[BatMeoW]

Just noticed that I can open this key fob as well to find a physical key in there. The cover seems very flimsy and delicate and key also looks “naked“ 😄. My X3 key looked and felt better. Though, of course, it’s best if you don’t find yourself needing the key in the first place.

[Marty in NY]

Originally Posted by BatMeoW

Just noticed that I can open this key fob as well to find a physical key in there. The cover seems very flimsy and delicate and key also looks “naked“ 😄. My X3 key looked and felt better. Though, of course, it’s best if you don’t find yourself needing the key in the first place.

It does appear cheap/flimsy but at the end of the day, the physical key will probably only be used once or twice during ownership and in most cases, the fob just lives its life in a pocket or purse. I cannot recall ever using the physical key in any of my BMW's except one 1994 model. With the advent of digital keys, the designers had the opportunity to lighten the weight of the fob, figuring many will just leave it at home.

In contrast, here's mine from my '21 40i. The fob and key do appear more robust.

.

[MADBMWX5MC]

Marty, good point, I think the Fob concept was introduced and I have owned cars with them, I have never, ever used the physical key.

[matowi]

Originally Posted by Marty in NY

It does appear cheap/flimsy but at the end of the day, the physical key will probably only be used once or twice during ownership and in most cases, the fob just lives its life in a pocket or purse. I cannot recall ever using the physical key in any of my BMW's except one 1994 model. With the advent of digital keys, the designers had the opportunity to lighten the weight of the fob, figuring many will just leave it at home.

In contrast, here's mine from my '21 40i. The fob and key do appear more robust.

.

This looks like my fob I had for the 7-series. It was way more robust, and felt heavier/more substantial in the hand. Had some premium aspects to it. The LCI fob I got for the X5 seems cheap in comparison. Also, I am not a fan of the choice they made to locate the main functional buttons on the side rather than on the top face as in the previous fob generation. I understand the need for change and progress, but why change a perfectly fine fob into something that adds no value?...

[MystroX5]

The new key fobs are a step down.

[11001X101]

My wife needed to lock her glovebox and asked me how. What in the ***! I don't have issues with the new shape but this new fob sure is flimsy, cheap and... weird when you need to get that key. It looks as if you're not supposed to open it, aka. "naked". Lol. Pre LCI's sure is more solid and practical. MB's is also nice/easy to get to too. Tesla's is the best.

[eelnoraa]

Originally Posted by MADBMWX5MC

Marty, good point, I think the Fob concept was introduced and I have owned cars with them, I have never, ever used the physical key.

Wow, you made me feel I am very old.

[MADBMWX5MC]

Originally Posted by eelnoraa

Wow, you made me feel I am very old.

Age is just a number...I heard that somewhere....tell that to my knees, back and hips....

[BatMeoW]

Originally Posted by Marty in NY

In contrast, here's mine from my '21 40i. The fob and key do appear more robust.

This is how my X3 key looked. Certainly felt much better in hand.

[BatMeoW]

Originally Posted by matowi

Also, I am not a fan of the choice they made to locate the main functional buttons on the side rather than on the top face as in the previous fob generation. I understand the need for change and progress, but why change a perfectly fine fob into something that adds no value?...

I think there’s a reason to that. With the previous key fob, people have had incidents of accidentally pressing the buttons with the key in their pocket, myself included. With buttons moved to the side, I guess it needs to be more intentional now and fewer accidental clicks with fob in pocket. Though, of course, now when you do need to use it, it’s not as convenient.

[G05BMWFNG]

I appreciate the lightness of the new fob- but it’s too light to feel substantial- and I really the dislike shiny black plastic that scratches if you give it side eye.

[Rob_G77]

Originally Posted by matowi

This looks like my fob I had for the 7-series. It was way more robust, and felt heavier/more substantial in the hand. Had some premium aspects to it. The LCI fob I got for the X5 seems cheap in comparison. Also, I am not a fan of the choice they made to locate the main functional buttons on the side rather than on the top face as in the previous fob generation. I understand the need for change and progress, but why change a perfectly fine fob into something that adds no value?...

Cheaper models get cheaper key fobs. A higher end 8 series has a very nice key fob that is all metal.

I like the pre-LCI fobs. Of course if BMW can cheap out, cut corners, save a penny, they will.

I use digital key all the time now, so I guess it doesn't matter.

Rob

[BatMeoW]

I always carry a key fob and while inconsequential, I would appreciate a better feeling key fob. Certainly it’s all cost cutting and probably to someone not having seen previous key fob, it might be just as good.

[matowi]

Originally Posted by Rob_G77

Cheaper models get cheaper key fobs. A higher end 8 series has a very nice key fob that is all metal.

I like the pre-LCI fobs. Of course if BMW can cheap out, cut corners, save a penny, they will.

I use digital key all the time now, so I guess it doesn't matter.

Rob

Doesn’t the new 7 get a fob identical to X5 LCI?…