After Market Remote Starter

BingoTheClown · 11-23-2021, 07:59 AM

Anyone able to share experience or recommend an after market remote starter?

I purchased a used 2018 440i xDrive Gran Coupe a few months ago. It's getting a bit chilly here in New York. Winter can be brutal with ice and snow and sub freezing temperatures.

Sure, I can run outside and start it. Turn on the defrosters and heat warmers and then go back inside for 10 mins. But . . . ehhh. And the real issue is at work. I get out and it's dark out already. Freezing cold. And long walk to the parking area. Only to get in my car and it's freezing.

Looking for one that I can start from some distance away. Having the only start option to be on a fob that has to be within 35 feet won't help me much haha.

I saw a few very inexpensive options for some that were deemed 'plug and play' remote starters. They seemed to be that install is quite easy and fast. But, the ones I found only worked for models up to 2016 (which I found odd).

Any suggestions?

BimR · 11-23-2021, 10:01 AM

This is possible but not as straight forward as you may imagine. Unless things have changed, they have to be direct wired and then a new fob will that work with your car will be programmed. Complicated electronics.

There is a lot of info on this but German Laws dont let you idle the car so BMW doesn't have it (or something along these lines). I'm also going to guess that IF you can find a model that works with your car AND an installer that can do it, you are looking at big bucks. Probably in the $1000 range???

I'm happy to be proven wrong on this as its a nice convenience. This what I have heard from my garage who won't do this as they don't want to mess around with this.

Billfitz · 11-23-2021, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BingoTheClown

Anyone able to ... recommend an after market remote starter?

The short answer is no. Do a search, this topic has been extensively covered for going on ten years.

chowser51 · 11-23-2021, 03:25 PM

Not easy to do. Someone posted about a euro option that worked. It wasn't cheap.
I just get in my car, turn on the heated seats and steering wheel and by the time I'm done brushing off the snow (5 mins?), it's good to go. I'm in NE Ohio so it does get cold her. And I work nights, so it gets cold when I go home.
I pretty much gave up on trying to get remote start for my '18 or '19.

n55david · 11-23-2021, 08:43 PM

I believe it's also illegal in Europe to let your car idle without you in it for any length of time really.. so they purposely make it not easy to acomplosh.

Iflaw01 · 11-23-2021, 09:23 PM

Only one I have heard of is eurostart, but nothing really plug and play. Also eurostart requires a key fob in the car at all times.

kickthecan · 11-24-2021, 04:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iflaw01

Only one I have heard of is eurostart, but nothing really plug and play. Also eurostart requires a key fob in the car at all times.

I believe all remote starts for f30s require a key fob to be sacrificed

You can find an Arduino guide for it on this forum too if you really want to do it OP

BingoTheClown · 11-24-2021, 07:00 AM

Thank you for all of the responses. I think the simple solution is buy a better winter coat for $300, and save $700 LOL. I am going to pass on the remote starter.

johnung · 11-24-2021, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BingoTheClown

Thank you for all of the responses. I think the simple solution is buy a better winter coat for $300, and save $700 LOL. I am going to pass on the remote starter.

Good idea. Remote start is a great feature but not realistic to obtain with a BMW.

kickthecan · 11-24-2021, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnung

Good idea. Remote start is a great feature but not realistic to obtain with a BMW.

I mean, to be fair, there are ones for the E series that are super simple plug and play and they have it for the newers series. We just got fucked with the F series

Serial BoX · 11-25-2021, 03:35 AM

I inquired about it here in the US, I live just north of chicago. I was told by 2 professional install shops... "No". There was no "maybe if you spend a bunch of money etc etc" Just - "No on your 2018 F36" I rarely drive mine in the winter, but BMW really missed the mark with not having this be a feature for a few years. Screw greta thunberg, she gets flown around in private jets and chauffeured in warmed up limousines while the rest of us suffer.

Billfitz · 11-25-2021, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Serial BoX

BMW really missed the mark with not having this be a feature for a few years.

As already mentioned in much of Europe their use is prohibited, as is leaving a car unattended with the engine running. Having to drive for ten minutes until the heat comes up qualifies as a First World Problem. Man up and deal with it.

Serial BoX · 11-25-2021, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billfitz

As already mentioned in much of Europe their use is prohibited, as is leaving a car unattended with the engine running. Having to drive for ten minutes until the heat comes up qualifies as a First World Problem. Man up and deal with it.

Well, BMW obviously realized they screwed up.

https://eftm.com/2020/07/bmw-adds-re...u-get-in-78843

Making people go out to their car just to warm it up and then go back inside is just stupid. Winter is a thing, and its brutal in a lot of area's where they sell cars. I for one will be upgrading as soon as possible.

SquareWheels · 11-25-2021, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Serial BoX

Well, BMW obviously realized they screwed up.

https://eftm.com/2020/07/bmw-adds-re...u-get-in-78843

Making people go out to their car just to warm it up and then go back inside is just stupid. Winter is a thing, and its brutal in a lot of area's where they sell cars. I for one will be upgrading as soon as possible.

I have a 2020 440, doesn't look like I have this option.
Not sure I'd ever use it, but it would be nice to have as an option.

eff32fl · 11-25-2021, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Serial BoX

I inquired about it here in the US, I live just north of chicago. I was told by 2 professional install shops... "No". There was no "maybe if you spend a bunch of money etc etc" Just - "No on your 2018 F36" I rarely drive mine in the winter, but BMW really missed the mark with not having this be a feature for a few years. Screw greta thunberg, she gets flown around in private jets and chauffeured in warmed up limousines while the rest of us suffer.

....lol

eff32fl · 11-25-2021, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SquareWheels

Quote:

Originally Posted by Serial BoX

Well, BMW obviously realized they screwed up.

https://eftm.com/2020/07/bmw-adds-re...u-get-in-78843

Making people go out to their car just to warm it up and then go back inside is just stupid. Winter is a thing, and its brutal in a lot of area's where they sell cars. I for one will be upgrading as soon as possible.

I have a 2020 440, doesn't look like I have this option.
Not sure I'd ever use it, but it would be nice to have as an option.

The remote start feature was introduced in the G series 4 series (2021+). I have a 2018 430i and wish I had it.

Billfitz · 11-25-2021, 08:37 PM

Pussies.

Serial BoX · 11-26-2021, 03:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eff32fl

The remote start feature was introduced in the G series 4 series (2021+). I have a 2018 430i and wish I had it.

Do the research, it has to be enabled thru the new iDrive, the car has it turned off from the factory, to make Greta happy.

11-23-2021, 07:59 AM	#1
BingoTheClown Lieutenant 373 Rep 402 Posts Drives: 2020 M340i: RIP '18 440i MPPSK Join Date: Oct 2021 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	After Market Remote Starter Anyone able to share experience or recommend an after market remote starter? I purchased a used 2018 440i xDrive Gran Coupe a few months ago. It's getting a bit chilly here in New York. Winter can be brutal with ice and snow and sub freezing temperatures. Sure, I can run outside and start it. Turn on the defrosters and heat warmers and then go back inside for 10 mins. But . . . ehhh. And the real issue is at work. I get out and it's dark out already. Freezing cold. And long walk to the parking area. Only to get in my car and it's freezing. Looking for one that I can start from some distance away. Having the only start option to be on a fob that has to be within 35 feet won't help me much haha. I saw a few very inexpensive options for some that were deemed 'plug and play' remote starters. They seemed to be that install is quite easy and fast. But, the ones I found only worked for models up to 2016 (which I found odd). Any suggestions?
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

11-23-2021, 10:01 AM	#2
BimR Lieutenant 245 Rep 500 Posts Drives: 2016 328 Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	This is possible but not as straight forward as you may imagine. Unless things have changed, they have to be direct wired and then a new fob will that work with your car will be programmed. Complicated electronics. There is a lot of info on this but German Laws dont let you idle the car so BMW doesn't have it (or something along these lines). I'm also going to guess that IF you can find a model that works with your car AND an installer that can do it, you are looking at big bucks. Probably in the $1000 range??? I'm happy to be proven wrong on this as its a nice convenience. This what I have heard from my garage who won't do this as they don't want to mess around with this.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-23-2021, 03:25 PM	#4
chowser51 Colonel 2025 Rep 2,808 Posts Drives: F33 430 and F39 M35i Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Cleveland, OH iTrader: (3) Garage List 2018 BMW 430i xDrive [0.00]	Not easy to do. Someone posted about a euro option that worked. It wasn't cheap. I just get in my car, turn on the heated seats and steering wheel and by the time I'm done brushing off the snow (5 mins?), it's good to go. I'm in NE Ohio so it does get cold her. And I work nights, so it gets cold when I go home. I pretty much gave up on trying to get remote start for my '18 or '19.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-23-2021, 08:43 PM	#5
n55david Check out my Youtube @n55david! 1296 Rep 3,529 Posts Drives: 2017 m240i, 2015 X3 x35i Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Michigan USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 m240i xDrive [0.00] 2015 X3 x35i [0.00] 2015 335i xdrive [0.00]	I believe it's also illegal in Europe to let your car idle without you in it for any length of time really.. so they purposely make it not easy to acomplosh. __________________ 2017 m240i xDrive 10.99@122.86mph bootmod3 stage 2+ ots 2015 335i xDrive 10.95@124.99mph w/bm3 - SOLD 2015 X3 x35i pwg 12.96 catless w/bm3 stage 2 93 ots IG: @n55david For pics and updates! Youtube: @ n55david For videos or Racing etc
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11-23-2021, 09:23 PM	#6
Iflaw01 New Member 6 Rep 18 Posts Drives: Bmw 340i Xdrive 6MT Join Date: Nov 2021 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	Only one I have heard of is eurostart, but nothing really plug and play. Also eurostart requires a key fob in the car at all times.
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11-24-2021, 07:00 AM	#8
BingoTheClown Lieutenant 373 Rep 402 Posts Drives: 2020 M340i: RIP '18 440i MPPSK Join Date: Oct 2021 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	Thank you for all of the responses. I think the simple solution is buy a better winter coat for $300, and save $700 LOL. I am going to pass on the remote starter.
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11-25-2021, 03:35 AM	#11
Serial BoX Poor 4 series 4 Rep 23 Posts Drives: 2018 430 iX Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: Wisconsin iTrader: (0)	I inquired about it here in the US, I live just north of chicago. I was told by 2 professional install shops... "No". There was no "maybe if you spend a bunch of money etc etc" Just - "No on your 2018 F36" I rarely drive mine in the winter, but BMW really missed the mark with not having this be a feature for a few years. Screw greta thunberg, she gets flown around in private jets and chauffeured in warmed up limousines while the rest of us suffer.
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11-25-2021, 08:37 PM	#17
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8221 Rep 16,054 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	Pussies.
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