Comfort access system

[plien69]

Originally Posted by chriskurn

The point is you have a choice. Use touch or the keyfab depending on what's in your hands.

Yeah, I guess that's true. Didn't think about that. Thanks!

[imported_sbw]

Yes, it is worth it. I have it on my '06 330i and love it. I never have to take my key out of my pocket. BMW should make Comfort Access standard — lesser automakers like Nissan already do.

Maybe in a couple years BMW will make it standard.

[Mad Dragon]

Retrofitting CA will cost a lot more than just ordering it with the car. The door handles alone are at least $500 each, and there are several other components it needs... not to mention programming... new keys... etc.$500 is a bargain for this feature.

[Spook]

I didn't get because $500 was too much for a minor convenience I'm already used to living without.

[imported_Katera]

Originally Posted by chriskurn

You simply touch the door handle to lock or unlock. The point is you have a choice. Use touch or the keyfab depending on what's in your hands. In the winter try reaching into your jacket with gloves on to unlock the car? No thanks.

I like the fact that nothing is hanging out of my dash (aka a key)

That actually brings up a good point. Without something hanging out of the dash, it takes of away the chance of a key ring loaded with keys banging on the dash.

[spudw]

Originally Posted by Katera

That actually brings up a good point. Without something hanging out of the dash, it takes of away the chance of a key ring loaded with keys banging on the dash.

Which is good news for all those BMW-driving janitors...:biggrin:

[ChrisK]

Originally Posted by Katera

That actually brings up a good point. Without something hanging out of the dash, it takes of away the chance of a key ring loaded with keys banging on the dash.

I like the way you think! :drinking:

[asv]

Its definitely worth it. I would highly recommend getting comfort access.

[jeremyc74]

Originally Posted by Spook

I didn't get because $500 was too much for a minor convenience I'm already used to living without.

People once said the same thing about all new technologies. Headlights probably got the same comment when they came out.

"My horse doesn't have any fancy lights on it...why would a car need them!" :biggrin:

Same thing with cell phones. It's a little pricey, but it's a nice feature that once you're used to using you won't want to live without.

[spudw]

^ People didn't start carrying cell phones on any grand scale until the cost came into line with the benefit. 42" plasma HDTVs are commonplace now because they're $1,000 instead of $4,000. I'd hate to live without either, but I never thought that when they were overpriced.

CA is a good feature, but it's overpriced. Pretty much everyone will love it when the cost comes into line with the benefit.

[joelk]

Originally Posted by spudwest

^ People didn't start carrying cell phones on any grand scale until the cost came into line with the benefit. 42" plasma HDTVs are commonplace now because they're $1,000 instead of $4,000. I'd hate to live without either, but I never thought that when they were overpriced.

CA is a good feature, but it's overpriced. Pretty much everyone will love it when the cost comes into line with the benefit.

nope i disagree. i'd gladly more. your sense of value isn't necessarily the same as others (e.g. me).

[Robert]

Interesting notes on my CA:

My trunk doesn't auto unlock from time to time. (not sure why)
CA system goes haywire when you are washin the car with a hose. I think the water pressure and the close proximity of the key confuse the hell out of it.

[Oregon]

Originally Posted by chriskurn

You simply touch the door handle to lock or unlock. The point is you have a choice. Use touch or the keyfab depending on what's in your hands. In the winter try reaching into your jacket with gloves on to unlock the car? No thanks.

I like the fact that nothing is hanging out of my dash (aka a key)

Ditto. CA FTW.:wink:

[looking]

I also thought it was gimmicky until I had the equivalent on a G35x. I really think it's truly one of the greatest convenience feature to be add to a car in recent times, the integrated garage opener being another. This feature is easy to brush off, but if you can afford it - get it.

In terms of touching the door handle, on the G35 there a button on the handle that you push, I'm pretty sure it's the same way on BMWs. Now the system isn't totally hands free, you do need to push the button. But, you'd be surprised how many times pressing a button on the door is way more convenient then reaching into your pockets to get at you key fob.

[ChesterDog]

Originally Posted by robert

Interesting notes on my CA:

My trunk doesn't auto unlock from time to time. (not sure why)
CA system goes haywire when you are washin the car with a hose. I think the water pressure and the close proximity of the key confuse the hell out of it.

You need the fob very close to the trunk when you try to open it. If it's in a pocket that is facing away from the car, it can be too far. Plus, it helps to just 'hold' the release button/handle for a moment to give it time to operate, I've found. I mean, keep it pressed for a second or two.

[rks1222]

Originally Posted by plien69

Do you have to touch the door handle to lock, or will it lock automatically once the fob goes "out of range?"

I read the thread and didn't see an answer to this. Did I miss it? I'd happily let the door stay unlocked until I'm out of range if this works.

[sethchan]

Let's see, 500 bucks. My first car was a 10-year old 1600 that I drove for another 10 years. So, if I have this car for 10 years, CA will cost me 50 bucks a year. Fifty bucks for something that makes getting into the car a bit nicer several times every single single day for 10 years....

Tough decision.

[Metallic135i]

Originally Posted by spudwest

^ People didn't start carrying cell phones on any grand scale until the cost came into line with the benefit. 42" plasma HDTVs are commonplace now because they're $1,000 instead of $4,000. I'd hate to live without either, but I never thought that when they were overpriced.

CA is a good feature, but it's overpriced. Pretty much everyone will love it when the cost comes into line with the benefit.

Good call, I agree...too bad BMW options don't come into line with what's considered "normal pricing" for most things...I mean $600USD for a private label version of a garmin that usually costs $150? c'mon....

[Metallic135i]

Originally Posted by sethchan

Let's see, 500 bucks. My first car was a 10-year old 1600 that I drove for another 10 years. So, if I have this car for 10 years, CA will cost me 50 bucks a year. Fifty bucks for something that makes getting into the car a bit nicer several times every single single day for 10 years....

Tough decision.

Ha yes but when you were 16, driving the same car for 10 years was probably more out of necessity than choice....I'm sure you've come a long way financially since then - i know i have

[jeremyc74]

Originally Posted by Metallic135i

Good call, I agree...too bad BMW options don't come into line with what's considered "normal pricing" for most things...I mean $600USD for a private label version of a garmin that usually costs $150? c'mon....

That model is actually more like $400, but you're right that things are a little more expensive than they should be.


I look at the alternative though. I want Comfort Access on the car, and adding it aftermarket will be a PITA, and it won't integrate as well. So there goes $500. :iono:

[john970]

Originally Posted by Metallic135i

Ha yes but when you were 16, driving the same car for 10 years was probably more out of necessity than choice....I'm sure you've come a long way financially since then - i know i have

Car is worth more, so if he keeps it 6 years, might still only cost 50/mo. I think this is a cool gee-whiz feature that makes selling the car easier.

And I bet he didn't get a $40,000 car when he was 16...

20 years on a car? Thats impressive... I'm sure you were best friends w/ your mechanic.

[nordique14]

Originally Posted by Zuzu

I also have ordered comfort access. With the convertible it also opens and closes the roof remotely. A great accessory for the vert.

I specifically didn’t get it because it will lower (or raise) the top. My keys end up on the dresser in the bedroom which is right above the garage. If something happens to press the button then the top will go up or down when I don’t want it to? Can’t say I think that is great idea.