The new 7 series display key fob [video]

[Burstofspeed]

I would much rather Have smartphone compatibility. I don't need to carry any more around and wish they could make the existing key smaller/slimmer

[The Automotive Enthusiast]

Used the key on Thursday. It is big, but it isn't huge. I liked the way the key felt.

[Needbmwpartzz]

How much to replace a damaged or broken key?

[S65V8]

it was cool and interesting up to the point you realize at the end how bulky and big it is! arent these cats partners with apple? wtf.

[yerffejleahcim]

another device to charge.

[-c-]

My friend had bought the new generation Mazda Miata and the key is like a credit card and fits in your wallet. Forget your wallet and license car won't start ! I thought it was great all you had in your pocket was a wallet. Like others have said the phone app is better and smoother



In today's world a laggy touch device is not a good device

[E90M3JETS]

Originally Posted by AVIMAX

That key is as big as my phone! What are you supposed to do with that thing when you're out of the car, it's too big for my pants pocket unless I want a huge bulge in the side of my pants. No problem in the winter when i have a jacket on, but a pain in the summer. Cool gadget, but I hope it's an option and a smaller key is standard. It would be cool if my fingerprint could unlock and start the car, then I wouldn't have to carry anything with me!

I agree. Cool, but what a hassle. I would have preferred having these functions on my phone rather than carry a thing of the size of a ping pong ball in my pocket all the time.

[Tim603]

Whelp the days of not having to manually charge your your key fob are gone...welcome to the future :

[Diver]

Being able to cool your car down remotely will be popular in hot and sunny Texas. What would be nice is if cars had solar powered fans to exhaust the super hot air that builds up when parked outdoors.

[tiefergelegt]

I hope this will come down to other models. It's about time to replace that bit plastic of a key what we have now

[atg4]

Originally Posted by -c-

My friend had bought the new generation Mazda Miata and the key is like a credit card and fits in your wallet. Forget your wallet and license car won't start ! I thought it was great all you had in your pocket was a wallet. Like others have said the phone app is better and smoother



In today's world a laggy touch device is not a good device

Mercedes did this 20 years ago.

[Staszek]

I agree with most people here. Its pretty cool, but honestly a waste. I would rather have my phone do all this stuff and a very minimal key for the car. I like the idea of the credit card thin one.

I mean my wife's Cadillac can start the car, tell her all the info she wants from her smart phone app so why cant BMW just do that.

[-c-]

Originally Posted by alexandertg21

Mercedes did this 20 years ago.

That's cool. Not a Mercedes fan so wouldn't have known. .

[Shroom]

This key is enough to demonstrate that BMW has lost it's way. Needless crud on that FOB.

[jphughan]

The remote lock/unlock and pre-ventilation (on F Series cars) are available through the BMW Remote app if you have a BMW Assist subscription, which is free for 4 years. That option works from a lot farther than 980 ft away and doesn't add bulk to your pocket. For the rest, windows can be operated from the regular fob, and do you really need to see your car's estimated range and maintenance reminders from outside the car, especially if even that only works within 980 ft of the car? I think this thing's killer feature is parking the car from outside it for those afflicted with narrow parking spaces, but even that seems like an edge case.

[marcvtec]

BMW, purpose this as an option only,
As an app would be much better IMO.
And it better start the car if you want, otherwise you guys are way behind.

[jphughan]

Originally Posted by marcvtec

BMW, purpose this as an option only,
As an app would be much better IMO.
And it better start the car if you want, otherwise you guys are way behind.

This. App would have made so much more sense, and they even could have enforced the proximity requirement if that was deemed a security/privacy feature rather than just a hardware limitation, similar to how BMW Assist won't show you your car's location if it's more than 2km away or moving. But now you know they WON'T offer this as an app at least for a while in the hopes that people will option the key and help them recover their R&D.

[luvthestck]

This key and the new 7 series deserve each other.BMW at its lowest.

[3s-a-charm]

When I first saw this key I thought it was the best idea ever - now it would make more sense with an internet connected phone.

Tesla has remote car functionality done right (for the most part). Check out this video:

BMW started out right with Connected Drive but hasn't implemented it as well as they could have.

For the record I am a long time BMW fan/owner and am desperately wishing BMW made a car like a Tesla but with a BMW 6-Series gran coupe body and interior.

[3s-a-charm]

Originally Posted by -c-

My friend had bought the new generation Mazda Miata and the key is like a credit card and fits in your wallet. Forget your wallet and license car won't start ! I thought it was great all you had in your pocket was a wallet. Like others have said the phone app is better and smoother



In today's world a laggy touch device is not a good device

How about one step further and have an option for an NFC or app-based key so you don't need to carry your wallet or your key?

[ORIGIN M.]

Very Nice Details...

Personally I'd rather buy an App for my smart phone...

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

All new BMWs will be able to specify starting with the new 5er.

[SCOTT26]

There is no "bulk" with this key as it is practically flat, it is not as big as some are making out to be either. It fits in your hand fine. There is more to the key in regards to functionality.