BMW Remote Start: A User’s Guide

The Ultimate Driving Machine® offers potent engines, luscious interior appointments, and seamless connectivity features like BMW Remote Start. This technology is now available on a wide range of new and pre-owned vehicles, and with climate preconditioning, it’s guaranteed to help you travel in greater comfort.  Your BMW Remote Start feature is controllable via the BMW Vehicle Key, the BMW Display Key, and the BMW Connected App. Find out how to set up the feature and learn how it works in practice by reading on.

How Does BMW Remote Start Work?

Once you’ve activated the remote start feature in your BMW, you’ll be able to start your vehicle remotely using your BMW key fob or the BMW Connected app on your smartphone. Watch the video to learn how it’s done, or work through our step-by-step instructions below:

Activating Your Remote Start Technology

1. Using your in-vehicle touchscreen display, navigate to “Car” and then “Settings”.
2. Scroll to the right and click on “Climate Comfort”. Then click on “Preconditioning/Ventilation”.
3. Click on “Remote Engine Start,” then “Starting Engine for Climate Control”.
4. Press “OK”. You’re ready to take advantage of the feature.

How to Start Your BMW Remotely

• With the BMW Vehicle Key: If you have a key fob without a light-up display, simply press the lock button three times within one second to turn your engine on. You can turn the engine off in exactly the same way.
• With the BMW Display Key: If your key does have a touch display, navigate “Preconditioning Setting” and tap the fan symbol. Then click “Activate Now” and “Engine Start”.
• With the BMW Connected App: With a compatible smartphone, you can activate BMW Remote Start, set your preferred temperature, and start your engine all in one place–even if you’re not close to the vehicle.

How does BMW remote start work if you don’t start moving right away? Keep in mind that your engine will turn off automatically if the vehicle is not used within fifteen minutes of start-up.

Which Vehicles Offer BMW Remote Start?

BMW Remote Start is offered across the vast majority of the BMW lineup. Look for BMW ConnectedDrive® services in any of our new models to enjoy the latest iteration of this well-loved feature. If you don’t see the feature as standard, you’re likely to see it included with the Convenience Package. Can you get a pre-owned BMW 328i with remote start? If you’re searching for an older or discontinued model with the feature, simply click on any model in our pre-owned inventory to find out exactly what it’s offering. You can also take advantage of our vehicle finder service and we’ll help you locate the perfect model near St Paul.

Learn More About BMW Technologies with Our Team

Ready to find out what else your BMW can do? Explore some of the other features that make BMW the luxury brand of choice for Minneapolis and Richfield drivers, or contact us today with any questions on your mind.