Remote Starter installed on F85

[KLR X5M]

Hey Folks,

I recently had a Viper Smart Start system installed on my F85. There are not commercially available immobilizer bypass modules, so it was a custom and somewhat costly endeavor, but work very well and integrates seamlessly with comfort access and remote take over. I took a video showing the system in action. This does require the use of a spare OEM key which gets installed in the vehicle in a secure relay box ( ie only the remote starter can use it to start the car. I purchased a new spare key from dealer so that adds to cost, but it does not need to be programmed for comfort access. Overall very happy with system and works very quickly, and can be started from anywhere in north america over 4G, along with tracked via GPS. LMK if you have any questions.

[Blue By You]

Originally Posted by KLR X5M

Hey Folks,

I recently had a Viper Smart Start system installed on my F85. There are not commercially available immobilizer bypass modules, so it was a custom and somewhat costly endeavor, but work very well and integrates seamlessly with comfort access and remote take over. I took a video showing the system in action. This does require the use of a spare OEM key which gets installed in the vehicle in a secure relay box ( ie only the remote starter can use it to start the car. I purchased a new spare key from dealer so that adds to cost, but it does not need to be programmed for comfort access. Overall very happy with system and works very quickly, and can be started from anywhere in north america over 4G, along with tracked via GPS. LMK if you have any questions.

I like that it keeps the car running when you unlock it, which the EuroStart does not. I am about to get the EuroStart installed, but maybe I'll check out this one.

Does it plug and play with OEM wiring/no cutting or splicing?

[NYBulldog]

THat is fantastic.

[KLR X5M]

Originally Posted by Northeastern X5M

I like that it keeps the car running when you unlock it, which the EuroStart does not. I am about to get the EuroStart installed, but maybe I'll check out this one.

Does it plug and play with OEM wiring/no cutting or splicing?

Unfortunately there is no plug and play options for this type of functionality. As I stated there are no bypass modules, ( for all f series BMWs actually) and thus not a huge market to develop pnp type solutions. I looked at Eurostart, but without the comfort access integration, and seamless take over was a deal breaker for me. I used to do car audio installation in my youth and have done hundreds of remote start installs, so very familiar with the technology available and options. This was the only one I felt worth doing.

Unfortunately its a fully custom install, and the shop wouldn't even tell me what components were used save for the dsm550 smart start module. They are very protective about their solution as they are the only ones that can make this magic work.

Keep in mind you need to sacrifice an OEM key. I chose to buy a new one from dealer at wholesale pricing. You only need the key coded to your VIN, but do not need it programmed by dealer for comfort access. It gets installed in the car in a secured box, with a relay antenna, but rest assured it cannot be started manually, only by the system.

Costs were as follows in Cdn:

Base install: $1000 for base remote start install and 1 way remote fob
Smart Start Add on: $350 with lifetime service plan
Spare OEM key: $350 wholesale price from dealer

[unluky]

Originally Posted by KLR X5M

Unfortunately there is no plug and play options for this type of functionality. As I stated there are no bypass modules, ( for all f series BMWs actually) and thus not a huge market to develop pnp type solutions. I looked at Eurostart, but without the comfort access integration, and seamless take over was a deal breaker for me. I used to do car audio installation in my youth and have done hundreds of remote start installs, so very familiar with the technology available and options. This was the only one I felt worth doing.

Unfortunately its a fully custom install, and the shop wouldn't even tell me what components were used save for the dsm550 smart start module. They are very protective about their solution as they are the only ones that can make this magic work.

Keep in mind you need to sacrifice an OEM key. I chose to buy a new one from dealer at wholesale pricing. You only need the key coded to your VIN, but do not need it programmed by dealer for comfort access. It gets installed in the car in a secured box, with a relay antenna, but rest assured it cannot be started manually, only by the system.

Costs were as follows in Cdn:

Base install: $1000 for base remote start install and 1 way remote fob
Smart Start Add on: $350 with lifetime service plan
Spare OEM key: $350 wholesale price from dealer

I was looking at the Eurostart - what do you mean when you say "but without the comfort access integration"??? On their site it says that "The vehicles keyless entry and comfort access system remains functional while the vehicle is remote started".

I'd be mad to learn that this does not mean what I think it means after I get it! Any insight you have would be greatly appreciated. I'm ok with the engine kill upon entry - not ideal, but I can live with that. I lived with nothing this long! =)

Thanks!

[KLR X5M]

Originally Posted by unluky

I was looking at the Eurostart - what do you mean when you say "but without the comfort access integration"??? On their site it says that "The vehicles keyless entry and comfort access system remains functional while the vehicle is remote started".

I'd be mad to learn that this does not mean what I think it means after I get it! Any insight you have would be greatly appreciated. I'm ok with the engine kill upon entry - not ideal, but I can live with that. I lived with nothing this long! =)

Thanks!

Maybe that's the case now, but I recall when I originally looked at them there was no mention of CA working, and no seamless takeover. Best to direct your questions to them though, as I can speak for their features and functions.

[unluky]

Originally Posted by KLR X5M

Maybe that's the case now, but I recall when I originally looked at them there was no mention of CA working, and no seamless takeover. Best to direct your questions to them though, as I can speak for their features and functions.

OK great - I did see that the engine stops when a door is opened or unlocked - but it says CA is still active - your comment made me think you knew something I did not - which is not hard for me to imagine! =)

Thanks for the clarification.

[Blue By You]

Originally Posted by KLR X5M

Unfortunately there is no plug and play options for this type of functionality. As I stated there are no bypass modules, ( for all f series BMWs actually) and thus not a huge market to develop pnp type solutions. I looked at Eurostart, but without the comfort access integration, and seamless take over was a deal breaker for me. I used to do car audio installation in my youth and have done hundreds of remote start installs, so very familiar with the technology available and options. This was the only one I felt worth doing.

Unfortunately its a fully custom install, and the shop wouldn't even tell me what components were used save for the dsm550 smart start module. They are very protective about their solution as they are the only ones that can make this magic work.

Keep in mind you need to sacrifice an OEM key. I chose to buy a new one from dealer at wholesale pricing. You only need the key coded to your VIN, but do not need it programmed by dealer for comfort access. It gets installed in the car in a secured box, with a relay antenna, but rest assured it cannot be started manually, only by the system.

Costs were as follows in Cdn:

Base install: $1000 for base remote start install and 1 way remote fob
Smart Start Add on: $350 with lifetime service plan
Spare OEM key: $350 wholesale price from dealer

I spoke with the premier local dealer. Vehicle needs to shut off upon opening any of the doors or trunk. They said that codes can get thrown. Plus it's not plug and play, which is a deal-breaker for me.

I love your setup. But I'll suck up the engine shutting off and requiring restart in favor of the plug-and-play plus factory remote.

Good luck with everything, looks awesome!

[Blue By You]

Originally Posted by unluky

OK great - I did see that the engine stops when a door is opened or unlocked - but it says CA is still active - your comment made me think you knew something I did not - which is not hard for me to imagine! =)

Thanks for the clarification.

From what I have been told, and I'm scheduled to get my EuroStart installed this week, you can actually set some of the climate and maybe even the seats with the steering wheel buttons.

The only drawback is the required restart upon entering. But I was just told by the premier Viper dealer in our area that they do it with their Smart Start systems too. Because, according to them, there is no such thing as a perfectly seamless takeover/clean transfer without recycling the key.

Maybe that other place on Canada figured it out. But I'm going with the EuroStart because if all things are created equal with my dealers, it's much better to have a dealer/warranty-friendly/reversable system using the factory remote in my opinion.

[gan23]

Keep us posted please. I’ve been thinking about adding a remote start and was struggling with the lack of options or explanations on the available options

[12thmanproud]

Do you have battery issues? Had a Viper not your model in my Infiniti and it killed the battery every 4 days if it wasn't driven. Had the system checked 3 times and was told it's normal.

[KLR X5M]

Originally Posted by 12thmanproud

Do you have battery issues? Had a Viper not your model in my Infiniti and it killed the battery every 4 days if it wasn't driven. Had the system checked 3 times and was told it's normal.

Not yet, but now that I have remote start, I do start and run the car for 15 mins every day just so it doesn't sit too long.

[JRock80]

Originally Posted by KLR X5M

Not yet, but now that I have remote start, I do start and run the car for 15 mins every day just so it doesn't sit too long.

How is the system working out this far??

[Blue By You]

Originally Posted by 12thmanproud

Do you have battery issues? Had a Viper not your model in my Infiniti and it killed the battery every 4 days if it wasn't driven. Had the system checked 3 times and was told it's normal.

My M has sat for 4+ days and no significant battery drain enough that the vehicle wouldn't restart. Probably sat much longer at my body shop, but I cannot verify that. (Eurostart with Drone Mobile)

If the battery gets low enough, just remote start it if it's not inside of a garage and charge the battery. (Can be started from anywhere you have mobile service)

[vatechguy3]

Is there an OEM option?

[KLR X5M]

Originally Posted by vatechguy3

Is there an OEM option?

No, hence this post.

[vatechguy3]

Originally Posted by Blue By You

My M has sat for 4+ days and no significant battery drain enough that the vehicle wouldn't restart. Probably sat much longer at my body shop, but I cannot verify that. (Eurostart with Drone Mobile)

If the battery gets low enough, just remote start it if it's not inside of a garage and charge the battery. (Can be started from anywhere you have mobile service)

How do you like the Eurostars?
Did you get the a/c controls to work?
Was it totally plug and play?

[Blue By You]

Originally Posted by vatechguy3

How do you like the Eurostars?
Did you get the a/c controls to work?
Was it totally plug and play?

It's a great system. Completely plug and play.

I should probably use it more considering the amount of money I spent. But I barely use it since I just start, run for about a minute while I get situated, and go.

Have not tried to figure out the AC or anything like that. But I'll be finding some time to code my rig soon and I'll add that to the list, thank you for the reminder!

[Blue By You]

Originally Posted by vatechguy3

How do you like the Eurostars?
Did you get the a/c controls to work?
Was it totally plug and play?

I just got a refresher on the system. You can set the heated seats to be activated at a certain outdoor temperature. The system will also use the latest climate controls that were active when the vehicle was shut off. (In addition to the OEM ventilation settings you can use instead if you like)

[KLR X5M]

Really? That's awesome. Mine doesn't do anything like that. How do you set it? Is there an app?

[Blue By You]

Originally Posted by KLR X5M

Really? That's awesome. Mine doesn't do anything like that. How do you set it? Is there an app?

There is no app for the EuroStart system itself. You start it using the factory key fob. Or Drone Mobile is the app you can use to start and monitor it. Either one works. Drone Mobile can monitor the vehicle for running/stopped, locked/unlocked, battery power, location, etc.

The run time and climate options are set using the steering wheel. Mine was set by the installer and I just sent an email today asking about the procedure for changing the settings because for the life me I cannot find them online.

Basic but pretty cool stuff. I didn't use mine that much if at all this winter. Maybe I'll use it more over the summer.

[KLR X5M]

Ya, i have the viper smart start app, but can't set any climate options. Just lock, start and tracking. I may have to look at coding some climate stuff.