How to Start Your BMW with Comfort Access: A Comprehensive Guide
Comfort Access in BMWs is a fantastic feature that elevates convenience to a new level. It allows you to unlock, start, and even lock your car without physically using the key fob. However, understanding how to properly start your BMW equipped with Comfort Access is crucial to avoid frustration and ensure a smooth driving experience. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, covering everything from the basics to troubleshooting common issues.
## What is BMW Comfort Access?
Before diving into the starting procedure, let’s define what Comfort Access actually is. It’s a keyless entry and start system that uses sensors in the car and the key fob to detect your presence. Here’s a breakdown of its key functionalities:
* **Keyless Entry/Locking:** When you approach your BMW with the key fob within a certain proximity (typically a few feet), the car automatically unlocks. Similarly, when you walk away, it locks automatically.
* **Keyless Start:** You can start the engine with the push of a button, without needing to insert the key fob into the ignition slot.
* **Hands-Free Trunk Opening:** (If equipped) You can open the trunk by waving your foot under the rear bumper.
* **Personal Profile Recognition:** The car can automatically adjust settings like seat position, mirror angles, climate control, and radio presets based on the key fob being used.
## Understanding the Components
To properly utilize Comfort Access, you need to be familiar with the following components:
* **Key Fob:** This is the primary communication device. It contains a chip that transmits a signal to the car, allowing it to recognize your presence. It usually has physical buttons for locking, unlocking, and trunk release as backup.
* **Door Handle Sensors:** These sensors are located on the door handles and detect when you touch them, triggering the locking or unlocking sequence.
* **Start/Stop Button:** This button, usually located on the dashboard, is used to start and stop the engine.
* **Footwell Sensor (if applicable):** Some models have a sensor in the driver’s side footwell. While not directly related to starting the engine, it can sometimes affect the system’s overall functionality.
* **iDrive System (the car’s computer system):** Through the iDrive system, you can customize various Comfort Access settings such as door unlocking behavior and automatic locking.
## Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your BMW with Comfort Access
Follow these steps to seamlessly start your BMW using Comfort Access:
1. **Ensure the Key Fob is Present:** The key fob must be on your person (in your pocket or purse) or very close to the vehicle (inside the car, for example). The system needs to detect the key fob’s signal to allow you to start the engine. A common mistake is leaving the key fob in a bag in the trunk, which won’t allow the engine to start.
2. **Enter the Vehicle:** As you approach the car with the key fob, the doors should automatically unlock. If they don’t, ensure the key fob battery isn’t dead and that Comfort Access is enabled in your iDrive settings. You can also try touching the door handle to activate the unlocking sequence.
3. **Get Comfortable in the Driver’s Seat:** Make sure you’re seated comfortably and that the steering wheel and seat are adjusted to your liking.
4. **Ensure the Gear Selector is in ‘P’ or ‘N’:** For safety reasons, the engine will only start if the gear selector is in Park (P) or Neutral (N). Verify that the indicator on the instrument cluster confirms the correct gear selection.
5. **Press the Brake Pedal:** This is a crucial step. You MUST press and hold the brake pedal firmly before pressing the Start/Stop button. This engages the starter motor and prevents the car from moving unexpectedly.
6. **Press the Start/Stop Button:** While holding the brake pedal, press the Start/Stop button located on the dashboard. You should hear the engine start. The instrument cluster will illuminate, and the engine will begin to run smoothly.
7. **Release the Brake Pedal (Slowly):** Once the engine is running, gradually release the brake pedal. Ensure the car remains stationary if you’re in Park (P).
8. **Select Your Desired Gear:** Shift into Drive (D) or Reverse (R) to begin driving.
## Starting the Engine When the Key Fob Battery is Low or Dead
One of the most common issues with Comfort Access is a dead or weak key fob battery. If this happens, the system might not recognize the key fob, and you won’t be able to start the engine using the standard procedure. Don’t worry; BMW has a built-in workaround:
1. **Locate the Key Fob Symbol on the Steering Column:** Look for a small key fob symbol on the steering column. This is where you’ll need to hold the key fob.
2. **Hold the Key Fob Against the Steering Column:** Hold the key fob directly against the key fob symbol on the steering column. This allows the car to read the key fob’s transponder chip directly, bypassing the low battery issue.
3. **Press the Brake Pedal:** As with the standard starting procedure, press and hold the brake pedal firmly.
4. **Press the Start/Stop Button:** While holding the brake pedal and the key fob against the steering column, press the Start/Stop button. The engine should start.
5. **Replace the Key Fob Battery:** As soon as possible, replace the key fob battery to avoid future issues. The battery type is usually a CR2032 button cell battery. You can find these at most drugstores, supermarkets, or online retailers. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to replace the battery.
## Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with a good understanding of the system, you might encounter issues with Comfort Access from time to time. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
* **The Car Doesn’t Unlock Automatically:**
* **Check the Key Fob Battery:** A low battery is the most common cause. Replace the battery and try again.
* **Ensure Comfort Access is Enabled in iDrive:** Go to the iDrive settings menu and verify that Comfort Access is enabled. The location of this setting can vary slightly depending on the model and iDrive version, but it’s usually found under “Vehicle Settings,” “Door/Key,” or a similar category.
* **Check the Door Handle Sensors:** Make sure the door handle sensors are clean and not obstructed by dirt, ice, or debris. Try wiping them with a clean cloth.
* **Key Fob Proximity:** Ensure the key fob is within the required range (typically a few feet) of the car. Try holding the key fob closer to the door handle.
* **Key Fob Interference:** Electronic devices or metal objects can sometimes interfere with the key fob’s signal. Remove any potential sources of interference and try again.
* **Faulty Door Handle Sensor:** In rare cases, the door handle sensor itself might be faulty and require replacement.
* **The Engine Won’t Start (Even with the Key Fob Inside):**
* **Check the Gear Selector:** Ensure the gear selector is in Park (P) or Neutral (N).
* **Press the Brake Pedal Firmly:** Make sure you’re pressing the brake pedal hard enough. The system requires sufficient brake pedal pressure to engage the starter motor.
* **Low Key Fob Battery:** As mentioned earlier, a low key fob battery can prevent the engine from starting. Try holding the key fob against the steering column as described in the previous section.
* **Check the Car Battery:** A weak or dead car battery can also prevent the engine from starting, even with Comfort Access. Try jump-starting the car or replacing the battery.
* **Faulty Start/Stop Button:** In rare cases, the Start/Stop button itself might be faulty.
* **Check for Error Messages:** Pay attention to any error messages displayed on the instrument cluster. These messages can provide valuable clues about the cause of the problem.
* **The Car Locks Automatically While the Key Fob is Inside:**
* **Accidental Activation:** This is very rare. It might happen if something presses on the door handle sensor from the inside. Avoid placing items near the door handles.
* **System Malfunction:** This could also be caused by a glitch in the car’s computer system.
* **Software Update Needed:** In some instances, a software update might fix the issue. Visit a BMW dealership for assistance.
* **Hands-Free Trunk Opening Not Working (if equipped):**
* **Ensure the Key Fob is Present:** The key fob must be within range of the trunk sensor.
* **Proper Foot Movement:** Practice the correct foot movement. It usually involves a quick, straight kick under the center of the rear bumper. Don’t wave your foot side to side.
* **Sensor Obstruction:** Check for any obstructions near the trunk sensor, such as dirt, snow, or ice.
* **System Disabled:** In some models, you can disable the hands-free trunk opening feature in the iDrive settings. Make sure it’s enabled.
* **Faulty Trunk Sensor:** If none of the above solutions work, the trunk sensor might be faulty.
## iDrive Settings and Customization
BMW’s iDrive system allows you to customize various aspects of the Comfort Access feature. Here’s a brief overview of some common settings:
* **Enable/Disable Comfort Access:** As mentioned earlier, you can enable or disable the entire Comfort Access system in the iDrive settings. This is useful if you want to temporarily disable the keyless entry and start functions.
* **Door Unlocking Behavior:** You can choose whether to unlock all doors or just the driver’s door when you approach the car. Some people prefer to unlock only the driver’s door for added security.
* **Automatic Locking:** You can configure the car to automatically lock when you walk away from it. You can also set a delay before the doors lock.
* **Acoustic/Visual Confirmation:** You can enable an audible beep or visual flash of the lights to confirm that the doors have locked or unlocked.
* **Key Fob Personalization:** You can link specific settings (seat position, mirror angles, etc.) to each key fob. This allows the car to automatically adjust these settings based on the key fob being used.
To access these settings, navigate to the “Vehicle Settings,” “Door/Key,” or a similar menu in your iDrive system. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to access and modify these settings for your particular model.
## Tips for Maintaining Your Comfort Access System
To ensure your Comfort Access system continues to function smoothly for years to come, follow these tips:
* **Replace the Key Fob Battery Regularly:** Don’t wait until the battery is completely dead. Replace it every year or two, or whenever you notice the system becoming less responsive.
* **Keep the Door Handle Sensors Clean:** Regularly clean the door handle sensors with a soft, damp cloth to remove dirt, grime, and other debris.
* **Protect the Key Fob:** Avoid exposing the key fob to extreme temperatures, moisture, or physical shock.
* **Store the Key Fob Safely:** When you’re not using the key fob, store it in a safe place away from electronic devices that could interfere with its signal.
* **Keep Your BMW’s Software Up to Date:** Regularly check for software updates for your BMW and install them as soon as they become available. These updates often include improvements to the Comfort Access system.
* **Read Your Owner’s Manual:** Your owner’s manual contains valuable information about your Comfort Access system, including troubleshooting tips and detailed instructions on how to use all of its features.
## When to Seek Professional Help
If you’ve tried all of the troubleshooting steps outlined above and you’re still experiencing problems with your Comfort Access system, it’s time to seek professional help. Contact your local BMW dealership or a qualified BMW mechanic. They have the expertise and diagnostic tools to identify and fix more complex issues.
Specifically, seek professional help if:
* The Comfort Access system is completely unresponsive.
* You suspect a problem with the car’s computer system.
* You’re unable to start the engine even when holding the key fob against the steering column.
* You notice any unusual noises or smells coming from the car.
## Comfort Access: A Valuable Feature
Comfort Access is a valuable feature that can significantly enhance your BMW ownership experience. By understanding how the system works and following the tips outlined in this guide, you can ensure that it continues to function smoothly and reliably for years to come. While occasional issues may arise, knowing how to troubleshoot common problems and when to seek professional help will help you keep your BMW running at its best. Remember to always prioritize safety and follow the instructions in your owner’s manual.