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      07-07-2012, 10:27 AM   #1
elbertc
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where to place your key fob

I'm not sure if this has been posted anywhere previously.

With BMW's new keyless system, there is no slot to place your key anywhere in the car while driving. It seems like the key is meant to be placed in your pocket at all times. I know that previous push-to-start BMWs without the slot in the dash had a little key rest in the center console, but that no longer is the case.

While I accept that keeping the key in the pocket is like a good idea, especially as a security precaution (i.e. car jacking), it's confusing for me because I still have my e87. Many times, I find myself either walking away from the e87 with the key still in the slot (thinking the key is in my pocket), or I hop into the F25 looking for the slot to place the key fob in.

Today, I found a solution without having to modify anything in my car, and I find it to work perfect to my liking and preference.

Simply slide the key in between two of the four spring loaded leaves in the cup holder. There are three positions in the left cup holder to chose from. Of course, this only works if you won't be using the cup holder for, er, cups.



I'm pretty certain this will work in other current BMWs. I hope this helps those seeking an old-school solution, especially those who aren't comfortable with the idea of having the key in the pocket at all times. Feel free to pass the info on.

Thanks.
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      07-07-2012, 11:16 AM   #2
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In my Pocket!
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      07-07-2012, 11:45 AM   #3
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I just use a key ring clip to attach to my pant loop. This will prevent the discomfort of having the FOB in my pocket for long drives and avoid forgetting my keys in the car. Simple and easy to do.

Cost is reasonable too...approx $1.
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      07-07-2012, 02:50 PM   #4
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In shirt pocket or pants but definitely not in the back pocket.
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      07-07-2012, 03:36 PM   #5
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Funny you should post this today. Spent 30 minutes this morning looking for the FOB around the house and in the car. Finally tried starting the car. It started. So I had to search the car again. This time with a flashlight(torch for UK). Found it wedged in the rear part of the front passenger seat and center console. Told my wife that I liked the keyless button start, but this keyless FOB is a pain in the butt compared to her E60 with key slot.
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      07-07-2012, 08:10 PM   #6
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When the fob ain't in my pocket I stick the fob into the thigh extension of the sport seats... It also works for my cell phone.

Too bad it doesn't work too well when i have my wife riding shotgun.
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      07-07-2012, 08:38 PM   #7
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The key sits in a key pouch on my belt right next to the cellphone
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      07-07-2012, 10:46 PM   #8
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Maybe I am confused, but what is the problem with keeping the key in your pocket?
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      07-08-2012, 03:00 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fryguy29 View Post
Maybe I am confused, but what is the problem with keeping the key in your pocket?
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      07-08-2012, 08:13 AM   #10
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I actually encountered an unexpected challenge in this respect. I have the powered tailgate option where you can open it remotely by pressing the button on your key for a few secs. The other day I sat down in the driver's seat and was about to press the start button when suddenly the tailgate lifted (button accidentally pressed in my jeans pocket) and banged into the roof of my garage. Luckily I had thought about something like this could happen and earlier on glued some insulation foam to the roof so my 5-days old X3 came away unscratched. But after this I keep my key out of my pockets and use the, well, key retainer as suggested here.
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      07-08-2012, 10:42 AM   #11
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Just out of curiosity what does the diamond shape button on the key do beneath the tailgate open as I don't have this on my key.
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      07-08-2012, 11:14 AM   #12
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richy577, that is red on my fob and it's used to set off the car alarm.
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      07-08-2012, 11:55 AM   #13
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The button with the diamond icon is multi-functional. The primary purpose is a Panic Button, as lbgjh said. It can also be used to turn the headlamps on as courtesy lighting. The headlamps stay on for whatever time is configured in iDrive.
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      07-08-2012, 12:33 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NordicBMW View Post
?..The other day I sat down in the driver's seat and was about to press the start button when suddenly the tailgate lifted (button accidentally pressed in my jeans pocket) and banged into the roof of my garage. Luckily I had thought about something like this could happen and earlier on glued some insulation foam to the roof so my 5-days old X3 came away unscratched....
I wonder if BMW Genuine Black Leather Key Case Would protect such incidents, though I hate to add any bulk to FOB.
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      07-08-2012, 01:24 PM   #15
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Hmm... Perhaps worthwile trying. My next worry is of course that I'll forget the FOB in the car if I continue using the cup holder for key storage. Anyone out there with suggestions for a pouch/case that will not add significantly to the bulk and still prevent buttons from being pushed accidentally? Is the original BMW leather case the best one around?
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      07-08-2012, 07:55 PM   #16
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I did purchase the Key Fob cover, but it does add bulk while in my pocket. The key chain belt clip is only used when sitting in the car or in a chair. My concern is forgetting the Key Fob and keeping it close with a belt clip or in my pocket would be the least of my worries.
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      07-10-2012, 12:14 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fryguy29 View Post
Maybe I am confused, but what is the problem with keeping the key in your pocket?
Like I said, I have an e87 and it gets confusing for me whenever I switch cars.

Just today, I tried starting my 120d while the key was in my pocket. It's a hassle, because it's not easy to pull the key out of the pocket when already seated.

For someone like me, it just makes more sense to place the key in a slot in the car, as part of routine pattern. It's like brain programming, unconsciously we follow a series of steps.

There is no way I could lock the car with the key in it anyway.

The solution i suggested to start this tread helps me a great deal.

Last edited by elbertc; 07-10-2012 at 10:47 PM..
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      07-10-2012, 12:19 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by slam View Post
I just use a key ring clip to attach to my pant loop. This will prevent the discomfort of having the FOB in my pocket for long drives and avoid forgetting my keys in the car. Simple and easy to do.

Cost is reasonable too...approx $1.
My X3's key actually has a small carabiner which works well with a belt loop. However, I don't really like the idea of having my key dangling for all to see. It's not a look I care for.

Here's a semi-related question though, why did BMW change the size of they key fob? What was wrong with the smaller sized fob that came with the previous generation cars?
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      07-10-2012, 12:27 PM   #19
elbertc
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NordicBMW View Post
Hmm... Perhaps worthwile trying. My next worry is of course that I'll forget the FOB in the car if I continue using the cup holder for key storage. Anyone out there with suggestions for a pouch/case that will not add significantly to the bulk and still prevent buttons from being pushed accidentally? Is the original BMW leather case the best one around?
I thought of that problem, but figured that you can't forget the fob in the car if it is your natural habit to lock the car as you walk away from it.
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      07-10-2012, 01:01 PM   #20
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I guess you are right. It's kind of continuing the same behaviour you're used to with a regular key. But I'd also wish the FOB could have been a bit smaller.
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      07-10-2012, 06:59 PM   #21
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I also hate dangling keys and don't want to be seen as pretentious to drive a BMW. The belt clip is only for sitting in the car. I shove the FOB in my pocket after leaving the car.
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