[EB_328]

When I first bought my 2014 328i, I purchased shadow projector lights that would change out the OEM halogen puddle lights. They sit on the bottom portion of the door panel. I had put them in on only my 2 front doors, since they're used the most often. My instrument cluster kept popping up that the key is not detected and that the car will not start. Or it may even tell me to put my key up against the steering column. I thought that maybe it was just the fact that I didn't have all 4 lights in, so I ordered a full set of 4. I installed them, and it's still giving me the error. When I go back to the OEM puddle lights, I never get this error.
Anyone have any idea on why this happens? Or how to fix it apart from putting the OEM lights back in?
Any help is always appreciated, thank you in advance.

[Billfitz]

This has been reported many times. Some replacement puddle lamps interfere with the transmitters. Mine don't, possibly because they have a metal body that prevents them from transmitting radio frequency interference. That's odd, since the OEM are plastic, but they may have internal circuitry that accomplishes the same thing.

[EB_328]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

This has been reported many times. Some replacement puddle lamps interfere with the transmitters. Mine don't, possibly because they have a metal body that prevents them from transmitting radio frequency interference. That's odd, since the OEM are plastic, but they may have internal circuitry that accomplishes the same thing.

Thanks for the reply. But I purposely bought these Ganking lights as they had a lot of reviews and a lot of positive ones. They say that they have an aluminum cover. You think that the aluminum would interfere as well? Also, do you think I should return these and order ones with a plastic cover instead? Or just go back to the OEM plastic ones?

Link for the ones I purchased:
https://www.amazon.com/GANKING-Proje...pons&psc=1

[bimmer456]

I have after market lights as well no issues with comfort access. They have faded some what and the colors bleed into each other.

[1QuikWS6]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

This has been reported many times. Some replacement puddle lamps interfere with the transmitters. Mine don't, possibly because they have a metal body that prevents them from transmitting radio frequency interference. That's odd, since the OEM are plastic, but they may have internal circuitry that accomplishes the same thing.

OEM lights have plastic lenses with a metal back portion that houses the LED

Never a problem on my F32 with the OEM lights

[IK6SPEED]

Originally Posted by 1QuikWS6

OEM lights have plastic lenses with a metal back portion that houses the LED

Never a problem on my F32 with the OEM lights

Imagine that. No issue with OEM part....

[EB_328]

Originally Posted by bimmer456

I have after market lights as well no issues with comfort access. They have faded some what and the colors bleed into each other.

My car doesn't have comfort access equipped. I doubt that would have an effect though. However, my brother has a 335i with comfort access, and he doesn't have any issues with the lights.

[EB_328]

Originally Posted by IK6SPEED

Imagine that. No issue with OEM part....

I've never had any issues with the OEM part apart from them being boring and ugly haha

[IK6SPEED]

Originally Posted by EB_328

I've never had any issues with the OEM part apart from them being boring and ugly haha

Is your key fob detected.....

How's that working for you.

[EB_328]

Originally Posted by IK6SPEED

Is your key fob detected.....

How's that working for you.

That's why I asked. Wanted to see if there's a fix or if anyone has any tricks. If not, i'll go back to the OEM lights. I'd rather not have to press the start button 2-5 times in order to start my car every time.

[mikesx4911]

no fix for this huh?

[Cooz1992]

I had same problem with the cheap ones, cheap ones produce RFI & interfere with radio signals. Every time I opened my door, my DAB radio cut off! Binned them & bought OEM ones

[Gavroche]

I have cheap LED projector/ puddle light and get the same problem. I can unlock the car with the fob in my pocket. But I find that if I close the door and then start the car, there will be no missing key fob message. But conversely, if I leave the door open and press the start button, it pops up.

So the simple solution seems to be either switch back to OEM puddle light (or original light) or just start the car after the door is closed.

[Billfitz]

There's an antenna in the door. If you leave the door open and start the car it probably moves the antenna out of range of the fob and thus the message.