Comfort Access - how does memory work?
 

I have a 2007 with comfort access and newish software (just took delivery).

It works. Mostly. But the manual instructions seem to differ from the dealer's instructions, which differ a bit from reality (which seems a bit random).

Specifically: the dealer said to memorize a setting, you (a) must have the key in the slot, not your pocket, (b) press the M button, then (c) press "1" (regardless of which key you use, always press "1").

Seems to work, most of the time. The manual doesn't indicate a need to have the key in the slot. So first question -- does the key have to be in the slot, or just your pocket?

And if not in the slot, then when does it memorize -- do you have to press M+1, or is the act of changing it when using the key enough?

And is it really M+1 for both keys?

Next - it doesn't always work. My wife's was working fine, then about 4 days went by and we went out together, and it didn't do anything when she opened the door. I checked her options, it was HER options (she keeps the unlock to driver's side only, mine is all), but the seat didn't move. So we went through the whole thing again, saved it, and it worked the next day.

Maybe the car is lonely and only remembers you if you drive every couple days? Other theories?

Next - is it supposed to remember the current station tuned in the radio, or just the presets? I need to experiment more carefully, but it seems to SOMETIMES reset the current station, sometimes not. Though perhaps this comes back to the question of when it memorizes a setting -- all the time (last setting), when you press M+1, when you put the key in and press M+1?

Finally -- how does memory work with the PASSENGER side? Does it work at all, or is that one strictly the M+1, M+2 setting and you push the button?

Man you must be a perfetionist. Play with them and see what you can find out. People did post on comfort access on thos forum (use the search option) so may be that will help. They do sometimes reset to default, not exactly sure what causes it. the manual usually just has a minimal 'must know' stuff and it still is a book and half. Ah the joys of driving an x5..

Cheers

I did search, I see some notes about flakey software in late 2006.

Thanks. Will keep experimenting. It's the random aspects that bug me.

Despite only about 6" difference in height, my wife wants her seat about a foot closer to the wheel than I am, and this is my first car with "memory". So am very happy to have it, just want to make it work right.

You didn't have BOTH keys in the car at the same time did you?

Well, yes. One in the passenger seat, one the driver.

It has NINE antennas (OK, four inside), I thought it could tell which key was where.

Not?

It can tell when you are standing just outside without the key inside!

Hmmm.... Have to go experiment some more. Hadn't considered it was confused in that way. I Just read through the documentation on it (those detailed, seeming training manuals posted elsewhere?) and it doesnt' really say whether it can tell which key is where.

Hmmm... interesting.

We had the same question so have been experimenting by opening the car with the button. Will see how it goes.....

Ok, we've been experimenting and you need to let the car know which profile or memory settings to use by unlocking with the remote whose settings you want (ie push the button) even though both keys are present.

You also need to set your climate settings, radio, steering wheel, mirror and seat memory buttons up with your key, and then the other person do the same with their key. The settings are saved for each key so need to be done from scratch, separately.

Items such as radio are simply your last station selected.

Hope this helps

Cheers

Thanks yes. When you save it, does the key have to be in the slot?

I have never had to insert the key in the slot to have it remember my settings. I can imagine that if you have both keys in the car you would want to insert your key in the slot. This way it should discard the other and save everything to your key.

After using the valet key... I have to hit a button on my remote in order to get it to bring back my settings for the first time.

You have to have to the key in the ignition for the setting up only I think as that is what has worked for us.

Then, the key that is used to open the drivers side door via proximity may be enough to activate the settings even though the other key is present (ie without using the button to open). We're playing around with this at the moment.

Cheers