[jonathanthehornet]

Recently had the smart key retro fitted to my 2015 i8, appreciate it's a bit of a gimmick really, but still nice to have. Anyway, all works as it should but i can't seem to work out how to get the pre-conditioning working? Just wondered if anyone has had one retro fitted and could let me know what i need to do to get that up and running. Is there something i need to do via the smart phone app first or something to set it up? At the moment I'm just hitting the pre-conditioning 'on' button on the smart key screen, but nothing happens.

Thanks

[fishpond]

Originally Posted by jonathanthehornet

Recently had the smart key retro fitted to my 2015 i8, appreciate it's a bit of a gimmick really, but still nice to have. Anyway, all works as it should but i can't seem to work out how to get the pre-conditioning working? Just wondered if anyone has had one retro fitted and could let me know what i need to do to get that up and running. Is there something i need to do via the smart phone app first or something to set it up?

Thanks

So long as the key is connected to the car (ie in range) it should just work when you switch it on using the preconditioning screen. You will see a flashing fan icon when it has been activated.

If it doesn't work, I'd get the dealer to take a look since they should have tested it really - before handing it over in my opinion.

[mehoolio78]

Originally Posted by jonathanthehornet

Recently had the smart key retro fitted to my 2015 i8, appreciate it's a bit of a gimmick really, but still nice to have. Anyway, all works as it should but i can't seem to work out how to get the pre-conditioning working? Just wondered if anyone has had one retro fitted and could let me know what i need to do to get that up and running. Is there something i need to do via the smart phone app first or something to set it up? At the moment I'm just hitting the pre-conditioning 'on' button on the smart key screen, but nothing happens.

Thanks

How did you do this? Did the dealer service dept do it for you?

[skinrock]

Originally Posted by mehoolio78

How did you do this? Did the dealer service dept do it for you?

If you can get a US dealer to do it, let me know. Seems like something only the guys across the pond can do.

[twm6]

someone here in the US did it not long ago, there was a thread about it

[MrBreezenovel]

I had mine done, though after a month (adding the montblanc case too) it stays in the bag I have all my spare keys in. It is just to big, maybe in the winter when you wear more clothing, but the gimmick wore off faster than I thought it would. I have a long relationship with my dealer and BMWNA, but the only reason any U.S. dealer will say it cannot be done is because they are too lazy to look into it.

[jonathanthehornet]

Yep, Spire BMW in Watford, England.

They retrofitted it for around £300 I think 🤔

Originally Posted by mehoolio78

How did you do this? Did the dealer service dept do it for you?

[D2nice]

Originally Posted by mehoolio78

How did you do this? Did the dealer service dept do it for you?

I did this months ago its about $475 do not ask for the charge cable and blade key it will set you back another $125 or so and you don't need it. just go to the dealer and ask for it they need your vin# and some people say also your id, but thats bullshit if you have a relationship with your service agent. its really not worth it but it's a cool gadget!

[dadasaab]

A dealership in the states is selling the retrofit on eBay as well. However, it is a bit pricier than if you were to directly source it.
If you search for bmw i8 retrofit, it should turn up.

[tkar]

I had the same thing, display key retrofit but the pre-conditioning from key has never worked. I just use the schedule and on demand options from the app to be honest.

[JasH]

That's why it's best to get the i dealership to install the key. Then it works properly.

[londonblackcab]

Just got my 2016 i8 today from Ryebrook Wolverhampton. i8 Genius walked me through everything but not the key. Preconditioning on key does not seem to work. Think I'll just use the app.

[fishpond]

Originally Posted by londonblackcab

Just got my 2016 i8 today from Ryebrook Wolverhampton. i8 Genius walked me through everything but not the key. Preconditioning on key does not seem to work. Think I'll just use the app.

Congratulations! I would definitely take it to a dealer to get it working. It's very handy (the most useful function of the key in my opinion).

[nmbm123]

does anyone know how to get an i8 CAS board recoded?
mine has been reset due to power failure and now doesnt recognise the keys

[Maybei8]

Looked at a late 2016 at a main dealer. Was surprised it didn’t come with the smart key. Had assumed it was standard by then?

[fishpond]

Originally Posted by Maybei8

Looked at a late 2016 at a main dealer. Was surprised it didn’t come with the smart key. Had assumed it was standard by then?

It became standard in the UK from early 2016 I believe.

[Maybei8]

I’m not sure if that’s the case in Switzerland too

[Aye-eight]

When I first saw the key, I thought it was cool. Just something new. But now, I really don’t see the point over the app. May be a tick more convenient when you’re in range, but useless when you’re not.

[JasH]

Originally Posted by Aye-eight

When I first saw the key, I thought it was cool. Just something new. But now, I really don’t see the point over the app. May be a tick more convenient when you’re in range, but useless when you’re not.

Partly agree.

It is primarily just "cool"

But is massively more convenient when in range.

Useless when out of range of course.

[jojo]

Originally Posted by Maybei8

Looked at a late 2016 at a main dealer. Was surprised it didn’t come with the smart key. Had assumed it was standard by then?

It actually states in manual for 2016 that you got a smart key. Didn't get one.

[FrequentFlyer]

Smart key was for build dates after March 16. If you had a January or February build then at least in the UK your dealer can apply for authorisation to do a free of charge retrofit. I had this done but like many people on here was underwhelmed by the result. Nice toy but bulky and the metal blade you need in the event of the battery going flat doesn’t fit into the key so you have to find somewhere to keep it (BMW suggest your wallet ...lol)