Key icon on steering column, huh?

Bmw doubles · 02-13-2016, 12:36 AM

Does anyone know what this key icon on the steering column is for?

andrewtanko · 02-13-2016, 01:32 AM

In case the battery in your remote is low and the car won't start,
you'll get a Check Control message.
You can hold the end of your key fob to that icon on the steering column
and press the start button within 10 seconds while pressing the brake and your
car will start.

Bmw doubles · 02-13-2016, 02:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewtanko

In case the battery in your remote is low and the car won't start,
you'll get a Check Control message.
You can hold the end of your key fob to that icon on the steering column
and press the start button within 10 seconds while pressing the brake and your
car will start.

Nice thanks!

VB5ER · 02-13-2016, 02:20 AM

What up dubs. I'm pretty sure that is where you hold your key fob to start the car if the fob battery dies. You can download this manual to your phone for the 5 series.

VB5ER · 02-13-2016, 02:22 AM

/

lsturbointeg · 02-13-2016, 03:08 AM

When my BMW Rep was showing the features on the car he explained pretty much what Andrew and VB5ER said

DutchM550d · 02-13-2016, 04:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lsturbointeg

When my BMW Rep was showing the features on the car he explained pretty much what Andrew and VB5ER said

Same here

mko9 · 02-13-2016, 08:15 AM

Hmm, that seems like a lot of design and engineering effort to overcome a dead battery. Maybe they could have designed some kind of piece of metal that you could stick into a slot and turn to make the car start. It would have to have some kind of pattern cut into it so that you couldn't steal someone else's car. If only such a technology existed...

HighlandPete · 02-13-2016, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mko9

Hmm, that seems like a lot of design and engineering effort to overcome a dead battery. Maybe they could have designed some kind of piece of metal that you could stick into a slot and turn to make the car start. It would have to have some kind of pattern cut into it so that you couldn't steal someone else's car. If only such a technology existed...

It is more than just for a dead battery in the fob.

I know we may hanker for the simple days of old, but we have moved on from those days, with complex energy management including our desire for more technology in other aspects of car design.

I had other issues (involving comfort access) where the fob couldn't talk to the car, the only way to start the car was the contact point. Nothing wrong with the fob itself, but normal systems were interrupted and required the contact directive.

Even in the days of the key, we were moving to electronic start control. My E39 540i had the DME start procedure, no holding the key for cranking the engine. Just the simple brief "flick the ignition switch to position 3" and the car cranked itself to start. That was back in 1998.

The X Men · 02-13-2016, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mko9

Hmm, that seems like a lot of design and engineering effort to overcome a dead battery. Maybe they could have designed some kind of piece of metal that you could stick into a slot and turn to make the car start. It would have to have some kind of pattern cut into it so that you couldn't steal someone else's car. If only such a technology existed...

Are you saying you do not want key less start or do you want a push button start and a key slot?

535MSport · 02-13-2016, 11:17 AM

it is also how vehicle info is transferred to the key so the dealer can read its status

Hasser · 02-13-2016, 12:27 PM

RTFM!!!

ezaircon4jc · 02-13-2016, 01:48 PM

It's also where one programs a new remote.

lsturbointeg · 02-13-2016, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hasser

RTFM!!!

REAL TIME FLOW MANAGEMENT? LOL

mko9 · 02-14-2016, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The X Men

Are you saying you do not want key less start or do you want a push button start and a key slot?

I would argue that push button start-stop provides very little benefit, and the second order effects are things like the problem the OP has. FWIW, my LR4 has a key stashed in the remote so you can still open the door if the battery is dead. I haven't checked the manual though, so I don't know how/if you could start the truck.

BMWrules7 · 02-14-2016, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

Quote:

Originally Posted by mko9

Hmm, that seems like a lot of design and engineering effort to overcome a dead battery. Maybe they could have designed some kind of piece of metal that you could stick into a slot and turn to make the car start. It would have to have some kind of pattern cut into it so that you couldn't steal someone else's car. If only such a technology existed...

It is more than just for a dead battery in the fob.

I know we may hanker for the simple days of old, but we have moved on from those days, with complex energy management including our desire for more technology in other aspects of car design.

I had other issues (involving comfort access) where the fob couldn't talk to the car, the only way to start the car was the contact point. Nothing wrong with the fob itself, but normal systems were interrupted and required the contact directive.

Even in the days of the key, we were moving to electronic start control. My E39 540i had the DME start procedure, no holding the key for cranking the engine. Just the simple brief "flick the ignition switch to position 3" and the car cranked itself to start. That was back in 1998.

Yes, very good you remember.

The 540i e39 was the impetus for large scale testing of push button start.

Even though it didn't use a push button, it responded the same way.

The following generation saw CA with the e65/e66 7 series.

Gilgorm · 02-14-2016, 12:46 PM

My remote battery died this week. When I got a new battery (CR2450) at a local shop the cost was $6.99. The dealer wanted $16.99. Back in my E60 days I got two remote batteries for free from the dealer while under warranty. Times do change.

If anyone was wondering, I tried the remote (with the battery completely removed) as outlined above against the column and the car started instantly so the concept does work.

ezmaass · 02-14-2016, 08:47 PM

I enjoy the convenience of keyless/comfort access and push button start on my DD... especially when it's rainy or bad weather, key is buried somewhere in my pockets, etc.

But those commenting about the downsides are also right, too - these systems aren't perfect, and sometimes the KISS principle applies in the world of technology.

From an enthusiast point of view, it's also just another step that's eroding motoring in my eyes. Add it to fake engine noises, overly invasive electronics, and what-not. I've had push-button start now since 2007 on all of my DD's... and you can easily forget how special it feels to insert a key, twist it, feel that resistance in the column, hold it as the starter cranks and brings the engine to life...

No, it may not be as convenient, but it feels much more "connected" to me and adds to the experience when you fire-up an engine. That said, I'd continue to opt for the comfort access and keyless start technology on a DD... for obvious convenience.

snowmuch · 02-19-2016, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mko9

Hmm, that seems like a lot of design and engineering effort to overcome a dead battery. Maybe they could have designed some kind of piece of metal that you could stick into a slot and turn to make the car start. It would have to have some kind of pattern cut into it so that you couldn't steal someone else's car. If only such a technology existed...

You know, why build a internal combustion engine and refine gasoline when you can just get a horse and feed it grass and water

mko9 · 02-20-2016, 08:29 AM

Yeah, because that is totally the same thing.

02-13-2016, 12:36 AM	#1
Bmw doubles Dream crusher 984 Rep 2,421 Posts Drives: Fast Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: westside iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 535 [0.00]	Key icon on steering column, huh? Does anyone know what this key icon on the steering column is for? Attached Images __________________ 535i MIssion Performance, PS2, Helix HPFP Kit, Wagner FMIC, Spec 3 clutch, Steel SMF, Wolf Racing CP, UUC SSK, GFB dv, SprintBooster, Custom Dynomax Exhaust, M5 Sways, Eibach OE Springs, Koni Sports Adjustable, Custom Short Ram CAI IG: @bmwdoubles
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02-13-2016, 01:32 AM	#2
andrewtanko Private 24 Rep 72 Posts Drives: 2011 550i Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: SWFL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 550i [0.00]	In case the battery in your remote is low and the car won't start, you'll get a Check Control message. You can hold the end of your key fob to that icon on the steering column and press the start button within 10 seconds while pressing the brake and your car will start.
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02-13-2016, 02:20 AM	#4
VB5ER Second Lieutenant 175 Rep 257 Posts Drives: Space Grey 2011 535i Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	What up dubs. I'm pretty sure that is where you hold your key fob to start the car if the fob battery dies. You can download this manual to your phone for the 5 series.
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02-13-2016, 02:22 AM	#5
VB5ER Second Lieutenant 175 Rep 257 Posts Drives: Space Grey 2011 535i Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	/ Attached Images
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02-13-2016, 03:08 AM	#6
lsturbointeg Lieutenant General 9159 Rep 14,521 Posts Drives: 2011 535i Jet Black Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Asian lost in OH iTrader: (0)	When my BMW Rep was showing the features on the car he explained pretty much what Andrew and VB5ER said __________________ ~F90Conversion~21"3Piece Forged AvantGardeWheels~KWV1Coilovers~CQUENCE slotted/drilled rotors~GoodridgeStainlesslines~MeisterschaftQuadEx haust~Akrapovic 4"tips~VRSF DP~VRSF CP~TurboSmart BOV~K&N filter~CarbonFiberExteriorComponents~GladenAlphaCo mponents~MatchUp7BMW~Punch P300-12T~ Follow me on Instagram: lsturbointeg
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02-13-2016, 08:15 AM	#8
mko9 Second Lieutenant 56 Rep 244 Posts Drives: '11 535i Join Date: May 2014 Location: Yorktown, VA iTrader: (1)	Hmm, that seems like a lot of design and engineering effort to overcome a dead battery. Maybe they could have designed some kind of piece of metal that you could stick into a slot and turn to make the car start. It would have to have some kind of pattern cut into it so that you couldn't steal someone else's car. If only such a technology existed... __________________ Mike '04 330i ZHP '11 535i
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02-13-2016, 11:17 AM	#11
535MSport Private 18 Rep 74 Posts Drives: 2013 MSport 535- on the way Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southeast iTrader: (0)	it is also how vehicle info is transferred to the key so the dealer can read its status
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02-13-2016, 12:27 PM	#12
Hasser Major 447 Rep 1,161 Posts Drives: 2014 F10 M5 Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Isle of Man iTrader: (0)	RTFM!!! __________________ 2014 M5 1990 E30 318i Touring 1999 E38 728i -sold M235i - sold Activehybrid 5 - sold
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02-13-2016, 01:48 PM	#13
ezaircon4jc Major General 4484 Rep 5,366 Posts Drives: 2019 540i M Sport Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: San Diego iTrader: (0)	It's also where one programs a new remote.
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02-14-2016, 12:46 PM	#17
Gilgorm Second Lieutenant 24 Rep 237 Posts Drives: 2018 640i Xdrive GT Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (0)	My remote battery died this week. When I got a new battery (CR2450) at a local shop the cost was $6.99. The dealer wanted $16.99. Back in my E60 days I got two remote batteries for free from the dealer while under warranty. Times do change. If anyone was wondering, I tried the remote (with the battery completely removed) as outlined above against the column and the car started instantly so the concept does work. __________________ 2018 640ix GT; Alpine White, Blk Nappa, Piano; M-sport, Premium (Ceramic, SIRIUS, Soft-close, Vent/Massage Comfort seats, Surround, Sunshades, Parking Ass't), Advanced Driver Ass't (Lane keep, Steering/Lane control, Cross traffic, ACC with Stop/Go), Smartphone, Tint. Retired: 78 300D, 81 300SD, 87 190E, 88 Porsche 924, 89 260E, 93 300E, 97 Volvo 850, 98 E320, 03 BMW 325iT, 02 C230 Sport Coupe, 08 BMW 535i, 12 BMW 535i X-drive
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02-14-2016, 08:47 PM	#18
ezmaass Lieutenant Colonel 373 Rep 1,698 Posts Drives: '17 650xi GC / '15 Audi R8 V10 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	I enjoy the convenience of keyless/comfort access and push button start on my DD... especially when it's rainy or bad weather, key is buried somewhere in my pockets, etc. But those commenting about the downsides are also right, too - these systems aren't perfect, and sometimes the KISS principle applies in the world of technology. From an enthusiast point of view, it's also just another step that's eroding motoring in my eyes. Add it to fake engine noises, overly invasive electronics, and what-not. I've had push-button start now since 2007 on all of my DD's... and you can easily forget how special it feels to insert a key, twist it, feel that resistance in the column, hold it as the starter cranks and brings the engine to life... No, it may not be as convenient, but it feels much more "connected" to me and adds to the experience when you fire-up an engine. That said, I'd continue to opt for the comfort access and keyless start technology on a DD... for obvious convenience. __________________ 2017 BMW 650xi Gran Coupe \| MSport \| Exec Package \| Driver Assist Plus \| ACC Stop & Go \| Adaptive Drive \| B&O \| Night Vision \| Cold Weather \| Active Seats 2015 Audi R8 V10 \| Brilliant Red on Black \| S-Tronic \| Carbon Sideblades \| Carbon Trim \| Full Leather \| Sport Exhaust \| Illuminated Doorsills \| I-Pod \| Contrast Stitching Previous: '14 550xi, '07 335i, '01 325i
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02-20-2016, 08:29 AM	#20
mko9 Second Lieutenant 56 Rep 244 Posts Drives: '11 535i Join Date: May 2014 Location: Yorktown, VA iTrader: (1)	Yeah, because that is totally the same thing. __________________ Mike '04 330i ZHP '11 535i
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