The BMW X3 is fitted with a remote start button as specified by the manufacturer. Since they still use the key to initiate the ignition, the push-button start is not available when inside the car. The first thing You want to do is make sure You have the remote start enabled in the iDrive system. You will be able to remote start You car two different ways either through the app or with the key fob. The app will allow You to start the engine from the longest range. You can press and release the lock button three times on the transmitter to use the remote start feature. To be able to remotely start the engine the car must be locked and the trunk closed. You can then follow these directions and a quick three times pressing the lock button again will allow You to turn the engine off.
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Vincent H December 8, 2020
The bmw x3 does not come equipped with a remote start feature.
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Jay December 5, 2021
I own a 2016 X3 and it does NOT have remote start. Also, it does NOT use a key to initiate ignition (its a push start). The app does allow one to "ventilate" their car but this does NOT "start the engine"
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BMW has just released a series of updates and new services for their vehicles. Along with the “Uneven Road Surface warning” feature, BMW owners can now add a series of other options to their cars by simply selecting them in the ConnectedDrive Store. One of them is the “Remote Engine Start” feature which lets you remotely precondition your BMW vehicle temperature. While Remote Engine Start has been available in BMW vehicles since MY2019, it is now available as a new “Function on Demand”, available for purchase via the ConnectedDrive Store for compatible vehicles that were not originally fitted with this option.
The new feature can be downloaded and installed over the air via Remote Software Upgrade. This is a great feature during the hot days of summer and frigid cold winters. It allows you to start the engine from inside your home or work and precondition the interior by either cooling with air conditioning or turning on the heat.
To activate Remote Engine Start, just tap a button in the My BMW app and your BMW’s engine will start, allowing your BMW’s interior to adjust to a comfortable temperature. Remote Engine Start can also be operated using the BMW Key fob by a triple-click of the lock button.
The engine will not run indefinitely though. It will time-out after a short period of time and turn off to conserve fuel and the environment. If you are delayed, the 15-minute switch-off timer will be activated to reserve your battery and fuel. Here is how the feature works in the BMW X5 M and iDrive 7:
- From the home screen, press the ‘CAR’ menu on the left-hand side.
- Select ‘Settings’
- Scroll to the right and choose ‘Climate Control’
- Select ‘Preconditioning/Ventilation’
- Select ‘Remote Engine Start’
- Check the box for ‘Starting Engine for Clim. Control’
- Select ‘OK’ if you agree to the disclaimer