Remote Start options

[MJX5]

What are you guys doing for remote start?
Aftermarket?
Does it use the BMW key fab? or its own separate key fab?
How about Android or iPhone apps..do either offer this?

I like in the midwest and the winters are brutal and the summers can get really hot too. This is a necessary option!

[Chem14]

The BMW remote app has a ventilation option where you can set time of day for your car to ventilate. (AC does not turn on however)

[MattBianco]

There are after market solutions. See posts #10 and #11 for one such example: http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=819542

[vj950]

Thanks for the info. That's very impressive. Do you know what type of plug and play system he is using? there isn't much info in the thread or on youtube link about the specifics

[MattBianco]

Originally Posted by vj950

Thanks for the info. That's very impressive. Do you know what type of plug and play system he is using? there isn't much info in the thread or on youtube link about the specifics

The company that makes it is idatalink.

However, I don't think it works on F series (yet). But, the YouTube demo, and their application on Audis and other cars suggests it is a matter of time before they find a solution to deal with software issues to make it work

[Stunnaz]

My X6 is going in for mods next week. For remote start I'll be using Viper SmartStart, and the bypass I'll be using is Fortin EVO-One. F15/F16 have not been tested with the Fortin bypass so I'll let you guys know if it works or not. However, DEI Xpresskit lists their BMW bypass as compatible with the F15, and DEI Xpresskit is just a rebadged older Fortin bypass from my understanding.

Will also do audio upgrade, laser jammer, interior lighting, and a number of other stuff. I'll start a thread once it's all finished.

[MJX5]

My dealer is saying they wont install a remote start or recommend a remote start because of issues these are causing with the computer or rest of the car. Anyone have a success story on a 2015 F15 x5 35i?

[shodanusmc]

My dealer will NOT install one and recommends against it

[MJX5]

So I spoke to a local Viper dealer. I told him I went to the Viper website and saw that Viper had the X5 xDrive 35i as compatible. He said that the website shows that pretty much ALL cars are compatible but in reality they are not. he said its up to the local dealer to look up the tech specs. He said that there is not a solution right now for a 2015 X5 from Viper. So if you can get it working, that would be great new for remote start!

[Stunnaz]

What needs to work with our F15/F16 is the bypass module. The working bypass module will allow you to control all the BMW functions... alarms/remote start/locks/climate and other functions.

Once we find a working bypass, you can then add any (well, most brands) remote start/alarm you want through the bypass. Your BMW remote will work with your new alarm and vice versa (press BMW remote 3 times to start engine, for example.) So the bypass I will try is Fortin EVO-One. It works with over 400 models of cars, including the previous gen X6. If it works then we're good to go. If it doesn't then we have to wait until Fortin comes out with a software update that supports the F15/F16 or try another bypass.

Here is an example of an older Fortin bypass working on an older X6 with custom alarm. In this video the driver programmed the remote to adjust the steering wheel position.

Another example of a working bypass is this. This one is not a Fortin, it's an idatalink bypass. Here it shows a remote-start using the bypass.

Here is another older X5 with Compustar remote-start system. The video uploader did not state which bypass he uses, but it's likely Fortin/idatalink or similar. Again, you don't have to use Compustar, you can use Viper or other brands of remote-start. The key is the bypass.

As far as installers saying it will mess up the car or whatever, it will not. It either works or don't work. If they will not do it it's because they don't know how.

[Stunnaz]

Well, someone beat me to it. A guy in Japan has Viper remote start installed on his F15. I don't know what bypass he used though.

[Stunnaz]

Does anybody speak Japanese here? So the shop that did this install has this website:
http://www.mytokachi.jp/build_up/

On the right side of their page it has their phone number: 090-9525-0550 , to call Japan from USA you have to dial (01181) before the number.

They're open from 9:30-18:00 Japan time.

The information we need is what brand of bypass did they use, and which firmware. My guess is they used Xpresskit from DEI, installed the 3903 alarm and added remote-start to it. I'm not certain though.

[stewy604]

It still amazes me that BMW does not install these from factory. From what I hear, its due to the anti-idling laws that exist in Germany? Any truth to that?

[Stunnaz]

Hey guys, so I called them and we weren't able to communicate due to language barrier. However, we ended up e-mailing and using Google translate. Long story short, they told me the bypass and firmware we need! Awesome people helping us out from across the globe.

DBALL2 with BMW05 firmware is what he used on the X15. I will try this on my X16 probably next week.

But here it is... a moment of triumph. Remote-start is now available!

Here is the installation guide.

https://directechs.blob.core.windows...ap20150213.pdf

[mattsnow]

My CA told me that sometime this summer, BMW NA was going to release software and perhaps a new key FOB to provide remote start.

[MysticBlue]

Originally Posted by mattsnow

My CA told me that sometime this summer, BMW NA was going to release software and perhaps a new key FOB to provide remote start.

In boot camp, it was a running gag to start a sentence with "but my recruiter told me..."
I feel the same way whenever someone starts with, "My CA told me..."
However, in this case, I hope your CA is right. I keep hearing this rumour, but I'll believe it when I see it.

[MJX5]

Let me know if anyone gets a bypass working for the F15 here in the US

[Stunnaz]

Remote start installed on my F16 X6. Comfort access works, factory key works, aftermarket key with 1-mile range (Viper) works, mobile phone app (Viper Remote Start) works, system is fully integrated with a working bypass. Car is still in the shop getting other upgrades but I'll do a detailed thread after I get my car back.

Showtime Audio Chicago is doing the install. Pretty amazing stuff.

[turboawd]

Originally Posted by stewy604

It still amazes me that BMW does not install these from factory. From what I hear, its due to the anti-idling laws that exist in Germany? Any truth to that?

possibly, and maybe because extended idling is not good for an engine.

[ABE2(aw/sw)]

Originally Posted by Stunnaz

Remote start installed on my F16 X6. Comfort access works, factory key works, aftermarket key with 1-mile range (Viper) works, mobile phone app (Viper Remote Start) works, system is fully integrated with a working bypass. Car is still in the shop getting other upgrades but I'll do a detailed thread after I get my car back.

Showtime Audio Chicago is doing the install. Pretty amazing stuff.

Thanks for this info. I am currently living in Oak Lawn, so I'm going to check that out before next winter. Winter is coming....

[Blackhawks]

Originally Posted by ABE2(aw/sw)

Thanks for this info. I am currently living in Oak Lawn, so I'm going to check that out before next winter. Winter is coming....

+1 for Showtime Audio. Fantastic crew and Jerry, the owner, will be involved every step of the way. Fantastic place.

[v_x35d]

@Stunnaz how is your new remote start? looking for suggestion on X5 setup.