I don't like to use the word "hate" too often because it dilutes the power of the word, and I want it to have full force when I've grown to truly loathe something. But as the title suggests, I've found somewhere to direct both the word and the emotion: Keyless Start.
Let me first say that I "get" the idea behind keyless start. I know it's supposed to allow for hands-free operation of a vehicle, meaning no fumbling for a key everytime you want to get in a vehicle and drive. Also, when combined with keyless entry it allows for a completely fumble-free motoring experience, and who could be against that?
I could, and I am.
Last week I drove home from the L.A. Convention Center after attending the first of two press days for the L.A. Auto Show. I made the seven-mile drive from downtown L.A. to Edmunds' Santa Monica offices before rush hour (or before the worst of rush hour) in order to blog about the show and then head back out to a BMW dinner event.
I pulled into the parking structure, shut the long-term BMW 750i off by hitting the dash-mounted button, and reached into the shallow cupholders at the front of the center console to retrieve the key fob.
But the key fob wasn't there.
My head started to spin. I knew I had the key in my suit jacket's pocket while walking the floor all day, and obviously I'd had it with me when I unlocked and got into the 750i at the convention center parking lot 25 minutes earlier.
But was it still in the car? Was it back on the concrete floor of the convention center parking structure, seven miles away? Was it still in my coat? Buried in my man-purse? Wedged between the seat tracks and the center console? I couldn't remember specifically putting it in the BMW's cupholder, though that's typically where I place the key. But because my hands were full of auto show detritus when I entered the BMW keeping close track of the key wasn't my top priority as I left the show.
Of course the cupholder's are somewhat shallow and several other things were dumped in there too (parking access card, iPhone, wallet), so it's possible the key started there but escaped the cupholder while driving to Edmunds and/or when shuffling for other items.
At this point I will list the problems that led to this issue:
1. Unlike our long-term BMW M3, there's no optional place to put the 750i's key fob inside the car's cabin. Not only do you not need to physically connect the key to the car to start the engine, you're also not allowed to. This means you must find a random place to store the fob every time you go for a drive. Poor design. I should have the option of putting the key into a dash slot if I want to. I have that option in our long-term M3 and I always use it. And I've never misplaced that key.
2. Our 750i, like every modern BMW, has no effective interior storage cubbies. You can put the key in the center console, but that requires opening and closing the console, and the console is big (and black) so something like the black key fob will be almost as hard to find in there as it is in my man-purse. Note to BMW -- please provide at least one or more dedicated, effective, easy-access interior storage compartments.
3. The warning system to alert a driver when the key is not inside, or even near, our BMW 750i doesn't work. This was referenced in an earlier long-term 750i blog post, and I tested it again this past weekend by driving the car around my large neighborhood block (at least a mile total distance) while my son held onto to the key in my driveway. No warning whatsoever. I even shut the car off several hundred yards away from my house, put it in park, and restarted it while the key was still back at my house. I know there's supposed to be a warning system to prevent this, but as far as I can tell I could start the 750i at my house in Southern California, leave the key fob in my mailbox, and drive it to New York City. This is idiotic.
4. There's no keyless entry on our long-term 750i, so you still have to fish for the key every time you drive the car even if you don't need it to start the car. In other words, the glorious dream of simply leaving the key in your pocket, man-purse or some other carry-along item while you seamlessly enter, drive, and exit the car is impossible. I have to physically manipulate the key to lock and unlock the car's doors so not needing it to start the engine is of no benefit. You can get keyless entry on a 7 Series, but it's part of a $1,700 option package our car doesn't have.
5. Speaking of keyless entry, while that concept makes sense (you're carrying a bunch of stuff as you approach your car and don't want to fish out your key to unlock it) I feel the benefit of not needing a key to start the car is minimal to non-existent. What, your hands are also too full to reach up and insert/turn a key? And you're about to starting operating a motor vehicle?
Now Back to Our Story
After scrounging around the car's cabin, empyting all my jacket pockets and tearing through my man-purse I still couldn't find the key. I decided to remove my jacket and man-purse from the car and leave them in one part of the Edmunds' parking structure while I drove to another part, stopped the car and restarted it to test if the key was in the car or in my things. The car started so I figured (hoped) the fob was somewhere inside the 7 Series, but as mentioned above I recently confirmed this test was pointless because the car will start without the key inside it -- or even near it. The key fob theoretically could have been back at the L.A. Convention Center, and part of me feared it was...
I decided to shut the car off, go upstairs and blog (leaving it unlocked in the parking structure) and come back when it was time to go to the BMW dinner. And yes, I love the irony too.
When I came back down the car started again, so I got more aggressive in my search. I finally noticed a glint of chrome in the tiny space between the driver's seat track and the center console. Turns out it was the ring part of the fob. The photo above was taken to give you a sense of where I found it, but there's no way to actually photograph that location because there's barely enough space for light in the region, let alone a camera. I still can't believe I spotted the key, and retrieving it was no picnic.
Let me make something clear: I don't hate BMW or our 7 Series. Plenty of other car companies offer keyless go technology and that's what I hate. As far as I'm concerned the system is creating far more problems than it's solving. The list of scenarios is limited only by your imagination.
Imagine a couple driving to an airport. She's on an international flight and drives there but when they arrive they both get out. They exchange a hug, she walks into the terminal while he gets into the driver's seat and drives away. But she has the key in her coat pocket...
You're on a road trip with your family and you stop by the side of the road to shoot some photos of the Grand Canyon. During the stop the key somehow gets left at the road side. You and your family climb back in and head off across the Arizona desert as the sun sets...
You pull into a restaurant for lunch and forget to lock the car. Of course the key is in your pocket, but a criminal is checking the lot for unlocked cars and finds yours. After ransacking the interior he figures "what the heck" and tries the engine start button...
And for anyone out there saying, "Well obviously the system has to work properly before you can really judge its benefits and liabilities." Yeah, whatever gets you through the night. One slight, temporary malfunction of the system and everything I've described above is possible.
I simply don't agree with the concept of removing the physical connection between a car and its key.
Or put another way, I HATE keyless start.
By creeper
on December 8, 2009
06:51 AM
there was a top gear episode where jeremy, captain slow and the noob were driving american muscle cars (corvette, cts-v, challenger) and stopped at a diner. jeremy was able to get into the challenger and start it and drive it out of the lot before it's engine died and left it stranded in the middle of the road. this seems to be a better theft deterrant than allowing the car to be driven hundreds of miles away and only not restarting after it has been turned off for a time period longer than a fill-up.
By robert4380
on December 8, 2009
07:48 AM
I couldn't agree more with how stupid these systems are. First of all, people usually carry more keys on them than just their one car key. They have house keys and mailbox keys and what not, and they're usually kept all on one ring. So what's the point in separating the car key? Then you've got two sets of keys to carry around. Secondly, with regards to keyless entry, what is the typical range on those things? As I understand it, the idea is that if you approach your car and get within 25 or 50 feet or whatever, and you have the key somewhere on your person, the car automatically unlocks and all you have to do is get in, press a button to start the car, and go, right? Well, what if I park my car at home, and the car is outside, and the driveway is within 50 feet of my bedroom? So if I have the car's key in by bedroom, which is within the range of the car's wireless range, does that mean that the car is always unlocked then because the key is close enough to the vehicle? Stupid!
By guy1974
on December 8, 2009
08:09 AM
Maybe I have missed something. I have a BMW 3 series and comfort access (a $500 option). My key is firmly in my pocket and I never need to remove it to open the door or start the car. No fussing about carryoing big keys and getting them in and out of my pocket. Maybe it helps that I wear chinos with one zipped pocket that the BMW key lives in and cannot get lost.
The car cannot be driven if the key is outside of the car - an icon comes up alerting you to that eventuality. Therefore I don`t see how you could think it was left 7 miles away. Unless the 7 series system is different to the 2008 3 series system.
By mnorm1
on December 8, 2009
08:25 AM
I've had keyless start for a year. I don't hate it; it just answers a question I never asked. I view it as a gimmick.
By editor_karl
on December 8, 2009
08:40 AM
Guy, you did miss something. Please read point 3 again.
I know how the system is SUPPOSED to work. I also know it doesn't work that way (at least not on our car, I'm going to try it on our long-term Hyundai Genesis today).
By brn
on December 8, 2009
08:54 AM
Karl has a man purse?
For your particular example, I don't see it as much of an issue. The key would never leave my pocket. However, your airport scenario is another story. I can easily see that happening to a lot of people.
By deagle13
on December 8, 2009
09:29 AM
I guess not all keyless entry systems are created equal. I've been living with my '07 Corvette for nearly 3 1/2 years and haven't had a single problem with keyless entry/start.
To answer your questions robert4380, the keyless entry/start system (at least on the Corvette) has a roughly 3 foot range and is very precise - I can be sitting in the driver's seat and hold the key at arm's length outside the window and the car will not start (or I will get a "FOB not detected" message on the DIC if the car is already running). My key fob never leaves my pocket unless I am valet parking or at the car wash.
However, despite the reliability and convenience that I've exprienced with keyless entry/start on my particular car, it is a gimmick that I could easily live without and would not pay for as an option (hence why my 2010 Mazda3 doesn't have the technology package).
By 7driver
on December 8, 2009
09:33 AM
What if the current keyless technology is just a stepping stone? What if the next iteration is a virtual key in your cellphone that you pair much the same way you pair it via Bluetooth today? (and what if for the airport example you are able to txt a temporary key to the person driving your car?)
In that scenario, would you grow to like it or would you hate it even more?
By drivendaily
on December 8, 2009
09:39 AM
Car manufacturers have been answering questions consumers never asked for longer than I've been alive, and their answers are generally wrong anyway. I've considered pairing my car's entire security system via Bluetooth to my phone, but I don't like the idea of a non-mechanical lock keeping me from using my car. A single snagged wire or short circuit could keep me from doing anything, where mechanical problems are very straightforward to fix. The bottom line is that I'd like cars to be simple while being high quality. Is that so much to ask? Fewer bells, fewer whistles, less electronics, and just do it RIGHT.
By tysalpha
on December 8, 2009
10:09 AM
Completely agree, Karl. Keyless entry - great for convenience and security. Keyless start - a minor convenience at best, since your hands are required for operating the car, anyway.
What is more valuable (at least in winter climates) is remote start.
By misterfusion
on December 8, 2009
10:19 AM
This post berates the entire concept of keyless entry, yet it is clear that the problems described are [A] specific to BMW (see deagle's post above), [B] possibly specific to the 750 model (see guy's post above), and [C] probably specific to THIS INDIVIDUAL 750 (see Karl's point #3).
It's easy to hate a poorly-designed system, and even easier to hate a poorly-designed system that has a broken component. Try using a more sensible keyless system from GM or Nissan, and maybe you'll put down the haterade.
Oh, and maybe this is coming from way out of left field, but -- since you've known for a while that the keyless system is malfunctioning, have you considered...I don't know...taking it in for service?!!?
By editor_karl
on December 8, 2009
11:12 AM
A couple points misterfusion:
1. Fixing our system doesn't remove the possibility of it (or any other keyless go system) breaking in the future and opening up the possibilities I've described above.
2. I find it curious that two people out of 10 comments have keyless go and find it pointless. Not even people who have it are fans (even without any malfunctions).
3. A co-worker at Edmunds has a C6 Corvette (2007 I believe) and the system has caused him unending pain because on multiple occasions the car wouldn't start because of a keyless go issue. I can't remember all the gory details, but several times the car stranded him (once in Palm Springs on a family vacation). GM finally figured it out and fixed it but he was about to swear off Corvettes forever -- and he's the biggest 'Vette fan I know.
Once again, I simply don't agree with the concept of removing the physical connection between a car and its key.
By guy1974
on December 8, 2009
12:05 PM
Karl - thanks, I had missed point 3. It does seem specific to either the 7 series or your car. Doesn`t mitigate the pain it causes you. I am happy with my keyless entry but if it wasn`t there I wouldn`t be too upset.
When it works it is OK to good. Maybe this is something you and Edmunds should raise with manufacturers when you speak to them in future. Is there much public demand or is it a false perception the companies have of demand?
By editor_karl
on December 8, 2009
01:07 PM
I think the manufacturers have bought into the IDEA of keyless go without considering the real-world downsides. They have a bad habit of doing this.
Witness, for example, the push-button start problems related to Toyota's unintended acceleration. Not something Toyota could have easily predicted but now everyone is questioning the use of a button versus a simple key twist because not being able to quickly kill a car's engine has potential risks.
With every technology there's an obvious benefit and, sometimes, obvious downsides. But I feel there's also the not-so-obvious downsides that often can't even be predicted during R&D. The technology simply has to get out into the real world before certain problems will become apparent. Keyless go is one of them, IMHO.
By mptlptr
on December 8, 2009
03:48 PM
What is so hard about LEAVING THE KEY IN YOUR POCKET??? Oh no, you can't live with the added discomfort a tiny little key in your pocket causes? Why do people feel the need to take everything out of their pockets when they're driving?
I have had no issues with keyless entry/start in my C6 and would've gladly paid $1000 extra for it but am happy it was standard equipment.
I hope someone steals your 750i for your worthless tirade. Apparently it wouldn't be too hard to do so (this is an issue with your particular car, not all 7s).
By robert4380
on December 8, 2009
03:54 PM
Karl, that whole "Lexus push-button start that can't be quickly turned off" deal can be remedied quite easily. The manufacturers simply need to put a big red E-stop button on the dash that you can smack in an emergency and the entire car will shut down. You know, the ones you see mounted in car interiors in spy photos of test mules? Problem solved! Wait, that's so stupid that I bet some manufacturer would actually want to do that. It's an idea right up there with zip tying floor mats to the front seat rails.
By huyracing
on December 8, 2009
04:05 PM
personally, i find these key fobs too large and i don't like it in my pocket, period. i don't drive a big V8, so i don't have that much free space in my pants. ;)
By editor_karl
on December 8, 2009
05:04 PM
x2 huyracing.
LEAVING THE KEY IN MY POCKET!!!! -- especially when it's a huge block of plastic with metal trim -- would be more than added discomfort, it would be a literal PITA!
But thanks for pointing out yet ANOTHER problem with keyless go. It requires a radio transmitter that makes the key HUGE. I leave my old Mopar keys in my pocket all the time (when not using them to start the cars). Of course they are small, thin pieces of metal that don't threaten to dislodge a vertebrae whenever I sit down.
By chavis10
on December 9, 2009
09:02 AM
I like the tradional key approach too. I don't really see the point of keyless start/access but i guess it's just something we will have to learn to accept as more and more cars are showing up with the feature. Ideally, give me remote start and I'm happy.
That said, keyless start WITHOUT keyless access is just stupid. In other words, where's the convenience in NOT using a key to start the vehicle if you need the key/fob to enter the vehicle? As Karl illustrated, you will then need to keep track of the key/fob when inside the vehicle as it is needed to gain entry into the vehicle. Either gives us both or neither at all.
For example over the summer, my brother had a rental Altima hybrid which features standard keyless start but no keyless access. It seemed to be more a pain than a benefit and after the first few uses the novelty wore off. So if I had to pick from the lesser of the two evils, give me a complete keyless experience.
PS- I've always loved Ford's driver's door keypad solution. To my knowledge, no other company has used such a feature. If I have to run into a gas station quickly i can just leave the key in the car out of view and still get into my car with fumbling for the key.
By editor_karl
on December 9, 2009
09:13 AM
Agreed. Ford has had the keypad entry on higher end models for over 20 years (my dad's Lincoln had it in the '80s). This is a brilliant design that can solve numerous problems while providing excellent convenience (sort of the opposite of keyless go).
Not sure why no other automaker has picked up on it. Their loss.
By misterfusion
on December 9, 2009
09:47 AM
Quite apart from the utility (or not) of keyless entry/start, is the issue of what things dudes are willing to keep in their pockets.
If the BMW keyfob is smaller than a Palm Pre smartphone, then I wouldn't have any problem keeping it in my pocket at all times -- because I can drive with my phone in my right front pocket without discomfort. That's in addition to my house keys (with pocket knife keyring), and my car key & fob when I'm not driving. And no, I don't have to wear baggy gangsta pants. I'm admittedly pretty skinny, so that may help a bit -- but my point is that it may not be such a hardship to keep a keyless fob in one's pocket.
Not too long ago I remember reading a blog post that playfully sniped at Ford for keeping the "outdated" door keypad around (I think it may have been in regard to the Lincoln MKS). But Chavis' post above shows the usefulness of such a system.
By 1487
on December 9, 2009
11:09 AM
First of all no vehicle that costs as much as the 7 series should separate keyless go and keyless entry. Its just ridiculous that you have to pay extra to get keyless entry. Keyless entry is far more handy than push button start as Karl mentioned earlier I believe. Push button start doesn't really save any time and if you lack keyless entry you end up sitting the fob down in the car and then you have to remember to grab in when you get out. It's really annoying. Any luxury car that offers push button start ought to have keyless entry.
The Ford idea is a good one and I bet Ford owners wonder why others don't offer such a feature.
By brn
on December 9, 2009
11:32 AM
I have to chime in on the Ford keypad. We have it on our SUV and I love it. It's very nice being able to get in the truck without hunting down the keys. I find keypad entry to be more valuable than keyless entry. It's also survived 12 years and some pretty rough winters without a single hiccup.
It's not a deal breaker but, as 1487 suggests, I do wonder why no one else offers it.
By jjabbytaylor
on December 10, 2009
08:34 AM
I have the system in my Lexus and it works quite well. The car beeps and displays a message in the gauge cluster if the fob is taken out of the car so that reduces the lost key problem. My car also has keyless entry which is nice, so I just leave my keys in my pocket at all times.
The only annoyance is that when I'm going through a drive through, rummaging around for spare change is a bit more difficult. Not that this is a big deal in the grand scheme of things.
Probably the worst thing about these systems to me is that it makes the key fob extremely expensive. Supposedly the fob for my car is $600 to replace. I'm not sure if that is true of all these systems or not.
After living with this system for a year, it is nice, but I certainly wouldn't pay much extra for it.
By bodyblue
on December 15, 2009
12:55 PM
Makes one wonder about BMW engineering if they cant figure out something so simple......This was a similar argument used against the Ram because its rearview cam did not turn off if the tailgate was down....Its is a minor thing I think, but very irritating. I wonder when the engineering outrage will appear over this?....
By tiruvan
on December 16, 2009
03:25 PM
Forget all the reasoning ... I still can't fathom losing the thrill of cranking a car's engine without having to insert and twist the key ... it just takes away too much from that fantastic experience that the auto industry has given us.
By blueguydotcom
on December 17, 2009
11:23 AM
Wow, put it in your pocket and quit whining.
There's no thrill in starting a car. I miss keyless entry/start on my 2006 330i. Walk up, get in, go. While I had that car I never needed to do anything with my car key beyond put it in a pocket (not like I have keys for anything else).
By irvg37
on December 28, 2009
11:47 PM
Interesting article. I think BMW screwed up w. this one; but you can't say that this f-up is indicative of BMW's engineering prowess.
I've got two cars with keyless--Lexus and Infiniti--and both systems have mechanisms in place that prevents me from having the problems that karl experienced.
Both systems...
1) require that i have the key inside the cabin before i can start the vehicle
2) once vehicle has started, and key is taken outside, the system will alert me of the fact that there is no key present in the cabin (beeping and dash text)
3) the system does not allow locking of the car/trunk if the key is in the cabin/trunk. this is a massively important feature for me, as i have a tendency of leaving my key in the luggage after keylessly opening the trunk and putting my luggage in the trunk. this feature has saved me many griefs at the airport (i travel twice a week)