Why Does BMW Remote Start Not Working? Quick Solutions!
Starting your car without sitting in the driving seat is fascinating, isn’t it? But what if you are deprived of this feature? Unpleasant experience, right? Rather, it’s better to fix the issue, and you can do so with a lot of ease.
Why does the BMW remote start not working? Check engine light is on, low fuel level, incorrect Idrive setting, the parking brake is not engaged, and faulty Fob key battery is the common reasons behind this issue.
Once we can address the causes more precisely, the problem can be solved quickly. And that’s the purpose of this article, to provide you with the best solution.
Let’s get started!
Contents
Why Does the BMW Remote Start Not Working?
If you’re dealing with a BMW remote start feature that is not functioning, this really is not a big deal. The issue is solvable without much hard work. But for this, you have to have a decent idea about the root of the problem.
Cause 1: Low Fuel Level
Can you drive your BMW without fuel? In order to start your car remotely, with the help of the ConnectedDrive app and key Fob, you should ensure a certain fuel level in your car’s fuel tank.
And, in most cases, if the fuel level is pretty low, you won’t be able to start your car remotely.
Before attempting to remote start your BMW, make sure there is enough fuel in the gas tank; at least the gas tank is filled halfway.
This is a basic maintenance part, and a must task you should perform every time you tend to start driving your BMW.
Cause 2: Incorrect Idrive Setting
The Idrive of your BMW might go through several updates in most cases. That’s why you need to ensure that the remote start feature of your BMW is enabled after the updates.
You can’t start your car through a key Fob or BMW ConnectedDrive app if the feature is not set from the Idrive of your car.
The solution to this problem is basic. You should enable the remote start feature from the Idrive setting of your BMW. And you should do this every time your car’s Idrive system goes through major software updates.
Here, you must find this video helpful regarding activating BMW remote start properly from the Idrive setting.
Cause 3: Parking Brake Is Not Engaged
There are many valid reasons that the remote start of your BMW is not working if the parking brake is not engaged. If the parking brake is not engaged, your BMW is not in a safe condition where you should enable the remote start.
And that’s what the manufacturer considered when programming the remote start feature of your BMW.
We think you’ve already addressed the solution to this cause. What you should need to do is to check whether the parking brake is engaged in your car. If not, you should enable the parking brake and then try to start your BMW with the help of the remote start feature.
Read Also: Why BMW Won’t Start With Push Button? Causes & Quick Fixes
Cause 4: Faulty Fob Key
A good number of BMW owners use the Fob key when they need to remote start their cars. But unfortunately, the fob key may start to malfunction for several reasons. In this case, you won’t be able to remote start your BMW unless you fix the issues with the BMW Fob Key.
Now, you might be wondering what wrong can exactly happen with the Fob Key. Often, the battery of the Fob key might become defective. And if this happens, it will be impossible for you to start your BMW remotely with the help of the Fob key.
It won’t respond as expected whenever you press the ‘remote start’ button. Doesn’t matter how many times you do so.
There is no other alternative to ensure that the Fob key is properly functioning. Try to use the Fob key to access the other functions of your BMW. If nothing works, then there is a problem with the Fob key battery.
And do you know what this means? You should replace the battery as soon as possible to give the Fob key another life. Besides, you must reprogram the key Fob when replacing its battery.
Cause 5: Check Light Is On
You can’t access the remote start feature of your BMW if there are any check or warning lights on your car’s dashboard. This is another safety measure of BMW.
This means you are not on the safe side where you should remote start your car unless you address the check light issues.
Here, you need to identify the reasons behind the check lights or what the check lights exactly indicate. Once you can solve the issues with the BMW check lights, we hope you can remotely start your car again.
| Warning Lights | What They Indicate |
| Green | The system is properly working. |
| Yellow | Something goes wrong with your BMW, and you should address it ASAP. |
| Red | There are some severe issues with your BMW, and you must fix them to ensure safe driving. |
Which Year And Models Of BMW Support The Remote Engine Starting Feature?
There are some models of BMW where you can find the remote start feature as factory installed. However, even if your BMW doesn’t have the factory-installed remote start feature, you can buy the remote start kit and access the feature.
Below are some of the models and years of BMW in which you can find the factory-installed remote start program.
| Models | Years |
| BMW 3 Series (G20) | 2018-Present |
| BMW 4 Series (G22) | 2020-Present |
| BMW 5 Series (G30) | 2017-Present |
| BMW 6 Series (G32) | 2017-Present |
| BMW 7 Series (G11) | 2016-Present |
| BMW 8 Series (G15) | 2019-Present |
| BMW X3 (G01) | 2017-Present |
| BMW X4 (G02) | 2018-Present |
| BMW X5 (G05) | 2019-Present |
| BMW X6 (G06) | 2020-Present |
| BMW X7 (G07) | 2018-Present |
| BMW X8 (G08) | 2017-Present |
| BMW Z4 | 2009-2015 |
| BMW i3 | 2014-2021 |
| BMW i8 | 2014-202o |
Haven’t you found your vehicle on the table? No worries, you can still find out whether your vehicle is eligible for the remote start feature. For this, what you should do is visit the ConnectedDrive Store.
Additionally, there are multiple requirements that your BMW car should meet in order to get access to remote start.
These are;
- Your car must have an automatic transmission.
- 4 or 6-cylinder internal combustion engine.
- Latest model years (after 2019)
- Active ConnectedDrive account.
Read Also: Bmw Battery Won’t Charge? Here’s What You Need To Know
Is This a Serious Issue, and How Can I Start My Car in This Situation?
This is not a serious issue. You just can’t remote-start your car with the help of the ConnectedDrive app and key Fob. It is possible to start your BMW manually.
- Step 1: Insert the ignition key into the ignition.
- Step 2: Turn the ignition key clockwise to the first position.
- Step 3: Press the dashboard brake pedal and start button.
- Step 4: Release the brake pedal after the engine starts.
Frequently Asked Questions
The BMW remote start not working might not be one of the extreme issues BMW owners experience. But, this is a frequent issue on the other hand. And therefore, people have too many questions regarding the issue.
Can I Remote Start My BMW With A Dead Key Fob?
No, you can’t if you want to remote start your BMW with the help of the key Fob. Sometimes, the key Fob’s battery might become defective, or other issues can cause it to malfunction. You need to fix the issue first.
How Long Does A BMW Remote Key’s Battery Last?
Depending on the use of the key Fob, the battery can last approximately 3-5 years. Additionally, you need to make sure you replace the battery within this time range. If any issue occurs, do so immediately.
Is It Difficult To Fix The BMW Key Fob Not Recognized Problem?
It depends on how much you know about BMWs. You can address the issues that cause the remote start not to work. However, in case of fixing the issue, you should take help from the BMW genius.
Does My Vehicle Need To Be In Range To Use Remote Engine Start With My Key Fob?
Yes, this is mandatory. Wherever you are, your vehicle should need to be in the range of the key Fob. Additionally; you need to press the ‘remote start’ button 3 times repeatedly to activate the program.
Read Also: What Causes A Flashing BMW Brake Pad Warning Light? Fixed
Final Words
There is nothing to worry about if you notice the BMW remote start not working. As you have read through this article, you might know how to deal with this issue.
We recommend you start by checking the basic causes and not taking unnecessary steps while fixing the problems. Regarding addressing the issue of warning lights on your BMW dashboard, it is always better to check them with the help of a technician.
Additionally, don’t be careless about the issue at the same time. Who knows, the slightest of matters with your BMW might cause major problems.
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