[Chizza]

I am having trouble with the comfort access system in my car (E91 2008 with iDrive). I have been having trouble starting the car without the key in the ignition and so have tried to isolate the issue. If I put my key on the centre armrest between driver and passenger seats it works every time. If I put the key on the front ashtray it doesn't work at all. Looking at the diagrams for the receiver range I am assuming that the receiver in the front console is either disconnected or not working. Can anyone explain exactly where I would find this receiver and how to access?

I am wondering if when I replaced wood trim in centre console with a M3 chrome trim I may have accidentally disconnected. Before I pull out the trim again I just would like to understand where I would need to look for the receiver unit and where any cable should attach.

[VTECaddict]

It's underneath/in front of the front ashtray. You have to remove the center console trim.

[Chizza]

Thanks for the response - just what I was looking for. Also got a diagram of location from elsewhere.

[satz]

OP...obvious question, but have you replaced the key battery as part of your diagnosis?
Seeing that it works with the key in the ignition.

I had read that in the CA equipped cars, the key slot does nothing in terms of charging the key battery as the CA keys do not have rechargeable batteries.

cheers

S