BMW Remote Start is Flakey

[E90convert]

Hi all,

I bought a 2017 X5 last year and have really enjoyed it as our primary family car. I noticed in the glovebox it had a BMW remote start user guide. I followed the instructions and could never get it to work. The hazard lights would just flash 3 times and nothing would happen. I thought maybe it is just an option that was not installed. Today I figured I would just try it again because it was a bit frosty, and poof the car started! Later on in the day it started again remotely as well! Now I tried it in the evening and no success. I made sure I followed all the steps and conditions.

I did some searching and hear that it is kind of buggy. Has anyone figured out a fix or determined why it is intermittently working?

[E90convert]

I figured it out! The key fob sequence is very specific.

Within 5 seconds, you must slow-click the lock button three times. On the third button click, and hold it until the hazard lights flash. Release the button after the first flash of the three flashes. Now I can consistently remote start! I was holding it during all three flashes—a pretty particular system.

[unluky]

Is this the OEM option that I think they discontinued? Or an aftermarket?

[E90convert]

Originally Posted by unluky

Is this the OEM option that I think they discontinued? Or an aftermarket?

Yes, I believe it is a dealer installed BMW Genuine system.