What BMW Remote Start Does

BMW remote start lets you start your engine from outside the car using a key fob or smartphone app, usually from up to 300 feet away. When you press the button, the engine turns over and runs for a set time—typically 10 to 15 minutes—so the car warms up or cools down before you get in. The doors stay locked during remote start, and you cannot drive the car; you must be inside with the key to shift into gear.

Not every BMW model has this feature built in. Whether your car can do remote start depends on the model year, trim level, and what options were installed when it was made. Some BMWs come with it standard, while others need an aftermarket system added by a dealer or independent shop.

Key Takeaways

  • BMW remote start runs the engine for 10 to 15 minutes without unlocking the doors, and you must be inside the car to drive it.
  • Factory remote start comes standard on some models and trim levels but not others; check your owner's manual or contact a BMW dealer to confirm what your car has.
  • The BMW Connected Drive app on your smartphone can start the engine if your car has the ConnectedDrive subscription and the proper hardware installed.
  • Aftermarket remote start systems can be added to older BMWs or models without factory remote start, though installation costs vary and may affect your warranty.
  • Remote start does not work if the car is in gear, the parking brake is not set, or the fuel tank is too low.

Factory Remote Start vs. Aftermarket Systems

BMW's factory remote start comes built into the key fob on newer models and higher trim levels. If your BMW has it, you will see a dedicated button on the fob—usually marked with an engine symbol or arrow—that you press to start the car. This system is integrated with the car's computer and security features, so it works seamlessly with the ignition and locking system.

Aftermarket remote start systems are installed by dealers or independent shops and work on older BMWs or models that did not come with the feature. These systems use a separate remote or your existing key fob and connect to the engine's starter and ignition wires. Aftermarket systems vary in quality and price; a basic system may cost $300 to $600, while more advanced options with smartphone control can run $800 to $1,500 or more. Installation at a BMW dealer is usually more expensive than at an independent shop but may carry a warranty.

Using BMW ConnectedDrive for Remote Start

If your BMW has the ConnectedDrive subscription service and the proper hardware, you can start the engine from your smartphone using the BMW Connected app. This works similarly to the key fob but gives you remote start from anywhere with a cellular signal, not just within 300 feet. You open the app, find your car, and tap the start button.

ConnectedDrive is a paid subscription that covers remote start, real-time traffic, emergency calling, and other services. The cost varies by region and subscription length; in the United States, plans typically run $10 to $20 per month or $100 to $200 per year. Your BMW must have the ConnectedDrive hardware module installed—some models come with it standard, while others require it to be added. Check your owner's manual or ask your BMW dealer whether your car supports ConnectedDrive and what the current subscription cost is in your area.

When Remote Start Will Not Work

BMW remote start has built-in safety limits that prevent the engine from starting in certain situations. The most common reason remote start fails is that the car is in gear or the parking brake is not fully engaged. The system will not start the engine if either condition is true, because the car could roll or lurch forward unexpectedly.

Remote start also will not work if the fuel tank is very low, the battery is weak, or the hood is open. Some BMWs require the doors to be locked before remote start will function. If you have recently driven the car and the engine is still hot, some systems may delay or skip remote start to protect the engine. If remote start is not working, check these conditions first before troubleshooting further.

How to Check If Your BMW Has Remote Start

The fastest way to find out is to look at your key fob. If there is a button with an engine symbol or a curved arrow pointing right, your BMW likely has factory remote start. Press and hold that button for a few seconds while standing near the car; if the engine starts, you have it.

If your key fob does not have that button, check your owner's manual under "Remote Start" or "Remote Engine Start." The manual will tell you whether the feature is available on your model and how to use it. You can also contact your BMW dealer with your vehicle identification number (VIN), which is printed on your registration and on the driver's side of the windshield. The dealer can confirm in seconds whether your specific car came with remote start and what options are available to add it.

Adding Remote Start to an Older BMW

If your BMW did not come with remote start, you have two main options: install an aftermarket system or add factory ConnectedDrive hardware if your model supports it. An aftermarket system is usually faster and cheaper to install. Independent car alarm and security shops often install remote start systems and may charge less than a BMW dealer, though the quality and warranty can vary.

Before you install an aftermarket system, ask the shop whether it will affect your BMW's warranty. Some dealers will not service certain components if an aftermarket system has been added, though this is less common now than it used to be. Get a written quote that includes the cost of the system, installation, and any warranty, and ask how long the installation will take. Many shops can complete a basic aftermarket remote start in a few hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use remote start if my car is parked in a garage?

Yes, remote start works in a garage, but you should never let the engine run in an enclosed space for long periods. Carbon monoxide can build up quickly in a garage, even with the door open. Use remote start in a garage only to warm up the car briefly before you get in and drive out.

Does remote start drain the battery?

Remote start uses some battery power, but not enough to drain it significantly if your battery is in good condition. A single remote start session uses roughly the same amount of power as starting the car normally. If you use remote start many times a day or your battery is already weak, you may notice a faster discharge over time.

What happens if I press the remote start button while I am driving?

Nothing. Remote start is disabled once the car is in motion. The button will not work until you stop the car, put it in park, and set the parking brake. This is a safety feature to prevent accidental engine restart while you are driving.

Can I add remote start to a BMW with a manual transmission?

Most factory and aftermarket remote start systems do not work with manual transmissions because the car could roll or lurch if the engine starts while the clutch is engaged. Some newer aftermarket systems have been designed to work with manuals, but they are less common and more expensive. Ask the shop whether their system supports manual transmissions before you commit to installation.

How long does the engine run when I use remote start?

Factory BMW remote start typically runs the engine for 10 to 15 minutes, then shuts off automatically. Aftermarket systems vary; some run for 5 to 10 minutes, while others let you set the duration. Check your owner's manual or the system documentation to see how long your specific remote start will run.