[Natemare13]

The key fob I got with my 2024 LCI X5 is not very nice. It's super light and very cheap feeling. it's also unreasonably large. Are there any aftermarket key fobs? For now I'm trying to not use the fob at all but pulling out my phone and opening the BMW app to remote start or lock/unlock is not as fast as pushing a key fob button. Dont get me started on comfort access. Good idea, terrible execution without customizable rules/geofencing/customizable relock timing etc.

[nZtiZia]

i'm getting the impression you bought the wrong vehicle?

we've owned bimmers since 2009 and have experienced all the changes since. are they perfect? no. no vehicle is. maybe over time you'll "learn to love it"... or not. it's just a car. there are others if it doesn't fit your needs or lifestyle

[aaaaaaaaaz]

Most people use phon as main key and key card as backup option, the physical key is no longer relevant

[Cityman]

My two key fobs and card are sitting in my home safe. My apple watch and iphone works great. The fobs are too large to carry in your pants pocket anyway.

[krypttic]

The one time I tried to not bring my keys with me, the car wouldn't lock with my phone or watch! I don't trust not brining my fob now.

[Natemare13]

Originally Posted by nZtiZia

i'm getting the impression you bought the wrong vehicle?

we've owned bimmers since 2009 and have experienced all the changes since. are they perfect? no. no vehicle is. maybe over time you'll "learn to love it"... or not. it's just a car. there are others if it doesn't fit your needs or lifestyle

I like driving the car a lot. It will take some getting used to but I'm liking it more and more every day.

[mushy_musashi]

Originally Posted by krypttic

The one time I tried to not bring my keys with me, the car wouldn't lock with my phone or watch! I don't trust not brining my fob now.

Hasnt happened to me (yet), but i always have the card as an emergency backup. I havent carried the fob since i went home from the dealer.

[bandersen]

Originally Posted by alanzyy

Most people use phon as main key and key card as backup option, the physical key is no longer relevant

Do a poll - I’d bet you’re way, way off.

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by bandersen

Do a poll - I’d bet you’re way, way off.

I would say way, way, way off. Relatively few people do not use the fob.

[Rob_G77]

Originally Posted by TurtleBoy

I would say way, way, way off. Relatively few people do not use the fob.

The older FOB were much nicer, especially the metal ones like for the 8 series. The new ones are cheaper looking and feeling.

I don't use a fob any more. But I definitely keep the card in my wallet as a backup.

Rob

[pixelate]

These fobs are absurdly large and I agree seem too unsubstantial to convey "luxury". On the other hand, I mean, it's just an effing car key so why should I care whether it looks like an expensive accessory.

The BMW faux carbon and faux suede sleeve thingy for it [https://www.shopbmwusa.com/search/82295A56C32] is actually pretty nice! (Though it makes it slightly bigger and thus more ridiculous and even less pants-pocketable. But it feels better to the touch and even has, get this, a loop for attaching a key ring.)

[WagonFan]

Originally Posted by TurtleBoy

I would say way, way, way off. Relatively few people do not use the fob.

A poll would be interesting. Especially for the LCI with Digital Key Plus.

At least I expect to have higher number of enthusiasts here on the forum without a key.

I stopped carrying a key with me within my first two weeks of ownership.

For longer trips I may carry Digital Key Card as backup.

[AvGeek]

I tried the digital key for all of 10 minutes before I deleted it. Car kept trying to unlock every time I walked past with my phone. Once they add the geofence, I'll be 100% on board.

[eluded]

There is a key fob? Of course there is. I did not realize this until I dropped the car off for service and they asked, where is the key, and would not accept my iWatch as a "key'.

I agree, the FOB is pretty large but it looks great in aliexpress wrapped leather. Mine just sit there looking all beautiful and they are only used on long trips or when car is at the dealer, which is a lot since it's a 50e.

Originally Posted by WagonFan

A poll would be interesting. Especially for the LCI with Digital Key Plus.

At least I expect to have higher number of enthusiasts here on the forum without a key.

I stopped carrying a key with me within my first two weeks of ownership.

For longer trips I may carry Digital Key Card as backup.

[BMPHIL]

At least the LCI key fob still has buttons.

[radmjk]

Originally Posted by mushy_musashi

Hasnt happened to me (yet), but i always have the card as an emergency backup. I havent carried the fob since i went home from the dealer.

Me too. I haven’t used the fob but one time since June 2023 and that was to remote start my vehicle because it was convenient at the time.

[aaaaaaaaaz]

Originally Posted by bandersen

Do a poll - I’d bet you’re way, way off.

Would be interested to see. Didn’t know there are so many old school anti tech folks here, but maybe you are right

[aaaaaaaaaz]

Originally Posted by AvGeek

I tried the digital key for all of 10 minutes before I deleted it. Car kept trying to unlock every time I walked past with my phone. Once they add the geofence, I'll be 100% on board.

I was also annoyed by that but my digital phone key and physical key have exact same behavior

[aaaaaaaaaz]

Originally Posted by krypttic

The one time I tried to not bring my keys with me, the car wouldn't lock with my phone or watch! I don't trust not brining my fob now.

That’s why you have the key card as a redundancy. It is not as convenient for everyday use but as a backup it is just fine

[AvGeek]

Originally Posted by alanzyy

I was also annoyed by that but my digital phone key and physical key have exact same behavior

Thing is, first thing I do when I get home is drop my keys on my desk, but I always have my phone on me!

[BlkGS]

Originally Posted by TurtleBoy

I would say way, way, way off. Relatively few people do not use the fob.

Agreed. We are a fob only household.

I wouldn't mind using the card, but I need my keys with me anyways so it's sort of a moot point.

[BlkGS]

Originally Posted by BMPHIL

At least the LCI key fob still has buttons.

Lol. Truth. Only because putting a little LCD would be more expensive.

I wouldn't be surprised to see them cost cut down to giving you only the card and telling you to use your phone soon.