[Twitch Massacre]

BMW just posted the picture below on their Instagram. This is the first time I see them promote the i8 version of the key on their own social media since the car was released without it. Has anyone heard of any developments regarding the key and/or retrofitting?

[Mightymousemighty]

I've had mine confirmed for April Build (UK - June Delivery) with Smart Key as a zero cost option

[MartinDower]

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

[Twitch Massacre]

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.

Is your car a '16 and have you heard any official word about retrofitting the key to 15s and 14s?

[Aye-eight]

Originally Posted by Twitch Massacre

BMW just posted the picture below on their Instagram. This is the first time I see them promote the i8 version of the key on their own social media since the car was released without it. Has anyone heard of any developments regarding the key and/or retrofitting?

That thing looks huge - almost like carrying around another smartphone. You put that in the inside pocket of your suit jacket, you'll look like you're packing. ;-)

Or maybe the guy in the picture just has very small hands ...

[Twitch Massacre]

Originally Posted by Aye-eight

That thing looks huge - almost like carrying around another smartphone. You put that in the inside pocket of your suit jacket, you'll look like you're packing. ;-)

Or maybe the guy in the picture just has very small hands ...

I held the 7 series key which is the same as this. I'd say it's about 30% bigger than the standard BMW keyfob. Worst part about it is it doesn't have a hole for a keychain.

[823BMW]

I have been looking at the i8 recently and comparing it to other vehicles. I looked at the 7 series when it first arrived at the dealer and I think BMW's key is quite innovative, but it shows the limitations of traditional implementation. The over the air updates that Tesla uses allow them to make changes overnight, much like smartphone software updates. Using this, Tesla was able to revamp their summon feature in a matter of weeks in response to an issue:
http://www.consumerreports.org/hybri...ummon-feature/
I'm sure BMW can add some features through connected drive, but not likely to the level of a summon feature.

[MartinDower]

Originally Posted by Twitch Massacre

Is your car a '16 and have you heard any official word about retrofitting the key to 15s and 14s?

Car was ordered in Dec 15, built in Feb 16. Not heard anything about older cars - I was really just trying to say that my car arrived without the magic key and there is no charge to get it now. When I placed my order the dealer was unsure if I'd get the key.

[jwestfield]

My dealer and BMW genius have not heard anything about those of us who already took delivery of a 2016 and getting the display key later.

[jwestfield]

And I will say since I have a display key for my new 7, it's no big deal and actually not easy to carry around. Trust me!!

[jwestfield]

Just talked to BMW again. They said some MY 2016 i8s can get a display key. I took delivery of mine in late January and they said I could get a key that would start the car, but would not connect and do the other functions as needed. They said it's all based on the vin number.

[mptpa]

Originally Posted by jwestfield

Just talked to BMW again. They said some MY 2016 i8s can get a display key. I took delivery of mine in late January and they said I could get a key that would start the car, but would not connect and do the other functions as needed. They said it's all based on the vin number.

That sounds crazy; you might as well keep the low profile key!!

[Twitch Massacre]

Originally Posted by jwestfield

Just talked to BMW again. They said some MY 2016 i8s can get a display key. I took delivery of mine in late January and they said I could get a key that would start the car, but would not connect and do the other functions as needed. They said it's all based on the vin number.

Extremely disappointing. This key was touted as one of the main features for the i8 at first and now it just seems like an afterthought from BMW i.

[Aye-eight]

Originally Posted by Twitch Massacre

I held the 7 series key which is the same as this. I'd say it's about 30% bigger than the standard BMW keyfob. Worst part about it is it doesn't have a hole for a keychain.

30% only. Maybe that wouldn't be so bad. It looks bigger than that, though. And thicker. What I love about the normal i8 key is, it fits into the coin pocket of pretty much any pair of jeans. So you can have it on you without having it actually in your pocket.

[Aye-eight]

Originally Posted by jwestfield

And I will say since I have a display key for my new 7, it's no big deal and actually not easy to carry around. Trust me!!

Thought as much. The app works fine in general, albeit maybe not as snappy as one would hope. But is that reason enough to carry around another sizeable gadget that needs charging? I don't think so. More of a toy than anything, in my view.

[Twitch Massacre]

Originally Posted by Aye-eight

Thought as much. The app works fine in general, albeit maybe not as snappy as one would hope. But is that reason enough to carry around another sizeable gadget that needs charging? I don't think so. More of a toy than anything, in my view.

But I love toys...

[SANguru]

was just told the same thing by BMW NA. My 15 is not compatible with the display key.

[twm6]

Originally Posted by SANguru

was just told the same thing by BMW NA. My 15 is not compatible with the display key.

what a bummer!!!!

[Twitch Massacre]

I hear conflicting story. A sales rep tells me no then a Field Service Advisor that's here training the staff on the M2 tells me yes as far as '15 compatibility.

[Drewdwn]

Pretty sure you all have the i8 app, due to size of this thing isn't that a deal breaker? What does it do that the app does not? They totaly could of made a sleeker and slimmer remote, the designer of this needs to be fired, who approved needs to resign. Makes no sense, make a great car, lots of detail, co eff drag blah blah then 2016 all we get is this 1980's garage door opener??? WTF

[Louv]

I sent a message to the "BMW i Concierge" via the BMWUSA.com website, asking how do I get a Display Key for my i8. Here's their response:

"Thank you for writing to BMW of North America, LLC. We appreciate your interest in the display key!

At this time, the i8 is not available with the display key. While we currently have no information regarding plans to offer the display key with this model in the U.S., our product team continually evaluates our product offerings."

[Arobotbrain]

Picked up my i8 today (unfortunately it was raining) and got the display/smart key along with the standard key. Yes, it is pretty big, weights 85 grams and lies good in the hand. The standard key fits well into the jeans key pocket, but display key just doesn't.

Charging is unfortunately done over a USB cable ... no wireless charging. BMW told me that the battery lasts 3 day ... which is not that much. Otherwise it is similar to the known BMW display key ... but does not feature the autonomous parking aid as in the BMW 7 Series. As mentioned by others ... it is a gadget ... but that's what we love and live for.