That is different. That is an unlock signal sent by pushing the button. You can do that from 30 ft away. The ignition chip is something different I believe. Just because you unlock the car does not mean the security for the ignition system has been disabled. There may be a short range transmition chip for the ignition as well, that would be the only way keeping the wallet key in the car would make sense. :dunno:

what i tried to explain was that the key does not need to be in the ignition, meaning that the computer can read the chip while the key is some where close to the computer.

We have a Viper remote start on ours - was on the vehicle when we bought it. Works really well (without key in ignition). Using the Viper remote, you press the lock and unlock button at the same time. Range on the remote is about 100 - 200 yards. The car alarm beeps once and the X fires up. While it is sitting there running, the parking lights and dash lights flash every 10 seconds to let you know it is running. Once in the X, you have to insert the key in the ignition and turn it to the "Run" position. Once the X is put into gear, all lights stop flashing.

Do you have to leave a spare key inside the x but not in the ignition?

Can someone please explain how the car memory seat function works with the remote keys?

and how can you program it ?

Thanks,

Ghani

read here

http://www.xoutpost.com/showarticle-85.html
http://www.bmwmotorsports.org/pdf/BM...y%20Memory.pdf
http://www.xoutpost.com/showarticle-120.html

What about those used X keys on ebay... i think the plastic part you can program and use,.. but not the metal part-it was already precut for a diff lock cylinder ( will that solve the security issue?) :dunno:

As far as I'm concerned the "valet key" is cut and is then placed in a module under the dash which is controlled by your remote so that you can remote start the vehicle, this way if somebody tries to use the key that's in the module to drive off with your vehicle it will be impossible. The reason for this is that if the vehicle is running with the remote start it will shut off if you step on the brake to place it in drive unless the actual key is in the ignition!!! At least that's the way it works on my other vehicle (Infinity QX56)!!!!

I am not sure if there is a key hidden in the car or not - we bought the car used and it had the starter already installed. It will definitely start without a key in the ignition though.

I read BMW's response to installing remote starters to a query on another forum and they suggested that installing any remote starter will compromise the security of the car and they do not suggest doing it.