No Comfort Access - keyless start??

S

supersebbo

Member
I didn't order comfort access, beginning to wish I had to, because I've just realized its going to ruin the look of the car with my massive bunch of keys sticking out the dash and jangling around!!! But it's too late, my car has been built.

I've been wondering however, whether the ability to start the car without the key in the slot might be easily retro-bodge-able. I understand the ability to open the car automatically just from proximity with key in pocket requires the presence of additional antennas in the car, however an antenna to read the key for start-up is fitted to all models.

When you put the key in the slot, there is no metal on metal contact - the car simply knows the key is present from a small micro-switch in the slot that gets depressed when the key is in there. The security information is then read from the key wirelessly (like with all modern keys) which then decides whether you've actually put a valid key in, or just stuck in a lump of wood. This in turn enables the Start/Stop.

So, I wonder, if you could fool a non comfort-access ignition into thinking a key was present in the slot (with a lump of wood for example), then would just having the actual key within transceiver range (in your pocket maybe) enable the start/stop? It would all come down to the effective range of the transceiver in the ignition slot - but it isn't unthinkable that it might extend 30-40cms to where your trouser pocket would be.

If it worked, it would go like this:
1. Unlock car with fob like normal, leave it in pocket
2. Get in car and push your fake key (which you leave resting the in slot) fully into the slot.
3. Start the car like normal.

The the other end
4. Turn off with start/stop AND/OR pull the fake key to turn off the ignition.
5. Leave fake-key resting in slot
6. Get out and lock car with fob like normal.

I will be trying this out as soon as I get my Z - but if anyone fancy's a go in the meantime, I'd love to hear your results! You'll need to fashion a fake fey from something - first attempt I would probably use a hard bit of rubber like a pencil eraser and carve it down to size with a scalpel.
 
supersebbo said:
retro-bodge-able.
Click to expand...

I think these words sum it up!

However, I do think it is possible to re-start the car without the key in position. I think its something like put proper key into proper orifice! Press Clutch and then start/stop button to start car as normal.

Stop engine with start/stop button and remove keyfob.

Then press clutch in and press start/stop button again.

Its something like this anyway, but there may be a time limit on it. Its so that if you stall the engine and for some reason the key pops out, you can get going again.

Not the exact solution granted, but worth a shot?
 
I would be very interested to see if this works...if it did, I would probably buy a spare key of ebay...deform it somewhat and put an endcap onto it...and refrain from having to put my key into the slot every time I get into the car

looking forward to reading the progress :thumbsup:
 
kevinmarkwhite said:
supersebbo said:
retro-bodge-able.
Click to expand...

I think these words sum it up!

However, I do think it is possible to re-start the car without the key in position. I think its something like put proper key into proper orifice! Press Clutch and then start/stop button to start car as normal.

Stop engine with start/stop button and remove keyfob.

Then press clutch in and press start/stop button again.

Its something like this anyway, but there may be a time limit on it. Its so that if you stall the engine and for some reason the key pops out, you can get going again.

Not the exact solution granted, but worth a shot?
Click to expand...

If this is true, then I'm almost certain the fake-key method would work as described above! How interesting, really need someone (who definitely doesn't have comfort access) to try it out. Could also validate it by removing the battery from your spare key and using that as the 'fake' one to go into the slot, though this wouldn't be hard-and-fast proof as there is always the possibility there is some passive circuitry in the battery-less key that lets it start - but you could do a control test with the 'active' key left far away to check it doesn't start in this situation.

Then we've got to work out the ideal dimensions for the fake key, it needs to be just big enough that it can be pulled in case of an emergency, but small and subtle enough that it doesn't look like you left your keys in your car to a passing thief - because they'd only realise they couldn't start it after they smashed your windows :P
 
Yes, does work. Tried it tonight.

Got home, parked on drive. Turned engine off with the button. Took key out, held clutch in and pressed button - engine started.
 
Sounds promising, thanks for checking!! This behaviour could just be some sort of anti-stall mechanism as you mentioned earlier which doesn't check the key security again (although admittedly this would be a huge security flaw). I'm positive but not convinced - need to know for sure if it will happen from a cold start with something other than the key in a slot.
 
One thing about the fake key thing to bear in mind is that the normal keys recharge from the slot. Comfort access keys have battery because they're never in a slot to charge. So not a bad workaround feature but you'll still need to put the key in the slot from time to time to charge it I guess?
 
Yeah, I think it's anti stall etc, and having to start then stop the engine would make it a hassle for what you want. I doubt this method rechecks the key.

I did read once that you could start the engine with the key near the slot, but don't think it worked for me.
 
Hey I tried this even on an auto you can restart the engine after you've taken the fob out. Felt a bit odd driving round with my keys lying unused in the passenger seat.
 
My wife has a 1 series so I put her key into the z4 key slot and held the z4 key in my hand. I'm sorry to report that the car would not start. All it did was make a warning chime and warning light with a key symbol with a line through it came up.
 
olicana said:
My wife has a 1 series so I put her key into the z4 key slot and held the z4 key in my hand. I'm sorry to report that the car would not start. All it did was make a warning chime and warning light with a key symbol with a line through it came up.
Click to expand...

That's probably a false result though, cos we also have a 1'er and I've put the wrong key in the wrong car in the past (although, unlike your deliberate test, mine was simply due to user error!!) and it gives the dash signal to effectively say its the wrong key. I suspect at that point, it just gives up - i.e. wrong key in slot over-rides correct code from other remote?

The only way to test it is to put a dummy key in the slot, i.e. something of the correct shape to activate the micro-switch (is there definitely a micro switch) but that has no electronics within, to confuse things.

I am thinking the sequence of events we are assuming take place are:

Car checks a key is in the slot via the use of a switch.
Car then checks the code received wirelessly and if ok, works.

We are assuming that the range of the wireless bit is more than a few centimetres, and that it is in fact wireless! As no button needs to be pressed on the key, could it be some form of RF device in the key?
 
And it says "immobiliser chip", so assuming that's not just generic on all his adverts, that could imply my previous thing about the RF thing?
 
bhavin85 said:
Apologies just realised I posted the wrong url :headbang:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-1-120...cessories_Safety_Security&hash=item1c286588fa

That looks more like our key...tempted to offer him £13 and see if it works!

Edit - Just offered £15 and got decline
Click to expand...

A decline of £15 for a plastic shell... wow.

I have a suspicion that this could well be rfid type tech and therefore won't work unless the key is super close to the slot. Happy to be proven wrong though as lots of us may then choose to do this :)
 
Maniac said:
bhavin85 said:
Apologies just realised I posted the wrong url :headbang:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-1-120...cessories_Safety_Security&hash=item1c286588fa

That looks more like our key...tempted to offer him £13 and see if it works!

Edit - Just offered £15 and got decline
Click to expand...

A decline of £15 for a plastic shell... wow.

I have a suspicion that this could well be rfid type tech and therefore won't work unless the key is super close to the slot. Happy to be proven wrong though as lots of us may then choose to do this :)
Click to expand...

Simple solution just came to mind....

Take the rf stuff out of the key, stick it in the slot and leave in place!!!

That way, just get in car and press button...comfort access on the cheap!!!

Who cares about theft anyway?
 
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