08 CA X5 starts without fob..
 

How is it possible that my vehicle starts without a fob present in the cabin, do all x5's do this? I can unlock and lock with the metal key and start the engine, i am starting to believe the previous owner lost a key fob inside the vehicle since I also keep getting a "remote battery discharged" error on the dash.. Any ideas?

Someone mess with the car and try too jerry-rig a remote start??? Look for hacked up wires, etc.

I would also have a very thorough look through the cabin for a errant key fob...I don't think you would get that remote battery warning if the system had been tampered with. You could try starting the car without your key fob nearby and press the seat memory button and see if the setup alters. Then use your key fob to start the car and do the same. If the result is altered positions on same button then definitely a mystery fob in there somewhere...hardly scientific but it's all I've got.

a hack install of a remote start would be 'tape the fob up under the dash, and_________'...thats what I was thinking

Too right...if it turns out to be something along those lines that'll be one for the record books. PLEASE keep us posted.

What about either checking the number of keys programmed or removing all keys and programming the two that you have? So even if there is another key somewhere, it won't do anything.

Hello, I know it's been a while since I've bumped this thread but I am STILL shocked at how this can happen, about to go to a dealer and have them figure it out but i'm thinking its gonna cost an arm and a leg + new fob with CA.

is there anyway I can figure out if a key is present in the cabin somewhere? I have searched common areas, behind nav screen/climate control unit, inside steering column, underneath seats. no key.....

also every now and then when the car is running and someone closes the door, I get a "Remote Battery Discharged" warning. I have not carried my FOB with me at all while driving, Just the blade itself for locking/unlocking.

Some diagnostic tools should tell if there is a key recognized and the number of the key.

Im shocked it has been ~9 months and you are STILL shocked.

;)

Shocking!

Can you lock the car from the outside using the door handle CA function?

As I recall if the car detects a key in the cabin, I do not think you can lock the car from outside with the CA feature.

There must be a keyfob in the car would be my guess. If you have an addition fob and have it when starting the car, of you get out of the car, or you place the fob outside the car do you get an alarm and notice that the keyfob is out of range? If not, then this keyfob is not being recognized as a primary device.

nope, the CA feature does not work, whether i have my FOB on me or not.... I have no idea where to start looking. lol. and no, I do not get any error like that on iDrive. the fob I have is pretty much useless except for just being recognized in the slot..

If you do not get an error in IDrive when you take the keyfob out of the car, I think you have a spare keyfob somewhere inside the cabin.

I can tell you that under the BMW seats is a black hole like the engine compartment. My wife looses EVERYTHING in her E46. I have to go out with a really good LED flashlight, get on my knees and search underneath the seats from both the front and back side, search carefully between the seats and console and I find ALL sorts of stuff.

Other places to look, in the seat and door pockets, in the rear spare tire well.

What is the history on the car?

How many keyfobs did you get with the car?

Do you think someone attempted to set up a remote starting system in the car at one time?

If you cannot find the keyfob in the car, you can typically turn a key off/ignore it with software. Not sure what software works on the E70, I will to check if Carly for BMW will do this.

The dealer could also do it, but why not just spend the money on Carly and the interface if it will take care of this.

How else is a car cleaned but on ones knees with a flashlight and a flexible vacuum hose?

I just checked on my E70 with Carly for BMW and while there are key options, it does not appear that there are options to Disable a key entirely.

Not sure if INPA can this this, but I do know that the dealer level software can disable specific keys.

I am the second owner, Had one key. I definitely think that someone had a remote start on this vehicle, since the previous owner was from Vermont (probably started it on cold mornings) and had some mods done to it already like LUX AE's... I wonder where installers usually place the spare fob inside the car

Usually under the dash and/or near the CAS would be my guess.

You should be able to find a module or wiring under the dash area if such a remote start module exists.

With software that is capable of verifying the key numbers and turning off the suspect key the issue can be clearly identified and corrected, although the key would not be located in this manner.

As a matter of fact when a BMW equipped with CA is locked from outside and another fob is detected inside the cabin, the one inside is flagged "Not belonging to the car" by CAS. Even if someone breaks the window and gets into the car it will not start. Only after it is unlocked with another remote, the one inside will be operational again. CA may not be working for another reason.

If you know anyone with an Autel MaxiDAS it appears to be able to identify keys as well as shut off or disable specific key numbers.

I unlock my car with the key blade from the FOB that i have and i am good to go. where is the CAS module located in the car?

I believe it is integrated into/behind the Push Start button.

Keep in mind you will not be able to continue to unlock your car with the keyblade. At some point the pot metal link between the lock cylinder and door lock actuator WILL break. It is designed weak to be an anti-theft/break-in prevention feature.

CAS is located in the lower part of the dash, under the steering wheel. When you remove the cover over the pedals(3 T20 screws) it will be in the left corner tucked behind the front skin of the dash.
The presence of active fob inside the car will not prevent the other fobs from locking/unlocking the car.