Start the engine without the key fob inserted
 

Six months into owning the 2012 E70 (without comfort access) I found out I could start the engine without the key inserted in the key slot.
It happened today when I parked, removed the key, and seconds later I decided to restart the engine. In my rush I didn't realize I was holding the key in one hand while with the other hand I cranked the engine. I was puzzled.
Did a few tests and noticed there are about 6-7 seconds after you remove the key when you can start the engine without the key in the key slot. Is there any a way to make this a permanent "feature"?

If you can turn from 0 to 1 position the lock is broken (but not a big deal). The sensor chip should have up to a foot of range. My dads truck the lock cylinder took a shit and self destructed (it sucked several of the springs and pins into the cylinder. When I disassembled to pull out the chewed up bits I took out all the Lins before reassembly. He was able to start the car if the key was within about a foot of the lock cylinder which of course no longer needed a key to turn. You might be able to do the same.



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Huh? Never seen a 2012 with an ignition lock cylinder.

PO stated "without comfort access". aka CA. What am I missing here?

Edit: Weird, responses are coming and going. I guess people are re-reading original message and deleting response. Oh well!

No way to make it permanent; it's a weird feature where you can restart the car without having the key inserted as long as you don't open the door. Had the same feature with my non comfort access 2006 E90 325xi and 330i.

this is a known trick, you must press the start button within 1-2 seconds of removing the key.
works on E9x 3 series too from experience

I do this every morning so my car can warm up locked with the key out. I've found on my e90 that if I put the key in the slot, turn it on but not start, take the key out, then start it works every time. If you open a door it kills the trick, but rest assured someone can't just jump in and start you car if it's unlocked.

Dang, I've had 4 BMW's in the past six years but I had no idea you can start it without the key.

I've had 2 x5s both of them start with the key in hand or pocket with push to start... I wasn't aware they had to be in the slot... One was a 2007 the other 2009

Maybe you had CA?

This is an awesome trick! I was doing this all day today. There has to be some coding that can make this permanent...hmmm

Maybe, both models have keyless entry, pano roof, one had rear entertainment and cooled/heated seats.

To be honest I bought them at auction for myself to drive. And fell in love with with x5's