I've recently ordered a MCSa and the only option I'm waffling on is the comfort access. If you have it, is it useful or is it just a gimmick? Also, how far away does it work? For instance, if it's sitting in my driveway or garage and the key is right inside the house (10' feet away) will it detect it or is it only once you've approached the vehicle? Thanks in advance for all of your help!

 

We have the Comfort Access - it's pretty cool - definitely not necessary but a fun option we opted for. It works great - but you do have to be near the vehicle. If you have the extra $$ to spend - get it - if not - you won't be heart broken.

Donna

 

I love it. In fact since it wasn't available on my other car I really miss it when driving the other car. You have to be pretty close for it to work. If the keys are in the house 15 or 20 feet from the car it doesn't work.

Not related to Comfort Access, but I did go out to my garage the other day and found the windows and sunroofs open so the regular remote seems to have a decent range. I must have pressed a button laying around on the couch.

Greg

 

I agree! We have the comfort access too and it's definitely a cool, convenient little option but definitely not a necessity. I like it because I don't have to dig the key out of my purse or pocket in order to lock/unlock or start the car. However, with mine, I do have to be very close to the car for it to work. Sometimes it takes a second too.

So it definitely won't work if the key is inside your house. I think Mini says something like 5 feet away but I find that I have to be much closer than that (pretty much standing right next to the door).

Like Donna said, if you've got the extra money, get it and you'll definitely be happy with it!

 

I considered it, but $500.00? It's probably little more than an extra box plugged in under the dash. I'll skip that, and the $1,000 Sirius radio. These are the two options I thought were very, very overpriced.

 

I won't buy a car without it. So convenient not having to get your keys out. I can't say enough good things about it. I have nearly every option on my MCS and this is by far my favorite.

 

Don't even think about it...JUST GET IT !!!!!!

However, you will get so spoiled on it. I can't stand the idea of not having it. In fact I think the whole convenience package is well worh it. For me the rain sensors and auto dimming mirror are must have items.

 

I got it with the Convenience Package which for $1500 you get the Comfort Access, Bluetooth/with USB/ipod adaptor, Multifunction Steering Wheel, Universal Garage Opener, Auto rain Sensing wipers, and Auto Dimming Rear View Mirrors.
Of all those options, I enjoy the Bluetooth/USB/ipod option the most. Its great just pushing the phone icon on the Steering Wheel to answer or hang up the phone. I have a few USB thumb drives that have alot of music on them.
However, the Comfort Access is my next favorite option followed by SAT Radio and then the Navigation. The Nav does make a cool interface for all of these option. These options do add up rather quickly though.
You can alway add SAT Radio later. For $600 you can order the SAT installed with 1 year subscription instead of $1000 for the lifetime subsrcription. You can even get a aftermarket SAT and use the AUX input port for even much less.
The Comfort Access also works with the rear hatch.
Heated Seats make you feel warm and fuzzy on those cold mornings!

 

im not sure why you would want it to reach from your house to your car... that would mean someone could open the door when you are nowhere near the car.

I find it very useful and i really enjoy it.

 

I like it. It came with a package. Probably wouldn't have ordered otherwise, but I'm very glad I have it. I would order next time.

 

Just get it....

I have it on my 330i (same exact system) but there is something to keep in mind:

It's really AWESOME on the bmw because each key has it's own profile. In other words, when your key is in your pocket, the door unlocks, the power seat moves to YOUR position, the AC adjusts to YOUR temp, the radio presets are YOURS. When the other key is used, it has it's own profile.

On the mini, you lose the power seats and they've limited the profile ability on the keys so it's not a Necessity.. BUT once you use it and get used to never needing to touch the key.... you'll never "not" get it again.

Just my 2cents

 

Don't forget to use the key twice annually to keep the battery charged.

 

I've gotten very used to it. Makes the push button start make sense. And I agree, you need to be right at the car for it to work. Perhaps best of all, it won't let me lock the keys in the car...

 

i have it now in my RL and trust me once you have it you won't want to live without it.

 

LOVE IT!!! Get it or you'll never know what you are missing.

 

The key fob batteries in U.S. comfort access BMWs and MINIs are NOT rechargeable... the NON-Comfort access are rechargeable however.

 

Yep, the owners manual says you will need to replace the battery. It tells you how to replace it but not what size battery to get.

 

It's great, you can use the remote like normal, or just walk up to the car & push the button on the handle. I hate digging my wad of keys out of my pocket or having them jingling/dangling from the ignition.

Once you've gone comfort access you'll never want to go back, but it may leave you feeling stupid when you go to drive any other car. You quickly forget how to open a door or start a car...

 

This awesome convenience came in one of my packages. I couldn't imagine not having it. I never have to take my keys out of my purse which at times is really hard to dig and find them.

So I say get it!

 

Yes this was exactly what I was worried about happening, I just wanted to make sure this was not possible. Glad to know there is no reason to worry.

Good to know.

Well it's obvious that more people enjoy it than dislike it, guess I was worried about nothing. Thanks for all of your opinions, now I just have to sit back and wait six weeks until I can try it out myself...

 

I can't remember the battery size, but it's a standard watch style, cr2032 or something like that, relatively cheap & takes a few seconds to change out.

 

Get it.

Wouldn't get a car without it....unless it's a McLaren or Ferrari or something.

 

Oh, I almost completely forgot about that! That is definitely another benefit of the comfort access option! I play tennis and frequently put my key in my bag. Since I have comfort access, I just go to the boot, press the handle and it opens. I usually forget and just stick my bag in the boot and close it up. Well, with the comfort access feature, the lights flash and the boot pops right back open reminding my absent minded self that I forgot to take the key out.

I love it!

 

The battery is a lithium coin type (3V). Seems most major brands make them. They are priced between $5 and $10. (If MINI makes one it's about 29.95 plus installation )

 

While the push buttons on the remote can reach into your house, you need to be standing right by the car to press the unlock button on the car or the boot. As a matter of fact, the boot will not open if the key is by the front tire. Only when you approach the back can you unlock the boot by pressing the boot switch on the boot. It sees the key in you pocket and unlocks it. A very nice system. I love not digging for my key!