Key Fob Working distance question

[GoVols!]

How far away from your X can you be and have the key fob still unlock/lock the doors?

I ask because mine(BD August '09) has never worked more than 20 feet or so away(30 if I put it against my head while pressing the button). Seems very weak. Most every other car Ive driven with keyless entry works from across the parking lot.

[Retired Profile]

I find it varies greatly, depending on who knows what! The furthest distance for me has been about 10 metres, the shortest...standing right at the back of the X5!

[Armand]

15-20 feet is about right for my '10. Hasn't been a problem for me.

[London Lad]

Clear line of sight with brand new battery I get about 30 feet on the key fob but 150 feet + with the Aux heater fob.

I think BMW restricted the key fobs when they introduced the remote window, sun roof and tailgate closing. The theory being you should be near enough to see the car to avoid closing a window etc on someone. Its a bit belt and braces as the windows have an anti trap feature anyway.

[motordavid]

On our ol' 2001, I have always been amazed by the distance the key works:
clear line of sight, key tucked under my chin to focus the microwave bouncing
off my skull, and it works 50+ yds away!
Maybe it's my knucklehead skull.
GL, mD

[blktoptrvl]

Most days, in most lots, I am lucky if I can get it to trigger at 30 feet.

Yet at the same time, when in my office 5 stories up and the car 70 feet from the building, (and not running the power through my bones) it will trigger with no problem.

Line of sight seems to be the limiting factor.