Are you just happy to see me or is that a key fob in your pocket?

visor · 11-03-2005, 03:12 AM

Just wondering if anyone finds the key fob unnecessarily big and thick, like me. Well, not like me

... you know what I mean...

It's nice and wonderful and hi-tech and all that for BMW to design a key that stores car related data and links with comfort access, but did they have to make it so darn bulky?

Couldn't it be the same size as the previous E46 key?

On a related note, I wonder if the key also stores possibly self-incriminating data like max speed, max rpm, over-rev conditions, dsc data. Most likely. It already stores user preferences etc, and can be used by the BMW tech to "read" when and what your next service should be.

Can you imagine? You don't even need an OBD tool to hookup to the car. I wonder how much of these data is protected by civil rights. Especially data pre and post accident. Already the insurance companies can access the blackbox data in the ECU for adjusting insurance claims.

lux.sh · 11-03-2005, 03:28 AM

I do find bmw key fob to be bulky also. but its pretty, so i'll let that one go.

Have you guys seen Mazda MX5's keyfob? its a bit wider and longer, but its credit card size thin. I thought that was nice.

ase2dais · 11-03-2005, 05:17 AM

I find the fob just right size plus I feel it is elegant. I smile when I have it in my hand and see it, my worries go away, for it reminds me of the joy rides it brings.

natalia · 11-03-2005, 07:04 AM

I didn't think that the data was actually stored in the key. My assumption is that it is stored in the car somewhere and is accessed by the key.

TECENG · 11-03-2005, 07:51 AM

I also think the key is a bit too large. I only have 3 other keys on my key ring and I do get looks from the ladies....

bzzbenz · 11-03-2005, 07:53 AM

I think the size is just right... It looks cool too...

davinet78 · 11-03-2005, 08:16 AM

for me its a good size and looks very nice also
so no complaints to me

afocoryw20 · 11-03-2005, 08:52 AM

I keep mine in the little pocket on the right side of jeans. It's a perfect fit and doesn't bother me when I sit down. I never notice it and it never falls out

saalim · 11-03-2005, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bzzbenz

I think the size is just right... It looks cool too...

Ditto.

Jesse Wilson · 11-03-2005, 09:13 AM

I think if it were smaller it would be akward. I like the size in comparison with my large hands. I don't want to get carpletunnel from starting my car everyday.

Jesse

underDAWG · 11-03-2005, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by visor

JI wonder how much of these data is protected by civil rights. Especially data pre and post accident. Already the insurance companies can access the blackbox data in the ECU for adjusting insurance claims.

I think you are thinking too much

Bimmerista · 11-03-2005, 10:07 AM

The key fob is I think ok. My Audi key was thicker and more uncomfortable. And my bro-in-law has a Volvo, his (fob) is Huge, longer by half and bulkier too.

Our fob is OK.

As for Big Brother - I think that for privacy law/litigation issues what is stored is only the last 20 seconds or so, so that in an accident, the cops could get certain parameters, such as speed etc., but I am not even sure of that.
Overall, don't worry, just don't redline EVERY day

BMWMTL514 · 11-03-2005, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bimmerista

And my bro-in-law has a Volvo, his (fob) is Huge, longer by half and bulkier too.

That would be me he is talking about...

I'm surprised you would admit here in a public forum that mine is bigger then yours !

Meatnog · 11-03-2005, 10:19 AM

Well, consider this:

Usually, for most cars, you have a wireless entry thing and a car key. Frequently the car key is also large and has the top coated in a nice rubbery plastic.

The fob is definately larger than either of those, but I just compared it to an old set of keys from my last car (which I forgot to turn in, whoops), and it is actually thinner than the key+wireless stacked, it is less long than the key. Ergo, it is actually smaller in my pocket!

Broken1 · 11-03-2005, 11:06 AM

I don't mind the size of my fob at all :-) it goes into my pocket and stays there (unless my pants are being washed - then I take it out)

No one even see's the lovely key ring I have - but I know it's there - and that's what counts!

Oz · 11-03-2005, 11:16 AM

I like it a lot. I bought the the BMW key chain with 3 and it looks better now

3aficionado · 11-03-2005, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lux.sh

I do find bmw key fob to be bulky also. but its pretty, so i'll let that one go.

Have you guys seen Mazda MX5's keyfob? its a bit wider and longer, but its credit card size thin. I thought that was nice.

For years Mercedes has a "Keyless Go" system that uses a "SmartKey" which is a wallet sized credit card. Its the best design I have used yet. I'm always carrying a credit card and drivers license with the SmartKey. Whether they are in my wallet, pocket or fiances purse I don't notice the unobtrusive SmartKey.

I like BMWs key fob look but wish thay had a credit card sized option for ComfortAccess. Unfortunately I feel this is one area where MB did it first and best.

Broken1 · 11-03-2005, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3aficionado

For years Mercedes has a "Keyless Go" system that uses a "SmartKey" which is a wallet sized credit card. Its the best design I have used yet. I'm always carrying a credit card and drivers license with the SmartKey. Whether they are in my wallet, pocket or fiances purse I don't notice the unobtrusive SmartKey.

I like BMWs key fob look but wish thay had a credit card sized option for ComfortAccess. Unfortunately I feel this is one area where MB did it first and best.

However Mercedes Benz has had endless problems with their keyless go system - where it fails for no particular reason

3aficionado · 11-03-2005, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Broken1

However Mercedes Benz has had endless problems with their keyless go system - where it fails for no particular reason

I can only speak from experience with 2 family members, a friend and my fiances car. None of them have had problems with KeylessGo. Maybe MB has worked out all the issues or everyone I know has been very lucky.

I still wish BMW had the key fob for regular (key in dash) driving and a credit card sized SmartKey for use of the CA option. The SmartKey is so unobtrusive as compared to the larger BMW key fob.

northerncalguy · 11-03-2005, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by visor

On a related note, I wonder if the key also stores possibly self-incriminating data like max speed, max rpm, over-rev conditions, dsc data. Most likely. It already stores user preferences etc, and can be used by the BMW tech to "read" when and what your next service should be.

Can you imagine? You don't even need an OBD tool to hookup to the car. I wonder how much of these data is protected by civil rights. Especially data pre and post accident. Already the insurance companies can access the blackbox data in the ECU for adjusting insurance claims.

While I was sitting at my CA's desk, I noticed a little key fob reader. I asked him about the device and he said that it was used to read mileage and other information. I assume that somewhere in the ECU all of our car data are stored in some form.

LEDZEP · 11-03-2005, 01:02 PM

Size doesn't matter.

Squawks · 11-03-2005, 01:32 PM

It's not the size of the ship that counts, but the motion of the ocean.

11-03-2005, 03:12 AM	#1
visor BMW, can I have some LSD please? 88 Rep 1,591 Posts Drives: 2017 F30 340i xDrive Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Vancouver, Canada iTrader: (0)	Are you just happy to see me or is that a key fob in your pocket? Just wondering if anyone finds the key fob unnecessarily big and thick, like me. Well, not like me ... you know what I mean... It's nice and wonderful and hi-tech and all that for BMW to design a key that stores car related data and links with comfort access, but did they have to make it so darn bulky? Couldn't it be the same size as the previous E46 key? On a related note, I wonder if the key also stores possibly self-incriminating data like max speed, max rpm, over-rev conditions, dsc data. Most likely. It already stores user preferences etc, and can be used by the BMW tech to "read" when and what your next service should be. Can you imagine? You don't even need an OBD tool to hookup to the car. I wonder how much of these data is protected by civil rights. Especially data pre and post accident. Already the insurance companies can access the blackbox data in the ECU for adjusting insurance claims. __________________ 2006 330i \| TiAg \| Black \| Al \| 6MT \| Sports Package \| Logic 7 retired 2008 335i \| AW \| Black \| Al \| 6MT \| Sports Package \| Logic 7 retired 2013 328xi \| Red \| Gray \| Al \| 8AT \| Sports Line \| Premium \| Executive \| Heat Pkg retired 2017 340i xDrive \| Estoril \| Black \| Al \| 8AT \| M Package
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11-03-2005, 03:28 AM	#2
lux.sh missing two turbos. 577 Rep 4,859 Posts Drives: fast around corners. Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Curves iTrader: (12) Garage List 2006 BMW E90 330i [0.00]	I do find bmw key fob to be bulky also. but its pretty, so i'll let that one go. Have you guys seen Mazda MX5's keyfob? its a bit wider and longer, but its credit card size thin. I thought that was nice. __________________ 06 AW E90 330i ZPP/ZSP/Step/Expired Warranty : Prior Design Front : ACS Rear : ACS Roof : BlackLines : Simota Intake : Carbon Fiber Interior Trim : : MTEC V3 : 24% Charcoal : V1 Hardwired : Solaris Invisibulbs/LED interior :
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11-03-2005, 05:17 AM	#3
ase2dais //Mdicted 347 Rep 9,988 Posts Drives: a Cop Magnet Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: 495 Ring iTrader: (18) Garage List 2009 e92 M3 DCT CF ... [10.00] 2015 S-Works Roubaix [0.00] 2013 Trek Madone 5.9 [9.50] 2012 Scott - CR1-Pro [10.00] 2008 e92 M3 6MT (Up ... [10.00] 2002 e46 M3 Cabriol ... [7.00] 2006 e90-325i (DD) [7.00] 2002 e39 M5 (retired) [9.50]	I find the fob just right size plus I feel it is elegant. I smile when I have it in my hand and see it, my worries go away, for it reminds me of the joy rides it brings. __________________ Oo\(lll)'(lll)/oO : 2009-e92 ///M3 SpaceGry DCT CF Rf/Trim ZTP ZPP ZCW Sat/PrmSd : \_lOOl___lOOl_/<< Clickies
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11-03-2005, 07:04 AM	#4
natalia Second Lieutenant 14 Rep 266 Posts Drives: Not a BMW Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Raleigh, NC iTrader: (0)	I didn't think that the data was actually stored in the key. My assumption is that it is stored in the car somewhere and is accessed by the key.
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11-03-2005, 07:51 AM	#5
TECENG Second Lieutenant 6 Rep 260 Posts Drives: 330i SG/Terra Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Northern CA iTrader: (0)	I also think the key is a bit too large. I only have 3 other keys on my key ring and I do get looks from the ladies.... __________________ Now I don't mind the commute 330i Sparkling Graphite \| Terra \| Walnut \| Steptronic \| Sport \| Premium \| Navigation \| Comfort Access \| Cold Weather Pkg
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11-03-2005, 07:53 AM	#6
bzzbenz First Lieutenant 19 Rep 368 Posts Drives: 2011 E93 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Orange County iTrader: (0)	I think the size is just right... It looks cool too... __________________ \| 2006 325i \| Jet Black \| Black ette \| 6spd manual\| Nav \| Xenon \| Burl \| Chrome Tips \| 545 sport wheels \| Blacklines\| \|DOB 6/2/05\|Delivered 7/14/05 \|
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11-03-2005, 08:16 AM	#7
davinet78 Lieutenant Colonel 28 Rep 1,832 Posts Drives: bmw e90 320d Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: gibraltar(europe) iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 bmw 320d E90 [0.00]	for me its a good size and looks very nice also so no complaints to me __________________ e90 320d,arktis,lumber support, hifi speaker, alarm, dakota beige, 162 18", xenon with washer spray,window chrome trimmings, professional radio, 6 cd changer wood trimmings 6 speed manual.
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11-03-2005, 08:52 AM	#8
afocoryw20 Lieutenant 12 Rep 456 Posts Drives: X3 + 325xi Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: New Jerz iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325XI [0.00] 2005 X3 [0.00] 1990 Mercedes Benz ... [0.00]	I keep mine in the little pocket on the right side of jeans. It's a perfect fit and doesn't bother me when I sit down. I never notice it and it never falls out
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11-03-2005, 09:13 AM	#10
Jesse Wilson Lieutenant 12 Rep 409 Posts Drives: 2006 325I Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Tempe, AZ iTrader: (2)	I think if it were smaller it would be akward. I like the size in comparison with my large hands. I don't want to get carpletunnel from starting my car everyday. Jesse
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11-03-2005, 10:07 AM	#12
Bimmerista Major General 82 Rep 5,732 Posts Drives: superstock Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada iTrader: (0)	The key fob is I think ok. My Audi key was thicker and more uncomfortable. And my bro-in-law has a Volvo, his (fob) is Huge, longer by half and bulkier too. Our fob is OK. As for Big Brother - I think that for privacy law/litigation issues what is stored is only the last 20 seconds or so, so that in an accident, the cops could get certain parameters, such as speed etc., but I am not even sure of that. Overall, don't worry, just don't redline EVERY day
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11-03-2005, 10:19 AM	#14
Meatnog Second Lieutenant 7 Rep 202 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Sedan Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Pittsburgh, PA iTrader: (0)	Well, consider this: Usually, for most cars, you have a wireless entry thing and a car key. Frequently the car key is also large and has the top coated in a nice rubbery plastic. The fob is definately larger than either of those, but I just compared it to an old set of keys from my last car (which I forgot to turn in, whoops), and it is actually thinner than the key+wireless stacked, it is less long than the key. Ergo, it is actually smaller in my pocket! __________________ 2006 330i Sedan: Monaco Blue, Beige/Walnut, Premium Package.
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11-03-2005, 11:06 AM	#15
Broken1 Addict 203 Rep 2,074 Posts Drives: 2024 X5 40i M-Sport Join Date: May 2005 Location: Ontario iTrader: (0)	I don't mind the size of my fob at all :-) it goes into my pocket and stays there (unless my pants are being washed - then I take it out) No one even see's the lovely key ring I have - but I know it's there - and that's what counts!
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11-03-2005, 11:16 AM	#16
Oz Lieutenant Colonel 33 Rep 1,770 Posts Drives: 2006 330i, 2004 X5 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Wayne, NJ iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	I like it a lot. I bought the the BMW key chain with 3 and it looks better now __________________ 2006 330i Steptronic/Alpine White/Black Leather/Burl Walnut Trim/Premium Package/iDrive/Heated Seats/Winter: STYLE 159 Blizzak LM-22 RFT/Summer: TBD 2004 X5 Steptronic/Alpine White/Grey Leather/Poplar Trim/Premium Package/Heated Seats/iPod Adapter
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11-03-2005, 01:02 PM	#21
LEDZEP Lieutenant General 417 Rep 12,276 Posts Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Area 51 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 X3 35i M Sport [7.62] 2009 X5 M Sport [0.00] 2007 328xi E90 [0.00] 2006 325xiT E91 [0.00]	Size doesn't matter. __________________ I think it is bad luck to be superstitious
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11-03-2005, 01:32 PM	#22
Squawks One of my two dachshunds: 53 Rep 663 Posts Drives: B6 A4 3.0 Quattro Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Ithaca, NY iTrader: (0)	It's not the size of the ship that counts, but the motion of the ocean.
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