How to Start a BMW (With Comfort Access)

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: August 10, 2021

For years it has been taken for granted that starting a car requires turning the key. Some automakers, such as BMW, are challenging that notion. BMW has developed a system known as comfort access that allows you to lock, unlock, and start your car without touching your key. Once you realize how easy it is, you’ll never want to go back to manually turning a key again.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Starting Your BMW with Comfort Access

1
Sit comfortably in your driver’s seat. As mentioned above, you will need the Comfort Access Remote to be inside the cabin to start your BMW.
2
Put your foot on the brake. The brake must be depressed before starting your BMW.

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3
Depress the clutch. This is only necessary for manual shift models, as automatic shift models do not have a clutch.
4
Push the Start/Stop button. This will start your engine.^{[1]
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Research source} Be aware that you should not hold the Start/Stop button in as it will erase the key codes. If this happens you will have to go to the dealer to have them reset.
5
Release the parking brake. If you have the park brake set, you will need to release it before you can pull out.
6
Put the car into gear. Shift into either drive or reverse (automatic) and either 1st or reverse if it's a manual, whichever is appropriate for pulling out of your parking place.
7
Drive off into the sunset. You have now started your BMW and it’s time to hit the open road.

Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Turning Off Your BMW with Comfort Access

1
Pull into a parking space. Find yourself an appropriate place to park your car and take it. Be sure to pay any meters or costs associated with the parking space to avoid your BMW boasting a parking ticket upon your return.
2
Set your parking brake. This is especially important if you are driving a standard or have parked on a hill.
3
Shift into park. If you are driving a manual shift, you will shift into neutral.
4
Push the Start/Stop button. This will turn off your engine.^{[2]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Locking and Leaving Your BMW with Comfort Access

1
Carry the Comfort Access Remote. It doesn’t matter if it is in a pocket, briefcase, or purse as long as you have the remote on your person. The Comfort Access Remote is also sometimes referred to as the Key Fob, and is the key for your vehicle.
2
Get everyone out of your BMW. Make sure that you remove yourself and all passengers, including pets, from the BMW before locking it. If anyone is left inside when the BMW is locked, they will trip the motion sensor and cause the alarm to go off.
3
Touch the ridges at the top of the driver’s side door handle. As long as you have your Comfort Access Key, this will serve the same function as hitting the lock button. You will know the car has locked when you hear it beep.^{[3]
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- If you hold your finger in place on the top of the door handle, the BMW will also automatically roll up all windows and close the moon/sun roof.^{[5]
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4
Go have a good time. Whether you are going to the park or to work, life is too short to stress. Go enjoy yourself and know that your BMW will be waiting when you get back.

Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Unlocking Your BMW with Comfort Access

1
Approach your BMW. Make sure that you are carrying your Comfort Access Remote on you. Your BMW will acknowledge the signal from the Comfort Access Remote from about five feet away. This will allow you to unlock the car door.^{[6]
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2
Grasp the handle and open the door. The sensor on the inside of the door handle will respond by unlocking the doors when you grasp the handle. When you hear two successive beeps, you will know that your door has been unlocked. Just pull the handle to open the door.^{[7]
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3
Get into your BMW. Make sure that you bring the Comfort Access Remote with you. Your BMW will recognize when the remote is in the cab and enable the Start/Stop engine button.^{[9]
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Community Q&A

Question

How do I restart the car?

Community Answer

You can restart BMWs like any other car. Switch off the ignition and then switch it back on.
Question

What should I do if my remote isn't starting my vehicle?

Community Answer

Try putting the key into the car and turning the key. It usually works if remote start doesn't work. This may sound stupid, but it's basically the only option left other than to get it professionally repaired.
Question

How do I shift from P to D?

Acyclist

Top Answerer

If you have a BMW with "electronic gearshift control," put your foot on the brake, push the "unlock" button on the side of the gear lever, and pull the gear lever towards you until you pass resistance to engage "D." To engage "P" just push the "P" button on top of the gear lever. If your BMW doesn't have the "electronic gearshift control," it's exactly the same way as a conventional automatic.

Warnings

Do not hold in the start/stop button, as this will erase key codes, and you will have to have the dealership reset them.

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Do not lock the BMW with passengers or yourself locked inside it. They or you will set off the motion sensors, causing the alarm system to go off.

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