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2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 Option 322: Comfort Access Keyless Entry |
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05-13-2010, 08:53 PM | #1 |
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Option 322: Comfort Access Keyless Entry
Could someone describe this option please? I assume this the kind where
you can keep the key fob in your pocket and (based on proximity) lock/unlock and start/stop the car by pushing a button. So, the key fob can remain in your pocket at all times. Is my understanding correct? This option alone is $910/1000 invoice/retail. My Audi has this and is very convenient, but not "$1000-convenient". I assume if I don't go for this option I will get the standard remote lock/unlock fob (with truck release and alarm). Sivaram |
05-13-2010, 08:55 PM | #2 |
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I'm interested in the answer to this also...
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05-13-2010, 09:43 PM | #3 |
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Option 322 Comfort Access keyless entry allows you to both unlock and start your car while still keeping your key in your pocket. You open the door by touching the door handle with the key in range. You start the car by simply putting your foot on the brake and pressing start. If you get out of the car while it is running with the key in your pocket, the car will continue to run but a warning message will appear indicating that the key is out of range.
The feature is standard on many cars that sell for far less than the 2011 BMW 535, but BMW plans to get $1000 for the privilege. I have the option in my 2008 535xi and I would never purchase a car without the feature however, outside of BMW/Mercedes/Porsche land, the feature is very likely to be standard. The option is also included in the ZCV Convenience Package ($1700) which adds a power tailgate and soft close doors to the keyless entry. It is important to keep in mind that, in contrast to the Convenience Package, Comfort Access is a Priority One option. Which means that BMW dealers cannot order the stand-alone Comfort Access option for their own unallocated inventory and can only order the option with a signed order from a customer. For you that means that you are going to be waiting an additional 8-12 weeks for your car if still want to keep your key in your pocket, but are not lazy enough to view shutting your own doors and trunk as a hardship worth an extra $700 to avoid. Oh and BMW does make a car with the ZCV Convenience Package standard, it's the 2011 750/760. Purchasers ponying up $70k for a 2011 740 also must purchase the Convenience Package as a separate $1700 option just like the lowly 535/550 purchaser. Last edited by SleepTight; 05-13-2010 at 09:52 PM.. |
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05-13-2010, 10:52 PM | #4 |
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Thanks SleepTight! Nice explanation and good insight into the BMW option $ machine...
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05-14-2010, 07:46 AM | #5 |
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IMO comfort access is well worth it.
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05-14-2010, 10:50 AM | #6 |
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I have been using comfort access on my 2007 328i for 3 years. Yes, $1000 is an expensive option for what it seems to be, but for me, it became a feature that I can't imagine living without. I made sure I ordered it on my 535i. You very quickly get used to simply walking up to the car, grabbing the handle, and getting in. On the way out, close the door, touch the "spot" on the handle and walk away. Works for the trunk too- just walk up and grab under the handle and it unlocks.
It's especially convenient when you're already holding something in one hand, like an umbrella, baby carrier, grocery bag, etc. and don't have to fish around for your keys. What's more, it's smart. I once put the key fob in an overnight bag that I loaded into the trunk, and every time I closed the trunk lid, it would pop back open. First I thought the trunk lock was broken, but quickly realized the fob put out a signal that keeps you from the disaster of locking it in the trunk. I think this works in the cabin too. There is an "ignition" slot next to the steering wheel, that you pop the fob into before turning the car over to a valet. Of course, if you start to walk away from the car without leaving the key, it starts beeping like mad to remind you to pop it in. Oh, invariably, when you get home you will forget the fob is still in the slot and you will try and exit the car without taking it. There's a beep for that too! |
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05-14-2010, 11:18 AM | #7 |
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Comfort Access
The F10 doesn't require insertion of the fob in any slot for engine start, and in fact has no dedicated place for the fob/key inside the car. The car will start as long as a recognized key is in the right part of the car. This means that the Comfort Access option affects only the locking/unlocking of doors and trunk. I have found the $500 option on my 328i (two doors only affected) sensible, mainly because inserting a key and then pushing a button to start the car seems overly intricate; as a $1,000 option on the F10 (who needs it on the rear doors anyhow?) where the main purpose of the option is already standard equipment seems silly. It should be standard equipment.
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05-14-2010, 12:36 PM | #8 |
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I agree, it *should* be standard. But the BMW business model is to get profit on options. And the 5 is the most profitable model from what I've heard. As such, it appears you have to pay to play. I ordered the option on my F10. I love the option on my E93.
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05-14-2010, 07:02 PM | #9 |
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I wouldn't touch it for $1K when it does so little. You don't have to take the fob out of your pocket to push the lock/unlock buttons. E93 is a completely different story in terms of price and functions for comfort access.
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05-14-2010, 11:33 PM | #11 |
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FYI there is a dedicated spot to put the FOB. It is where the two cupholders are below the climate control (Where an ashtray used to be.) This is just for convinience and has no electronic benefit. The slot is basically between the two cupholders in the front of the opening. I will be keeping my FOB in my pocket. I have an Audi Q7 with this and more than once I have switched vehicles with my wife and taken the key by accident, leaving her stranded when she turns the car off. Always goes over well
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05-15-2010, 10:06 AM | #12 | |
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Quote:
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05-30-2010, 03:25 PM | #13 |
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this is why they want you to buy the convenience package for the trunk etc, as it would be unwise for BMW not to charge for anything more
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