How to Start a BMW (With Comfort Access)

Co-authored by Nick Psaros

Last Updated: February 8, 2024

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

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As mentioned above, you will need the Comfort Access Remote to be inside the cabin to start your BMW.
The brake must be depressed before starting your BMW.

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This is only necessary for manual shift models, as automatic shift models do not have a clutch.
This will start your engine. 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.
If you have the park brake set, you will need to release it before you can pull out.
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.
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

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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.
This is especially important if you are driving a standard or have parked on a hill.
If you are driving a manual shift, you will shift into neutral.
This will turn off your engine.

Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Locking and Leaving Your BMW with Comfort Access

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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.
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.
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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.^{[1]
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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.^{[3]
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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

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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.^{[4]
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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.^{[5]
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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.

Expert Q&A

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What's the reason and history behind pressing the brake before starting up a car?

Nick Psaros
Automotive Expert
Nick Psaros is an Automotive Expert working to encourage people to become car enthusiasts and share useful automotive content with people around the world. He has spent the past six years building an online following and community dedicated to automotive excellence. He has a follower base of over 10,000 YouTube subscribers and has garnered over 1 million views on his channel.

Nick Psaros

Automotive Expert

Expert Answer

Pressing the brake before starting a car is now a universal safety measure adopted by car manufacturers. In older cars, there was no requirement to engage the brake pedal before starting the vehicle. Drivers could simply insert the key and turn it without pressing any pedals. However, this practice led to numerous accidents. Consequently, car manufacturers collectively decided to implement a safety protocol, ensuring the brake is pressed, the gear is in park, or, in the case of a manual transmission, the clutch is engaged. This standard procedure has become a crucial safety feature to prevent unintended movements and enhance overall safety during the starting process.

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How do I restart the car?

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

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

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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.

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Tips

Some models are also installed with trunk/hatch opening features. If your model has this feature you can simply kick your foot under the rear bumper (with your Comfort Access Remote on you) and the trunk/hatch will open.

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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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