E90/E91 Comfort access receiver/ antenna

Chizza · 07-07-2016, 06:53 PM

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 · 07-07-2016, 11:20 PM

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

Chizza · 07-11-2016, 08:59 PM

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

satz · 07-11-2016, 11:36 PM

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

07-07-2016, 06:53 PM	#1
Chizza Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: BMW 325i touring 2008 Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Auckland, New Zealand iTrader: (0)	E90/E91 Comfort access receiver/ antenna 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.
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07-07-2016, 11:20 PM	#2
VTECaddict Where'd my VTEC go? 487 Rep 6,066 Posts Drives: 06 330i 6MT Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (4)	It's underneath/in front of the front ashtray. You have to remove the center console trim. __________________ AW/Terra \| ZSP \| ZPP \| ZCW \| iDrive \| CA Mods: BC BR coilovers \| Blacklines \| M-tech rear \| dual exhaust \| M3 steering wheel \| BMW SSK \| ZHP shift knob \| High-kick CF spoiler \| NBT Retrofit M3 front control arms \| M3 rear guide rods \| Manzo rear toe and camber links \| Monroe rear shock mounts \| Varrstoen ES1 19x9.5+20 Front, 19x11+25 rear
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07-11-2016, 08:59 PM	#3
Chizza Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: BMW 325i touring 2008 Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Auckland, New Zealand iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the response - just what I was looking for. Also got a diagram of location from elsewhere. Attached Images
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07-11-2016, 11:36 PM	#4
satz Lieutenant Colonel 368 Rep 1,679 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW X3 M40i Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: A land down under iTrader: (0)	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
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