Very limted range on key fob

[MZWIE]

The fob seems to only work within 10-15 ft of the car. And the trunk release only works from about 1 ft.

With the previous system one could hold the key on the chin and this would significantly increase the range. Doesn't work with this fob.

What are others experiencing.

[1speedbike]

same thing pretty much. after parking in a lot i always find myself backtracking to my car if i forget to lock it until i walk even for a little while. it doesn't help that there's no beep or anything when you lock it, so without a direct line of sight i can never know if its truly locked..

[JC Jai]

not much input from others but I'm having the same problem as you are sort of... I would say 90% of the time I'd have to stand like ~10 15 feet before the fob interacts with the vehicle.

[HondaGoneRogue]

Same here. SUCKS.

[Purgatory]

I had the same issue, and I have comfort access... I put the fob into the ignition/charger and it significantly increased the range. It worked for me, let me know if that works for you

[yourfriend]

the comfort access key doesn't charge when it's in the ignition...

[jeremyc74]

The range does suck, but holding it under the chin has worked for me, and doubles the range.

I'd like to have a little more so that in the summer time I can hold the button down to drop the windows and open the sunroof, and have it finish before I get to the car. If you open the door while the sunroof is opening it stops, and you have to close it before it will open all the way.

[GigEm93]

Same here - range is very limited. My MCS's key had a range probably 3-4x as far, and could also use the 'chintenna'.

[modbargains]

Put your key fobto your temple or under yoru chin, your head acts as an amplifier. This is no joke it really works.

[EspressoBoy]

Hmmm and will my head glow after?

Has anyone tried putting it anywhere else? ROFL If you have please don't hand it to me.

EspressoBoy

[mistermojorizin]

here's a trick - put the FOB to your voicebox or your chin and press it, you get a lot more range.

been using this trick for years, always works.

[Peakrunner]

How did we ever live using a key? Sheesh.

[bman6074]

Does anyone know of a way to extend the range? Aside from the chin thing which does work I have found even if I hold it against my leg it seems to work too.
Maybe add some sort of wire to something in the car? Any idea would be great. I was so used to having a car starter that had a mile of range and now I have to be within 15 feet of the car.

[never]

Putting it to your neck (vocal chords) while screaming loudly should triple your range.

[jeremyc74]

Originally Posted by bman6074

Does anyone know of a way to extend the range? Aside from the chin thing which does work I have found even if I hold it against my leg it seems to work too.
Maybe add some sort of wire to something in the car? Any idea would be great. I was so used to having a car starter that had a mile of range and now I have to be within 15 feet of the car.

On the MKIV VWs there was a wire that could be extened to increase the range. It would be nice if something like that was on the BMW, but I doubt it.

[morscode]

I think it's intentional so you don't unintentionally unlock your car when you're not too far from the car, i.e. in a store parked out front, or at work.

[EspressoBoy]

What we NEED is something like this?
Link





By Andrew Liszewski

Instead of being just a remote control for locking doors or disabling the alarm the Personal Car Communicator or PCC keyfob used on the Volvo S80 takes a more active role with your vehicle. Thanks to two-way communication with the car the PCC can be used to lock the doors and will actually tell you if the vehicle is still locked if you feel forgetful after walking away. The PCC will also automatically unlock the car when you pull on the door handle and allows the vehicle to be started without the need for a key. But besides those luxuries it’s also very effective when it comes to security.

But the PCC is much more. At a range of 60 to 100 metres when approaching the car, you can obtain a security status report by pressing the information button. Different LEDs then tell you if the car is locked or unlocked, others whether somebody has interfered with the vehicle and caused the alarm to go off. A flashing red light means that the heartbeat sensor has been activated and that there is an intruder in the car.

There’s even an option for a level meter to detect if the car has been raised in an attempt to steal the wheels. Now I have my doubts Volvo S80 owners would ever park their vehicles in a neighborhood where there was a threat of having your wheels stolen, but it’s nice to know they’ve tried to cover everyone’s paranoias.

We should send this off to BMW as what we want!!! Our FOB is so... boring... and not worth the price.

EspressoBoy

[Steelerbimmer]

Originally Posted by 1Mor

I think it's intentional so you don't unintentionally unlock your car when you're not too far from the car, i.e. in a store parked out front, or at work.

That makes sense.

It would be a bigger problem if it was unintentionally unlocked!

[hbiscuit]

i also have this issue

[MZWIE]

I don't believe it's intentional. The E46 key fob had much greater range. In fact with the "chintenna" I could open the trunk from at least 50 yards away.

[123D-M]

My car is set to relock if I don't open the doors after unlocking. Prevents accidental unlockings.

[pavelitto]

I heard that for those with comfort access it is good to put they key into ignition form time to time so it can update or something (no, not recharge). It has something to do with the codes which constantly change each time you open and close the car.