Does My BMW Have Remote Start? Setup, Key Fob & App Guide

 
As you know, automotive technology has come leaps and bounds over the past decades, and one of the most popular advanced tech features among Bloomington drivers is remote start. So, do BMW vehicles have remote start capability? BMW Remote Start has been a popular feature in the lineup since 2019, and many Urbana drivers say they can’t live without it.

Not every BMW model comes equipped with remote start standard from the factory. If you’re questioning, “Does my BMW have remote start,” check the settings of your iDrive sub-menu or Premium Package to see if “Remote Engine Start” is listed. If you have iDrive system 7.0, iDrive 8, Operating System 9, or Live Cockpit installed, you will likely find it there. So, how do you use the BMW remote start features? Find out with the service team at BMW of Bloomington, and feel free to visit us in Bloomington for extra assistance!

How Does BMW Remote Start Work?

BMW Remote Start allows you to start your vehicle securely, even when you’re not in the driver’s seat. This allows you to warm up the vehicle early on chilly Decatur mornings or cool down your cabin on warm summer days using just your BMW key fob or the My BMW App on your smartphone.

• BMW Key Fob: Wondering how to remote start BMW with key fob? Grab your key fob and press the lock button three times within one second. The engine should turn on automatically. You can turn the engine off remotely using the exact same method.
• BMW Display Key: Find the “Preconditioning Setting” on your display and hit the fan symbol. Click “Activate Now” and “Engine Start” to get going.
• My BMW App: Replacing the legacy BMW Connected App, the modern My BMW App allows you to start the vehicle securely using a compatible smartphone, as well as set your cabin temperature ahead of time.

Keep in mind that your BMW Remote Start system will automatically turn off the engine if you don’t start driving within 15 minutes so your vehicle doesn’t waste fuel. So, time your Normal morning commutes accordingly! Now that you know how to remote start a BMW with a key fob, the BMW display key, and the smartphone app, let’s go over how to enable the settings in your dashboard.

How Do I Set Up BMW Remote Start?

As long as your vehicle has BMW Remote Start installed, you can quickly and easily set it up for your next journey. Just follow these dashboard instructions:

1. Click on your central touchscreen display, and navigate to “Car” and then “Settings.” (For newer iDrive 8/9 systems, navigate directly to the “Climate Control” app menu).
2. Scroll to the right and click on “Climate Comfort,” then navigate to “Preconditioning/Ventilation.”
3. Click on “Remote Engine Start,” then check the box for “Starting Engine for Climate Control.”
4. Press “OK,” and your vehicle is fully activated and ready to go for your next drive.

BMW Remote Start Frequently Asked Questions

Do all BMWs have remote start?
No, remote start is not standard on every model. While it is widely available on most vehicles produced from 2019 onward with an automatic transmission and a gas engine, it often requires selecting the Premium Package, Executive Package, or adding it as a standalone option. However, many compatible models can easily add the feature post-purchase via the online BMW ConnectedDrive Store.

Does BMW X3 have remote start?
Yes! If you are wondering does BMW X3 have remote start, it is available on late-model X3 configurations. You can activate it using your standard key fob or the My BMW App once enabled in your preconditioning climate settings. If your X3 did not come with it from the factory but has Live Cockpit functionality, you may be eligible to download it over-the-air.

How does the BMW X5 remote start work?
The gas-powered BMW X5 remote start works identically to the rest of the lineup. Simply press the lock button on your X5 key fob three times rapidly, or trigger the engine start via your smartphone app. Note: If you drive a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) configuration like the X5 xDrive45e or xDrive50e, the vehicle utilizes high-voltage battery preconditioning to comfortably heat or cool the cabin without initiating the gas engine.

Find Out More with BMW of Bloomington

We’ve covered the basics of “How do I know if my BMW has remote start,” but if you’ve still got questions, feel free to contact us at BMW of Bloomington. Our team can walk you through the features and even help you retrofit your model with BMW Remote Start. Visit our dealership in Bloomington or give us a call at (309) 271-1306.