[twm6]

looks nice, has anyone in the US gotten theirs?

[fishpond]

Originally Posted by MartinDower

My car arrived mid Feb and I have confirmation that the OLED key is coming FOC in April. If that helps.

I was told the same (that it will be available for retro fit from the end of April). My car is a Feb 2016 build as well.

Have you heard anything since?

[Arobotbrain]

It has happened. Had my first morning with an empty display key in my pocket. I8 would not open and had to get the standard key. I do not really understand why BMW did not engineer a display key that works like a standard key when the battery is empty. Not yet sure, but I have the impression that I am genetically not made to charge a key every three days.

[Louv]

Originally Posted by Arobotbrain

... I do not really understand why BMW did not engineer a display key that works like a standard key when the battery is empty. ...

Because then it would be the size of a Mini Cooper. Tiny isn't their forte.

(Edited: not forté. Today I learned something. :-)

[MalibuBimmer]

Originally Posted by Louv

Because then it would be the size of a Mini Cooper. Tiny isn't their forté.

Forte (pronounced "fort"). "Forté" means loud. From driving my M4 I can attest that loud is a BMW forte.

[ian_i3S_iX]

I thought it had 2 batteries one for standard features locking etc. The other rechargeable for the display.

You should get a screen message when the key battery needs changing

[JasH]

I just got an email from my dealer saying mine is ordered and they will shortly book my i8 in for installation.

As it is an early car it seems they need to add "something".

[ChiTownM]

Originally Posted by JasH

I just got an email from my dealer saying mine is ordered and they will shortly book my i8 in for installation.

As it is an early car it seems they need to add "something".

Keep us posted. I have a 2014 and would consider it an early car. Let us know how much they charge you for key and install separately.

[twm6]

Originally Posted by JasH

I just got an email from my dealer saying mine is ordered and they will shortly book my i8 in for installation.

As it is an early car it seems they need to add "something".

did you have to tell your dealer that you wanted it or they just ordered it for you?

[fishpond]

Originally Posted by JasH

I just got an email from my dealer saying mine is ordered and they will shortly book my i8 in for installation.

As it is an early car it seems they need to add "something".

Jas - who's your main dealer?

I just pinged mine (Sytner) an email to see what the status on the key is...

[mptpa]

Originally Posted by JasH

I just got an email from my dealer saying mine is ordered and they will shortly book my i8 in for installation.

As it is an early car it seems they need to add "something".

What month year is the production? Mine is Nov 2015 and do not know about the compatibility. Are you able to let us know what the cost is? Thx

[fishpond]

Originally Posted by mptpa

What month year is the production? Mine is Nov 2015 and do not know about the compatibility. Are you able to let us know what the cost is? Thx

In the UK, it is a free retro fit (at least for cars registered this calendar year - maybe older i8s also).

[JasH]

All, I do not know the cost. About ordering it, I ordered the display key almost a full year ago, and chased the dealer every 2-3 months.

I don't want to name my dealer publicly because in my i8 test drive (and ordering) thread I was rather critical of them & BMW for issues at the time. All resolved now fully to my satisfaction though.

I will post more info when I have it.

[twm6]

just talked to the parts dept at my dealership and it doesnt look like we will be getting the key anytime soon here in us

[HHBruin]

my SA at McKenna said she knew nothing about it.

[ian_i3S_iX]

Originally Posted by Arobotbrain

It has happened. Had my first morning with an empty display key in my pocket. I8 would not open and had to get the standard key. I do not really understand why BMW did not engineer a display key that works like a standard key when the battery is empty. Not yet sure, but I have the impression that I am genetically not made to charge a key every three days.

I wonder if the comfort access would identify the key - anyone tried that

Apparently you get a screen message when the standard key battery is low

I suppose you could use the phone app to unlock the car then hold the key to ident spot on the column.

Also disappointed there is no wireless charging point as shown on the launch cars

[fishpond]

Originally Posted by ian_i8_i3

I wonder if the comfort access would identify the key - anyone tried that

My dealer seemed to think that it would work with comfort access, but I guess we'll have to to wait and see!

[JasH]

Originally Posted by mptpa

What month year is the production? Mine is Nov 2015 and do not know about the compatibility.

Built March 2015 I think, as I collected it April 2015.

Dealer confirmed it is compatible.

[ian_i3S_iX]

Originally Posted by fishpond

My dealer seemed to think that it would work with comfort access, but I guess we'll have to to wait and see!

I meant with a flat battery

[mptpa]

Originally Posted by JasH

Built March 2015 I think, as I collected it April 2015.

Dealer confirmed it is compatible.

Thx. Not sure for US built model.

[fishpond]

Originally Posted by JasH

Built March 2015 I think, as I collected it April 2015.

In case you haven't spotted it, there's a label on the opening of the driver's side door that tells you the build month and year.

[Carac]

Based on the way BMWUSA is operated in relation to their European Counterparts (i.e. once they've made a sale to you, their relationship to you is all but over compared to BMW's representation in European countries where customer service continues beyond just being legally obligated to repair something under warranty), I don't see them being in any hurry or obligation to provide the display key for existing/past i8 sales.