Modern BMWs come with a variety of extra features and options. Some of these help with driving, like the Heads-Up-Display, and some are focused on passenger comfort. One feature that BMW has expanded across its range is the remote start feature.
Remote starters are nothing new to the automotive industry, but they have become more prevalent in recent years. BMW has added remote starters to high-end models for a while now, but you can add this as an extra option on most other models.
In this article, we’ll explain how remote starters work, what BMW models come with this option, and if it’s worth upgrading to the remote start feature.
Let’s get (remote) started!
(sorry!)
What is BMW Remote Start?
BMW remote start allows you to turn on the car’s engine remotely – so you don’t have to unlock and sit in the car first. This might seem like an expensive gimmick, but for some owners, remote starting is incredibly useful.
This comes down to your climate. Typically, if you’re buying a BMW in a colder climate, the remote start feature allows you to warm up your engine and defrost the car before driving, saving you time and effort. In warmer climates, it’s also possible to cool your interior before accessing the car.
It’s worth pointing out that BMW electric and hybrid models don’t have the remote engine start currently, for obvious reasons. This is a system BMW has said they are working on, and we should expect to see it in the future. For now, though, if you’re looking at models like the 330e or i7, don’t expect this feature.
How to use the BMW Remote Start
You can access Remote Start from your key or phone (via the My BMW app).
Using your key, the most common method with a standard BMW key is to press the lock button three times. This will turn the engine on after a couple of seconds. You can reverse this process to turn the engine off by clicking another three times. For this to work, you’ll need to be fairly close to your car.
If you have a BMW display key, there is a sub-menu to remote start included. Go to ‘preconditioning,’ and you will have an option to ‘activate now’. This starts the engine and will automatically turn off after 15 minutes.
The My BMW app also allows you to access the remote start feature. Within the app is a ‘climate’ option, and you can turn the engine on from this menu. This method allows you to access the remote start from far away, so you don’t have to be near your BMW to begin heating or cooling.
Which BMW Models have Remote Start?
Now that we’ve covered how the remote start system works, you need to know which BMW models come with this feature. In the following sections, I’ve broken down every current BMW model to show you which ones include remote start as standard, how much you have to pay for this on other models, and those BMWs without remote start.
Which BMW models have Remote Start as standard?
Most high-spec BMW models have remote start as standard. This includes the higher spec X5 & X6 models and the 8 Series range. Most of these models start at close to $100,000 (or higher), so you’ll find most optional extras on these cars as standard.
- XM
- X5 M60i
- X5 M
- X6 M60i
- X6 M
- X7 40i
- X7 M60i
- 740i
- 760i
- 840i
- M850i
- M8
Which BMW models have Remote Start as an optional extra?
Most of the BMW model range has the remote start feature as an optional extra. This includes models like the 3 Series and BMW X3, two of their most popular vehicles.
- X1 28i
- X1 M35i
- X3 30i
- X3 M40i
- X3 M
- X4 30i
- X4 M40i
- X4 M
- X5 40i
- X6 40i
- 230i
- M240i
- 228i
- M235i
- M2
- 330i
- M340i
- M3
- 430i
- M440i
- M4
- 530i
- Z4 30i
- Z4 M40i
How much does the Remote Start option cost?
As a standalone option, the remote start feature costs $300. You can also add the remote start as part of the Convenience or Premium packs.
- X1 28i – $300
- X1 M35i – $300
- X3 30i – $300
- X3 M40i – $300
- X3 M – $300
- X4 30i – $300
- X4 M40i – $300
- X4 M – $300
- X5 40i – $300
- X6 40i – $300
- 230i – $300
- M240i – $300
- 228i – $300
- M235i – $300
- M2 – $300
- 330i – $300
- M340i – $300
- M3 – $300
- 430i – $300
- M440i – $300
- M4 – $300
- 530i – $300
- Z4 30i – $300
- Z4 M40i – $300
Is the Remote Start worth buying?
Overall, the remote start is one of the least expensive features for your BMW, but it’s pretty limited in use. If you’re in a colder climate, this is a must-have on those days when defrosting your car will take time, and in warmer regions, it’s helpful to cool your interior before driving.
For most owners, though, if you’re in a region where temperatures are mild, this is a feature you probably won’t use extensively. It’s nice to have, but for our money, there are better features out there to add to your BMW.
What other BMW features should you look at?
Across the BMW range, there are some features we love and recommend. If you’re choosing the remote start and want to know what else to buy or just looking for the best options, the guides below will help you find the best packs and options for your BMW:
