Hi I am new to the forums- about a month ago I bought a 2006 325xi. The car has a remote control key in which I put it in and press the ignition start button for the car to turn on.

A few days ago I was testing stuff out and realized my button worked without the key in the slot; the key was in my hand therefore making me think it was a proximity key. Well I drove it fine and everything was fine. But the next time I tried to do it it did not work. The truth is it turns into a proximity key about half the time I try! Can someone tell me whats going on?

If you have the Comfort Access option it should work all the time. If you don't, it won't.

Ok well i am not sure if I have Comfort Access, the fact is it does not work all the time. I now realize that it works only after i run the engine with the key in the slot. Then if i turn everything off, and dont exit the car, take the key out, push the start button and it works. I just researched comfort access and read that it comes with LED lights under the door handles - my car has those. Does that mean it has comfort access? If so how come its not sensing proximity key before I start the engine.

Ok well i am not sure if I have Comfort Access, the fact is it does not work all the time. I now realize that it works only after i run the engine with the key in the slot. Then if i turn everything off, and dont exit the car, take the key out, push the start button and it works. I just researched comfort access and read that it comes with LED lights under the door handles - my car has those. Does that mean it has comfort access? If so how come its not sensing proximity key before I start the engine.
That is a feature/bug. I don't believe you have CA. With CA you would be able to open the door without hitting unlock on the keyfob, you just put your thumb on the handle somewhere.

This behavior has been documented before on the forums -- do a search. I think it was if you don't open the doors and turn the car off and take the key out, it will start up again without the key. I wonder if you climb out the window, you could just be leaving your car "unlocked."

I'd bet it is to prevent the idea of the car stalling / shutting off if the comfort fob were to be yanked out somehow. I'm not sure the reason for the behavior.

Comfort access seemed so gimmicky when I got it, but I think it is one of the best purchases / features I have gotten in my lifetime. Just being able to walk into your car whenever - never having to remember of fumble for keys -- excellent. I can't wait until they get the CA as a RFID implant option. (just kidding)

Comfort access seemed so gimmicky when I got it, but I think it is one of the best purchases / features I have gotten in my lifetime. Just being able to walk into your car whenever - never having to remember of fumble for keys -- excellent. I can't wait until they get the CA as a RFID implant option. (just kidding)

I agree. The only problem is now when I get into a traditional keyed car I don't know what I'm doing. I reach for a button on the dash that's not there while the keys are still in my pocket. I then try to step on a non-existent clutch to start the car. :(