BMW X5 Remote Start: How To Start Your Car From A Distance

Living in an area with extreme weather conditions can make simply getting into your vehicle a challenge. Frigid winter temperatures or scorching summer heat quickly become unbearable when entering an ice cold or scalding hot car.

Is there a way to start your BMW X5 and get the interior climate under control before you even step outside?

Yes – with remote start capabilities you can start your X5 from the comfort of your home so it’s ready to hit the road as soon as you are.

In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to use your BMW X5’s remote start feature effectively. You’ll learn how it works, verify if your X5 is equipped, determine fob range, troubleshoot issues, extend runtime, and more. With the knowledge provided here, you’ll be able to maximize the convenience of getting into a pre-heated or pre-cooled BMW at the push of a button.

How Does Remote Start Work on the BMW X5?

Remote start is a keyless entry feature that allows you to start your X5’s engine and climate control system from a distance using your key fob. Here’s an overview of how it works:

Your key fob communicates via radio signals with a receiver located in your BMW when pressing buttons. This receiver relays signals to the vehicle’s computer to execute commands like remote start.
When you press the remote start button on your X5’s key fob twice within a certain range of the vehicle, it transmits an encrypted signal.
The vehicle recognizes the authenticated signal and sends instructions to start the engine and activate the climate control system.
With the engine running and HVAC on, your car begins heating or cooling the interior so it reaches a comfortable temperature by the time you get in.
For security, remote start only allows the engine to run for a preset duration before automatically shutting off. This prevents unintended extended idling.
All of this happens seamlessly without any additional modifications, provided your X5 came equipped with remote start from the factory. The feature is conveniently built-in and ready to use!

The main advantages remote start provides are convenience and comfort. By preheating or precooling the interior, you no longer have to endure unpleasant temperature extremes just to start driving. You’ll be able to defrost the windshield on frigid days or cool the interior on scorching ones, all before you even open the door.

What Years and Models of the BMW X5 Have Remote Start?

Remote start and keyless entry first became available on BMW X5 models beginning in 2009. It typically came standard or was an option on the following models and trim lines:

2009-2013 X5: Available as an option on xDrive35i, xDrive50i, and M trims. Standard on the ActiveHybrid model.
2014-2018 X5: Standard equipment or optional on xDrive35i, xDrive50i, M, and diesel trims. Unavailable on base sDrive model.
2019-2023 X5: Standard on all trim lines including sDrive, xDrive40i, M50i, etc. Earlier build 2019s may require option package.

To verify if your specific X5 already has remote start, check your key fob. If there is a button labeled with a circular arrow symbol or the word “start”, then the feature should be equipped. Try pressing this button twice within range of your vehicle to confirm it works.

If your fob lacks a remote start button, your X5 unfortunately doesn’t have this feature from the factory. Not to worry – you can still add remote start later on through an aftermarket installation which we’ll cover more below.

What is the Remote Start Range for the BMW X5 Key Fob?

The effective range for remotely starting your X5 depends on a few factors:

Key fob type: Newer X5 models have rolling code fobs which have a range of approximately 300 feet under optimal conditions. Older fixed code fobs may work from up to 1,000 feet away.
Obstructions: Walls, buildings, trees, vehicles, and other objects between the fob and vehicle can interfere with and reduce signal range. Remotes work best with direct line of sight.
Battery level: Weak key fob batteries struggling to transmit will significantly decrease remote start range. Replacing with new batteries helps maximize effective distance.
Vehicle location: Fobs transmit best when the vehicle is parked outside and not nestled deep inside a garage or underground parking structure surrounded by concrete walls.

While 300 feet from your home to vehicle may be suitable for most situations, there are ways to boost X5 remote start range if needed:

Signal boost antenna: Professionally installed external antennas mounted on the vehicle roof can amplify fob range up to 1/2 mile in some cases.
Remote range extender: Small supplemental antennas installed in your home act as repeaters to pick up and retransmit fob signals further to your BMW. Some claim up to 1 mile of extended remote start range.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Remotely Start Your BMW X5

Using your X5’s remote start feature is simple and straightforward. Just follow these steps:

Ensure your key fob is within operable range of the vehicle. Stand facing the front of the car at a maximum of 300 feet away, closer if possible.
Confirm that all doors are fully closed and locked by pressing the lock button on your key fob. You should see the exterior lights flash and hear the locks actuate.
Once locked, press the circular remote start button on your fob twice rapidly. Each press must activate within a few seconds.
After the second press, you should see the exterior lights flash to confirm remote start is enabled.
The engine will crank and start up as the climate control system simultaneously turns on to heat or cool the interior.
Your BMW will run for a preset duration of 5 to 15 minutes depending on model before shutting back off.
To extend run time, restart remotely before the engine shuts off. Runtimes can usually be stacked up to a max of 15 minutes.

And that’s all there is to it! With just the press of a button you can now ensure your X5 reaches perfect temperature so you can comfortably get in and drive without waiting. No more scrambling to crank the engine and blast hot or cold air manually.

BMW Remote Start Not Working? How to Troubleshoot

If you’ve followed the steps above but can’t seem to get your X5 to remote start, don’t panic. There are a few simple things to check:

Verify fob range: Make sure you are within the working line-of-sight range of your keyless entry remote, approximately 300 feet or less from the vehicle. Move closer and try again if range could be an issue.
Check fob battery: Weak batteries with low charge will diminish remote start signal strength. Replace your key fob battery with a fresh CR2032 coin cell battery to restore performance.
Eliminate signal obstructions: Close garage doors, move away from large buildings or trees, and ensure your X5 isn’t buried deep inside a parking garage. Clear the path between fob and receiver.
Re-sync fob: Sometimes fobs lose their programmed sync with the vehicle. Performing the resync procedure can reestablish communication. Refer to your owners manual for steps.
Reprogram fob: If resyncing doesn’t work, you may need to reset and reprogram the remote start function using specialized BMW diagnostic tools. Have your dealership service center handle this.
Diagnostic inspection: For persistent issues, have your BMW dealer technician diagnose remote start problems. There could be an underlying electrical, computer, or sensor failure that requires professional repair.

Taking the time to methodically rule out each potential cause will help get your remote start feature back up and running. Be diligent and don’t assume it’s permanently broken without first checking all troubleshooting steps.

How to Extend the Remote Start Runtime on a BMW X5?

When activated via remote start, BMW engines run for a limited duration before automatically shutting back off:

5 Series Models: Run for 10 minutes before shutting down
7 Series Models: Run for 15 minutes maximum after remote start
X5 Models: Preset to shut off after 10-15 minutes depending on year and model

In some cases, you may wish to extend the remote start runtime on your X5 to keep the engine and climate control running longer. Here are two options to achieve this:

Sequential restarting: The simplest way is to sequentially restart the engine remotely before the prior start cycle ends. For example, if runtime is 10 minutes, restart after 8 minutes. The vehicle will remain running for up to 15 minutes maximum if restarted back-to-back.

Reprogram runtime: BMW service centers can reprogram your X5 to increase the preset remote start runtime up to a maximum of 15 minutes if desired. This allows it to run continuously rather than requiring restarting.

Keep in mind that extended idling uses additional fuel and may not be worth the convenience if restarting works for your needs. Also ensure your X5 remains in a well ventilated area before enabling remote start for prolonged periods.

Boost BMW X5 Remote Start Range with a Signal Amplifier

As mentioned earlier, remote keyless entry fobs have a limited range of approximately 300 feet before the signal weakens too much for the vehicle to detect.

While suitable in most residential settings, you may wish to extend the range even further in certain use cases:

Large properties where the vehicle is parked far from the home
Worksites or fields where the vehicle is well beyond 300 feet away
Reaching the pickup truck parked down the block or across the parking lot

There are a few solutions to dramatically boost remote start range up to a remarkable 1 mile:

External antenna – Professionally installed low-profile antennas mounted on the roof amplify signal reception. They work in conjunction with the vehicle’s onboard receiver to allow fobs to communicate from much further away.

Home antenna repeater – Small wireless repeater units installed inside your home pick up fob signals and retransmit an amplified signal at higher power down extended range to the vehicle. Basically a relay to boost the remote’s effective range.

While do-it-yourself options exist, it’s often best to have qualified technicians properly install antennas and repeaters for maximum performance. The small investment can pay dividends in convenience if you frequently remote start from long distances.

Don’t Have Remote Start? How to Add This Feature to a BMW X5

If you own an older X5 without remote start capabilities, don’t worry – you can still have this convenience added by installing an aftermarket system. Here’s an overview:

Check compatibility – Have a professional verify your X5 year, make, and model supports remote start installation. Most modern BMWs are candidates.
Purchase remote start kit – Buy a complete system with appropriate wiring harness adapter and bypass module for your specific BMW model. Quality name brand kits work best.
Professional install – While some ambitious DIYers can handle the work, your best bet is having an experienced technician install the system cleanly with hidden wiring.
Enjoy keyless entry – Once installed, you’ll be able to remotely start via a provided key fob or smartphone app. No need to run outside to manually crank your X5 anymore!

While costs vary, expect to budget $300 or more for parts and professional labor. View this expense as an investment in convenience that can make your daily drive much more comfortable.

Using BMW X5 Remote Start Safely

Despite convenience, it’s important to take safety precautions when using remote start:

Never activate in an enclosed space like a garage or carport. Only for well ventilated outdoor areas.
Ensure your X5 is in Park with the parking brake firmly set before enabling.
Only remote start on level ground, not on inclined surfaces or hills.
Visually check around the vehicle before remotely starting to confirm surroundings are clear.
Turn off remote start feature when having your vehicle serviced to avoid accidental engagement.

By keeping these precautions in mind, you can prevent injuries or accidents and safely enjoy the benefits of BMW’s remote start technology. Use good judgement and remain alert.

Conveniently Preheat, Cool, and Start Your X5 from Afar

The ability to remote start your BMW X5’s engine and climate control delivers great convenience compared to manually turning everything on from cold. No more rushing into a sweltering cabin on summer days or scrambling to defrost frozen windows on winter mornings.

With the tips provided, you now know how to confirm if your X5 has remote start, optimal fob range, simple starting steps, troubleshooting tactics, runtime extension, and range boosting solutions.

While a built-in convenience on many models, remote start can still be added to older X5s lacking the feature. Everyone can experience the comfort and ease of getting into a pre-conditioned vehicle, no matter the weather outside.

The next time bitter cold or oppressive heat might normally discourage you, remote start technology lets you comfortably set the interior to perfect temperature before ever leaving the house. Give it a try and enjoy a pleasant drive every time!