Bimmertech BMW Remote Start Retrofit

Easy control with the BMW key fob

All you need to do to turn the engine on is stand near your BMW – within the range of your key fob (so at maximum of 230 ft / 70 m) – and press the lock button on your BMW key fob three times within 4 seconds. Your car will remain locked but the engine will start immediately and activate the last settings of your climate control. To turn it off, press the trunk button on your key fob three times. If you don’t turn it off manually, the engine will shut down automatically after 20 minutes – but that is only in the case you don’t set it up for a different period of time.

Heating during winter

BMW remote start brings comfort wherever you live all year long. Yet, you will especially appreciate it in cooler seasons when the temperature inside your car plummets to minus digits and you’re being welcomed in the morning by freezing seats and frost all over your engine and windows.

With BMW remote engine start you can heat your car up to whatever temperature you set before on your climate control and get rid of that frosty discomfort. Not to mention, prepare for take off much quicker when time matters the most.

Cooling during summer

Similarly in summers. When vacation season hits hard with tanning weather, you no longer have to waste your time on ventilating the vehicle, only to start your journey without gasping for breath. Using BMW remote start retrofit you’ll set up optimal temperature before getting in and enjoy the first minutes of your ride.

Fully adjusted to your needs

In fact, you can use this BMW retrofit flexibly according to your preferences by pressing different button combinations on your BMW key fob.

Depending on the temperature and season of the year you can set the BMW remote start to run for 10, 20, 30 or even 40 minutes. Here’s how to:

• run engine for 10 minutes - Open the driver-side door and driver-side window. Then press unlock, lock, unlock. Lights will flash twice.
• run engine for 20 minutes - Open the passenger-side door and driver-side window. Then press unlock, lock, unlock. Lights will flash 3 times.
• run engine for 30 minutes - Open the driver-side door, driver-side window and passenger-side door. Then press unlock, lock, unlock. Lights will flash 4 times.
• run engine for 40 minutes - Open the driver-side door, passenger-side door and passenger-side window. Then press unlock, lock, unlock. Lights will flash 5 times.

Additional functions

Along with installing the BMW remote start module, additional key fob functions will be unlocked, which you can set up using different button configurations. They won’t be linked to starting the engine itself, but will engage when locking or unlocking your car. The list includes:

• closing windows & sunroof on vehicle lock – this function will come of use when leaving your car along with the windows open just to ventilate the interiors and want to close them after a while on vehicle lock.
• automatic folding & unfolding of electric mirrors - if you have an automatic mirror folding function already in your BMW, you can set your car to fold your electric mirrors on vehicle lock and unfold them on unlock to quickly prepare for a ride.
• welcome seat - in a BMW with electric seats you can set your driver’s seat to move forward when engaging remote start, and make it move backward when turning the engine off.
• reset factory settings- if you feel like you’ve messed up the above key fob settings and want to go back to your original BMW setup, this button combination will reset all you’ve previously set with your fob.

You will receive the list of options and their key fob button combinations along with product installation instructions after the purchase.

1. Spare BMW key fob is a must

   Unlike the OEM BMW remote start, BimmerTech’s remote start retrofit doesn’t require activating the feature in the BMW iDrive. However, it will demand having a spare key fob installed in your BMW at all times – it’ll be permanently attached to the module under the front passenger's footwell panel. This ensures that your on-board computer will recognize the presence of a BMW key fob and will allow engine activation.

   If you don’t have a spare BMW key fob to sacrifice for the installation purposes, please add the BMW key fob to your order. Additional information for your notice:

   1. Due to safety precautions, we don’t fulfill key fob orders without evidence of car ownership. Thus after completing and paying for your order, we’ll need you to send us a copy of your vehicle registration and driver's license. See our document guidelines to check what documents can be accepted.
   2. As standard, our keys do NOT include the internal key blade. It also won’t be necessary for the remote start install. However, if for some reason you want your key fob to come with the key blade you're gonna have to select the internal key blade add-on when placing your order.
   3. All key fobs are made-to-order by BMW based on your unique VIN. Due to BMW policies, all key fob orders are strictly non-refundable and cannot be canceled or returned.
   
   
   

Reliable and safe

With remote start comes responsibility, so we made sure our solution is 100% safe to use by introducing the following precautions:

1. No one will be able to start your engine with ONLY the key fob inside your car, as it doesn’t contain a battery. Having the second key is vital for activation.
2. Opening the door after starting your car remotely will make the engine shut off. To engage it once again you’ll have to push the start stop button on the dashboard.
3. The engine will shut off when using the keyless entry function.
4. To engage and disengage BMW remote start you need to have your transmission placed in Park.
5. It’s not possible to turn off your car’s engine while driving using remote start.

Compatible with your 2012+ BMW

The retrofit is compatible with BMW i8 with automatic transmission. Want to know more about the factory BMW remote start? Read this article.

NOTE: In some countries and US states the BMW remote engine start may be illegal. Make sure your local laws allow its usage before you proceed to purchase. Engine must only be started remotely when the vehicle is outside and it is safe to do so. BimmerTech takes no responsibility for any issues caused by the use of Remote Start.

The installation of the BMW remote start retrofit kit takes up to 4 hours and doesn’t involve coding. Also, no permanent modifications are needed, so the kit is completely lease-friendly. 

It requires disassembly of the front passenger's footwell areas to get to the BDC1 module, that’s why it’s best to take your time, be gentle, careful and diligent in keeping track of which screw and clip came from where in order to reinstall the parts correctly. If needed the process is 100% reversible.

Installation:

The kit contains:

• remote start module
• plastic connectors
• wiring

Useful tools:

• DIY essentials
• BimmerTech trim tool 

The installation instructions appear in the personal account within 72 hours after the purchased product is shipped. They are created and customized for each specific model. But in case of any additional questions, our technical support is always ready to help.