in the vehicle that is wired to the engine, ignition, and climate control systems.
A remote transmitter, such as the key fob or app, that sends a signal to activate the starter module.

Once started remotely, the engine will run for a preset period (typically 15-20 minutes) to condition the cabin. If you don’t drive off within that window, the engine automatically shuts off to conserve fuel.

Benefits of BMW Remote Start

Having the ability to remotely start your BMW offers several advantages:

Warm up the interior during cold weather so you don’t have to sit in a freezing car
Cool down the cabin on hot sunny days before getting in
Defrost the windshield and windows in winter
Get the air conditioning or heater running to your ideal temperature settings

Overall, it provides a more comfortable driving experience right from the start, as well as added convenience during extreme temperatures.

When Did BMW Introduce Remote Start?

While some automakers have offered remote start for over a decade, BMW was a bit later to the game. The German luxury brand officially introduced remote engine start as an option on select models in 2019 when the 7.0 version of iDrive was launched.

The very first BMW with a factory-installed remote starter was the 2019 X5 SUV. Since then, it has become available across more of BMW’s lineup, primarily as part of optional premium packages.

BMW Models with Factory Remote Start

For 2023 model year BMWs, remote start functionality comes standard or is an available option on the following models equipped with an automatic transmission and 4 or 6-cylinder engine:

3 Series Sedan
4 Series Coupe/Convertible
5 Series Sedan
8 Series Coupe/Convertible
X3 SUV
X4 SUV
X5 SUV
X6 SUV
X7 SUV
Z4 Roadster
i4 Electric Sedan
iX Electric SUV

If included, it will be listed as the “Remote Engine Start” feature in your BMW’s options or premium package. Nearly all of BMW’s most popular models offer it now.

Adding Remote Start to Older BMWs

What if you own an earlier model BMW from before 2019 that didn’t come with a factory remote starter? Depending on the year and compatibility, you may be able to have the feature installed aftermarket.

For some 2018 BMWs like the F10 5 Series, F15 X5, and others, BMW did produce official remote start kits that could be added by a dealer or independent BMW specialty shop. These plug-and-play modules integrate with your existing key fob.

For BMWs older than 2018, you’ll likely need to use a third-party remote start kit designed to work with your specific chassis and body style. While not a direct OEM solution, reputable kits from companies like Viper or CompuStar can safely add remote engine start functionality.

How to Use BMW Remote Start

Once equipped with remote start, you have three different methods for activating it on your BMW depending on what key type or connected services you have:

Key Fob Remote Start

If you have a standard key fob without a display, you can remote start your BMW by pressing the lock button three times in rapid succession. This will send the signal for the engine to turn on.

To shut it off, repeat the triple-press of the lock button. You’ll need to be within range of about 200 feet or so of the vehicle.

BMW Display Key

For those with the upgraded BMW Display Key that has a touchscreen, go to the “Preconditioning Setting” menu, tap the fan icon, then select “Activate Now” and “Engine Start.”

The turn signal indicators will flash briefly to confirm the engine has started remotely. To turn it off, you can press the start/stop button without depressing the brake pedal.

BMW Connected App

One of the most convenient ways is using BMW’s Connected smartphone app. Simply open the app, go to the “Climate” section, and hit the engine start button. You can even set the desired temperature for your BMW to reach before you get in.

The connected app allows you to start your BMW from anywhere you have an internet or cellular connection, not just when you’re nearby like with the key fob methods.

Setting Up Remote Start on Your BMW

To enable remote engine start on your BMW initially, you’ll need to activate it through the iDrive system. The steps are:

Using the touchscreen controller, navigate to “Car” then “Settings”
Select “Climate Comfort” then “Preconditioning/Ventilation”
Choose “Remote Engine Start” and toggle it on
Confirm by pressing “OK”

Once set up, the remote start feature will be ready to use with your key fob, Display Key, or app based on your preferences. Just remember it will automatically switch off after that 15-20 minute idle period if you don’t start driving.

Remote Start Availability by Country

While BMW remote start is a handy option in places with extreme hot or cold weather, it’s not actually available in all countries and regions. Some locations have regulations prohibiting extended idling and engine running times for environmental reasons.

For example, BMWs sold in parts of Europe like Germany are not able to be equipped with remote start due to local laws. However, it is permitted in North America and many other global markets where BMW operates.

So if you’re purchasing a BMW, be sure to verify that the remote engine start option is approved where you live if you want that functionality. Your BMW dealer can confirm eligibility.

Cost of Adding BMW Remote Start

For those looking to add BMW remote start, either from the factory on a new vehicle or getting an aftermarket solution installed, there are a few different potential costs:

Approximately $300 – $500 to have remote start added by BMW before taking delivery of a new car, if compatible.
Around $300 – $1000 to purchase BMW’s official remote start kits and have them installed by dealers or specialists on certain older model years.
$200 – $600 for professional installation of a third-party remote start system on BMWs where no OEM kit is available.

While not an inexpensive add-on, remote start can make a noticeable difference in comfort and convenience, especially for those living in regions with harsh seasonal temperatures. Factor in the cost if you think you’ll make regular use of the feature.

The Verdict on BMW’s Remote Start

In summation, BMW has offered integrated remote engine start functionality across most of its model lineup since 2019 as an optional or package-included feature. It allows you to get your BMW’s interior warmed up or cooled down from inside your home, office, or anywhere within range using your key fob, Display Key, or smartphone app.

While setup requirements, instructions, and costs can vary, the remote start convenience can make a BMW ownership experience that much more enjoyable year-round, whether you live in a region with brutally cold winters or scorching hot summers.

Not having to brave extreme temperatures to get into an unconditioned car is a luxury afforded by this feature. On sweltering summer days, you can remote start your BMW from inside an air-conditioned building, allowing it to cool down to a comfortable cabin temperature. And in the depths of winter, no more shivering in a freezing cold vehicle while waiting for the heater to kick in.

The ability to adjust the climate control settings directly from your smartphone is also a nice perk of BMW’s connected remote start functionality. You can ensure your ideal temperature preferences are met before even stepping foot in the vehicle.

So if you’re shopping for a new BMW, be sure to look for the “Remote Engine Start” option or discuss adding it with your dealer. It could easily become one of your favorite BMW features once you experience the luxury of remote engine start firsthand.

For current BMW owners, retrofitting a compatible remote start system is also worth considering if your model didn’t come equipped from the factory. While an added cost, it elevates everyday practicality and driving comfort.