Car Running Even Without the Key?

[jinda]

So I've read that bimmer is supposed to warn us if the key is away and I personally saw this warnings many times. What I haven't tried in the past is driving it without the key and from what I read, there is no specific answer to how far it could go. All I know is that if you turn-off the engine, you can't start it back.

So this weekend, my wife drove the car from NJ to NY for about 30 miles (48 km). We passed by the house so I can change so we didn't turn off the engine as they waited in the car. I was a passenger that time and didn't hear any warning sound or see anything on the dash that the key is not in the car. We only realized that we do not have the key when we turned off the car and can't start again. I have the 35i so I dont have ASS. I called my son and learned that the key is in the jacket that I just took off

Anyone had this issue? Is this supposed to be how this work? This doesn't sound secure at all. I tested if I'll see the warning sign and its working except in that day when we forgot the key.

[mreric]

mine have seem to always warn me. maybe the message came up and you missed it?

[jinda]

Originally Posted by mreric

mine have seem to always warn me. maybe the message came up and you missed it?

Maybe but should it be running that long without a key? Isn't the most secure way is to not even let you change gear if the key is not detected?

[mreric]

Originally Posted by jinda

Maybe but should it be running that long without a key? Isn't the most secure way is to not even let you change gear if the key is not detected?

i think is because there is a fine line between safety and security. two different things.

maybe they want you to be able to still be able to get to the destination due perhaps an emergency...

you know people will sue for anything....

[05X3lover]

Why did you pull the key out of the ignition port, OP? Was it to use house keys that were also on the keychain?

[mcdanielvzw]

Originally Posted by 05X3lover

Why did you pull the key out of the ignition port, OP? Was it to use house keys that were also on the keychain?

With Comfort Access (I think standard on all 35i's) you don't need to put it in the ignition. It's nice, until you have an older 3 series without it and have to put the key in....

[05X3lover]

Originally Posted by mcdanielvzw

With Comfort Access (I think standard on all 35i's) you don't need to put it in the ignition. It's nice, until you have an older 3 series without it and have to put the key in....

Oh ok. I don't think our '15 has that feature, though maybe I should look it up. I have heard about people in other cars losing track of their keys while driving and then discovering they couldn't restart the vehicle when they were ready to leave. I guess it's just one of those you have to keep track of. Couldn't have predicted issues like that 30 years ago.

[jinda]

Originally Posted by 05X3lover

Why did you pull the key out of the ignition port, OP? Was it to use house keys that were also on the keychain?

Yes its the comfort access like what he said below. My keys was in my jacket all the time.

Originally Posted by mcdanielvzw

With Comfort Access (I think standard on all 35i's) you don't need to put it in the ignition. It's nice, until you have an older 3 series without it and have to put the key in....

It's still an option even for 35i. I wish there is an option to code what happens when you dont have the keys

[mcdanielvzw]

Originally Posted by jinda

Yes its the comfort access like what he said below. My keys was in my jacket all the time.


It's still an option even for 35i. I wish there is an option to code what happens when you dont have the keys

Interesting, my first base model 35i had comfort access - but it was a loaner car.

[jarsdad1]

Originally Posted by jinda

Yes its the comfort access like what he said below. My keys was in my jacket all the time.


It's still an option even for 35i. I wish there is an option to code what happens when you dont have the keys

The easy solution would be to put the key in the slot and not rely on CA.

[falconey]

Your car should warn you that it doesn’t detect the key. I’m all too familiar with the dong and key symbol. And yes the car will run until you turn off the engine.

[Kevman]

My keyfob works perfect except the car wont start anymore unless its plugged in. Its not the keyfob batteries. Any ideas?

[d1saster]

Originally Posted by Kevman

My keyfob works perfect except the car wont start anymore unless its plugged in. Its not the keyfob batteries. Any ideas?

Maybe the the CA sensor that detects the key inside the car is shot. Can you scan the car for stored errors? You can probably test it by leaving one key inside the car and try to lock it from outside with the other.

[thestimp]

my friend borrowed my car, started it, went back inside, left the keys and drove 90 miles away with no problem. Once its on, it is useable in every way till its completely turned off. i think as long as you dont double press to turn it off like keeping the radio and dash lights on, you can turn it back on! scary.

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by jinda

1. So this weekend, my wife drove the car from NJ to NY for about 30 miles (48 km). We passed by the house so I can change so we didn't turn off the engine as they waited in the car.
2. I was a passenger that time and didn't hear any warning sound or see anything on the dash that the key is not in the car.

Don't forget that the OP mentioned in the original thread that HE was the PASSENGER...and his wife was driving the car.

So that means that when he got out...the driver's door wasn't the one that opened. If you do a test...I bet that the warning about the key being left in the car...as well as an audible sound...is tied to the DRIVER'S door...not any of the passenger doors.

This was operator error...not a defect of the car. Under normal circumstances (even average circumstance) a passenger does not usually have the key to the car...the driver does. If the passenger does have the key...its usually because its been given to them by the driver...or the driver has their own key. Passengers can come and go and there is no warning that the key is in the ignition or not in the ignition.

I put this in the same category like when people used to lock their old style keys in the car when they were using one of the passenger door instead of the driver's door. If you were to lay the keys down, then proceed to lock all of the doors either manually or using the central lock button...then closed the door...you'd be locked out of the vehicle.

But if you did the same thing using the driver's door...you would be saved by the driver's door anti-lock out feature...it won't lock manually or remotely if it is open.

[jinda]

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

So that means that when he got out...the driver's door wasn't the one that opened.

That is a good point and that is excatly what happened. I was on the passenger when I exited and forgot the key. That maybe be an operator problem but still, the car should be able to detect that the key is not inside regardless of which door was used. And that I think is car related aspect. Not saying its an issue if the car is designed to work like that as intended. But there is still a loophole for it to drive without a key.

I'm not actually blaming the car. I know its my fault for forgetting the key. I just thought, whats the use of having the car detect the key if it is still going to drive without it?

[jarsdad1]

Originally Posted by jinda

That is a good point and that is excatly what happened. I was on the passenger when I exited and forgot the key. That maybe be an operator problem but still, the car should be able to detect that the key is not inside regardless of which door was used. And that I think is car related aspect. Not saying its an issue if the car is designed to work like that as intended. But there is still a loophole for it to drive without a key.

I'm not actually blaming the car. I know its my fault for forgetting the key. I just thought, whats the use of having the car detect the key if it is still going to drive without it?

That would require the engine shutting down if you got out with the key and the car while the car was running. Or a transmission lock of sorts. What happened to you probably doesn't happen often.

[mreric]

i have gotten a cover for my key that has a clip, it is always clipped to my belt loop or is in my pant, never a jacket. this way i cannot forget the key or lose it

[falconey]

Originally Posted by thestimp

my friend borrowed my car, started it, went back inside, left the keys and drove 90 miles away with no problem. Once its on, it is useable in every way till its completely turned off. i think as long as you dont double press to turn it off like keeping the radio and dash lights on, you can turn it back on! scary.

Once you shut down the engine you will not be able to start it again without the key. You are scaring yourself for no reason.