, you need to first have downloaded and activated the remote start feature. Download the “Remote Engine Start” function from the Connected Drive Store. This download will occur as you drive, and your car will notify you when the function is ready to install.

Lots of us know how it feels to wake up late on a freezing cold morning only to realize that your car is going to be ice cold when you get into it. Well, with remote start, you can fire up your engine to warm up your car without stepping foot outside!

Unfortunately, the BMW remote start function isn’t always downloaded and installed prior to the vehicle being purchased. And in some cases, you may need to pay for the feature.

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How to remote start your BMW

Once you’ve downloaded the Remote Engine Start function from the Connected Drive Store and your car has notified you that the feature is ready to install, you’ll be able to initiate installation (or postpone it to a different time). Your BMW’s display will provide you with instructions.

The installation process will take about five minutes, and you need to be parked in order to proceed with the necessary steps.

Upon installation, you’ll receive a notification that it was successful, but you’re not done yet. Follow these steps to finish setting up Remote Engine Start:

Select “Car” on the BMW’s touchscreen console, then “Settings”

Scroll right to “Climate Comfort/Control,” followed by “Preconditioning/Ventilation”

Select “Remote Engine Start,” followed by “Starting Engine for Climate Control”

You’ll then be prompted to accept the feature’s activation by pressing “OK”

At this point, the feature is set up and you can use your key fob to initiate a remote start to warm up your car!

Starting the car

For BMW Vehicle Key (no light-up display): Press the lock button on your

key fob

three times quickly.

For BMW Display Key: Select “Preconditioning Setting” and tap the fan symbol. Then, click “Activate Now,” followed by “Engine Start.”

With the BMW Connected smartphone app (only available for some model years/trims): Using the app, you can activate BMW Remote Start, adjust your temperature preferences, and start your engine remotely—even if you’re not near your vehicle. Just select “Start Climatization” on the opening screen of the app, press “Confirm and Start,” and your phone will send you a notification if the command has been successfully processed.

Turning off the engine

The off buttons are in the same places as the on buttons. If you have the key fob without the touch display, simply press the lock button three times fast again to turn off your engine if it’s running.

MORE:

How long should you let your car warm up in winter?

BMW remote start tips and tricks

But wait—there’s more! Before you begin remote starting your engine on the reg, there are a few more things you’ll want to know:

If you can’t get to your car within 15 minutes of remote starting it, it will automatically turn off. You can always just turn it back on!

If you’re using a display key, you can set up a single time or recurring time for your car to automatically start. Just go to “Preconditioning/Ventilation” and select “Departure Schedule” to customize your departure times.

If you don’t have a display key, you’ll have to be inside your car to schedule one-time or recurring climatization starts.

If you turn on your engine remotely twice in a row without getting in, you’ll need to wait until you are physically in the vehicle again to start your car another time.

Key Takeaway You can start your BMW from anywhere with the Remote Engine Start!

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Which BMW models come with remote start?

Most 2019 and newer BMW models with automatic transmissions and a four- or six-cylinder internal combustion engine have Remote Engine Start available through the Connected Drive Store.

You must have an active Connected Drive account linked to the vehicle. You can visit the

Connected Drive Store

to learn if your vehicle is eligible.

The list of bimmers that can run Remote Engine Start includes (among others):

MORE:

Car loan for BMW 2022

How to save money on BMW insurance

Regardless of whether or not you can employ the dark arts to start your car from afar, the BMW you drive is worthy of a great

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FAQs

Which BMWs have remote start?

Most BMW models manufactured from 2019 on with four- or six-cylinder engines and automatic transmissions have remote start. It’s available in select other vehicles, as well.

How long does remote start take?

Less than a second—with just a push of a button!

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