'07 X3 Remote Start

[Winton]

Good Morning,

I just registered and am in the process of ordering an '07 X3. Likely options picks are Premium, Cold weather, Automatic, heated wheel, upgrade headlights and steering system. This is mainly for my wife to drive to work through the rotten northern winters. She's coming out of an '04 Acura TL, great in the summer but worthless on snow or ice even with Bliazzaks.

So I have room to park all my toys in the garage, she parks outside. We had a remote start put on the TL and wife is happy. The local BMW dealer says that that they cannot install a remote on the new X3 and called several of their local shops about installing one to no avail. They finally found someone, but they (dealer) say it has to be a separate deal between me and the installer and that they (dealer) will not stand behind it. This seems pretty risky as I envision being stranded with a smoked computer, and with no warranty coverage.

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

Sorry to have rambled on and if this has already been thrashed out.

Thanks a lot and we can't wait to get in this car/sav/thing/whatever, our first BMW!

[mikemcn]

when she's just about ready, go out there, put the key in, and turn it. or give her some garage space.

best I can offer...

[Penguin]

Never would have thought of that.

[mkranis]

I beleive the reason behind this is that inorder to install a remote starter on a BMW vehicle some of the anti-theft functions that the car has will have to be bypassed by the remote starter. The dealership does not want to be responsible if these functions are disabled. If you do choose to have a third party install a remote starter just make sure they will stand behind their work and ask them if they have ever installed a remote starter on BMW's before.

Enjoy your new car when it arrives.

[DrT]

remote staters waste fuel, energy and may cause engine wear because it needs to idle 2-5 times longer in order to reach normal operating temp. than during normal driving.

In other words, the quickest way for her to get warm is by the seat heaters. They will be warm in about 30-60 seconds while the engine may require upwards of 10-15 minutes to warm-up in sub-zero temps with driving...and ~30 minutes idling....

[Brent_P]

If you can't pre-heat the car, make sure you order the heated steering wheel. It's amazing how holding onto a warm steering wheel makes your entire body feel warm, even though the interior temperature might be -10. It only takes about 15 secs to heat up, as well, so you get instant relief.