Proximity key (comfort access) retrofit E90

[Apex 693]

Im considering a E90 M3, I do really like the car, mostly the engine.

What I am not sure I can live without is the modern features I have grown accustom too with my better equipped modern cars over the last 6 or 7 years, it seems BMW don't give you much OEM compared to "lesser brands" costing as low as $20k new.

The main one that I don't think I can now live without is a proximity key, it sounds funny but I have got used to simply walking up to my car, having it unlock, jumping in and simply hitting the start button.

Others are auto wipers and lights but I am sure the M3 has these?

Has anyone retro fitted this system to their E90? From what I can see it was a rather cheap option, I can't fathom why it wasn't optioned factory, you have to consider a Toyota Yaris has this standard.

Also considering a E39 M5 but I am not sure I can go back to a car that is essentially 20 years old underneath.

Thanks

[jeffbebe 1559]

I hear you Graham... Why would you consider driving a car you have to unlock yourself with a remote button? Imagine, over the car's lifetime that probably costs you 9 or 10 minutes. Nightmare!!!!!

Imagine if you had to unlock it with the key!! F*ck that... Only idiots use keys. SO.MUCH.TIME.WASTED.

[Apex 693]

I was waiting for it, I really was.

Its a case of having the latest and then going going backwards. Like going from a I-Phone 6 to a I-Phone 4, the little improvements you end up taking for granted that you do miss, it seemed stupid having to insert a clumsy fob in a hole that is obscured by the steering wheel and then having to hit a start button, that makes less sence than just having a traditional ignition barrel, at least thats one step, insert, turn.

By your hilariously sarcastic logic, lets consider not have remote locking, meaning you need to use a key in the door lock... hell, why even have central locking when you can reach across and unlock the passenger doors.

When a car is your daily, its the toys that make the difference, and I am a technology geek that loves gizmos and options, and I would keep the car for a few years.

Can any E90 owners give opinions on what are desired options on this car? The car I drove had EDC, I thought this seemed like valuable option to have, can not see how many have it optioned. The car was a manual, would like to drive the automatic car also.

Thanks for your advice in advance.

[allan 295]

Oh oh!! how could one survive with out my remote central locking, A/c, heated mirrors, abs, acs,stc, power steering, paddle gear change, auto shift,Hardom stereo, gps etc etc hehehe!!!.

Edited March 9, 2015 by tim 325

[elmarco 56]

Stereo without the silent reboot option, spare friggen wheel, doors that dont feel like it came off a Honda assembly line, bonnet sensor that works, front end adjustments that allow a proper wheel alignment... These are the options I would tick.

Even my E90 diesel has auto wipers & lights - although the wipers are nowhere near as good as the Volkswagen system in wifes older Golf.

[jeffbebe 1559]

By your well-considered logic, lets consider not have remote locking, meaning you need to use a key in the door lock... hell, why even have central locking when you can reach across and unlock the passenger doors.

I was only joshing, Graham. Actually, I temporarily lost the remote for my wife's wagon about a year ago. Massive PITA, especially trying to get the dogs in the car when the only lock is on the driver's side (on the road), or attempting to unlock the door while preventing a shopping trolley from rolling into the boot when you're at the supermarket.

So yes, I do appreciate the small things... That said, a new remote for the 8er is $550 from BMW... So I'll keep using the key for now.

[Apex 693]

Honestly, after having proximity it's hard to go back. It's so nice to just walk up and open the car, no digging for key in pocket, you can walk up with a box or shopping bags and the car opens automatically. Jump in, again, no digging for my keys out my jeans, just hit start button, skids on!

Honestly, I spent the first five years or so of my driving life in a tin can with power nothing and it was fun.. But im twice that age and a few years now and I have the attitude that if it's available why compromise.

The only M3 4-door with it on TM looks to be a 08 Jap import with a 2011 LCI rear end.

Will just keep an eye out for now, I'm sure the right spec will turn up.

I found a video on YouTube showing CA can be retro fitted, just wondered if anyone has done it on this forum.

Seems the yank sites have more enthusiasts of the new cars and associated tech.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Edited March 9, 2015 by apex

[jeffbebe 1559]

Americans definitely love their in car tech. If it was an option, then in my experience with BMW the wiring etc will be there, you may just need to buy the module, etc.

[_ethrty-Andy_ 2132]

get an E30 they weigh less

[Apex 693]

Funny you say that Andy, after driving the E90 M3 manual it still had the "old BMW" feel to it that we all kinda like. I would be open to a nice NZ new E30 325i SE in manual with 15" Basket weaves, but they are rare these days.

It really is the engine that sells me on the M3, that V8 is magic!

So, have looked at a couple more E90's now, both were in the same kind of average condition, one was a 2011 and a UK import, would not go there, also looked at a coupe, but I'm not a fan of coupes unless they are a proper sports car... the E46 M3 is a better looking Coupe IMHO.. throw a V8 in one of those and you would have a hot rod.

[Allanw 1071]

Funny you say that Andy, after driving the E90 M3 manual it still had the "old BMW" feel to it that we all kinda like. I would be open to a nice NZ new E30 325i SE in manual with 15" Basket weaves, but they are rare these days.

If you want to pay vast amounts of money for one , I could try to tempt dad - he's had it for about 17 years though, and not really keen to give it up, but they're retired and should probably have a "sensible" car that's more "reliable"... this one did break down once... IN the mechanics workshop...

[Allanw 1071]

No proximity key though

[Apex 693]

NZ New SE Facelift, 15" weaves, Manual?

The E30 has its own proximity functionality, anyone who walks past it want to jump in!

[jeffbebe 1559]

the E46 M3 is a better looking Coupe IMHO.. throw a V8 in one of those and you would have a hot rod.

Best have a chat to Ray then.

[Apex 693]

But you would have a hot rod.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Allanw 1071]

NZ New SE Facelift, 15" weaves, Manual?

yep

[E30 325i Rag-Top 2956]

The level of tech fitted changed a lot over the lifetime of the E90, and across markets varied a lot as well. Try looking for the later models as they should have more kit fitted into them.

There are quite a lot of sensors involved with the comfort access, plus reprogramming, extra module, etc. So whilst it may be possible (and everything is possible if you spend enough) it may not be cheap.

I would suggest waiting for the right car with the right options, it will come along.