[Carac]

Looks like it will be an option on the i8 in "Autumn 2015." No word on being able to retrofit...but I'm not holding my breath.

http://bmwi.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1075952

[ChiTownM]

Yeah, I saw that too. If it becomes a no cost option, I'll be pissed. I have slim hopes that we may be able to retrofit since we have much if not all of the functionality potentially with the Apps.....I am more interested in Comfort Access (at least that's my thinking right now, I am sure once I see the key I WANT it).

BMW is horrible at this, I remember many instances where new cars came out and a year later they had new iDrives, turbo engines, etc. In our case, we supposedly bought the top of the line best of the best, right.....?!

[Carac]

Originally Posted by ChiTownM

Yeah, I saw that too. If it becomes a no cost option, I'll be pissed. I have slim hopes that we may be able to retrofit since we have much if not all of the functionality potentially with the Apps.....I am more interested in Comfort Access (at least that's my thinking right now, I am sure once I see the key I WANT it).

BMW is horrible at this, I remember many instances where new cars came out and a year later they had new iDrives, turbo engines, etc. In our case, we supposedly bought the top of the line best of the best, right.....?!

I waited until the second year with the SLS, which was great because they added blind spot detection (a must with those b-pillars), suspension tweaks, transmission software updates that made manual mode actually work like it should, etc. I also got it before they went crazy with the "blacked-out" fad where all the bright-work was black annodized aluminum regardless of the color and it was your only option from then on.

Basically it's a crap shoot when you get a car. Too early and you miss on obvious omissions they correct in subsequent years. Too late and you might miss a color, interior, or trim you really like because they discontinue it. I would hope they could add the functionality since the DisplayKey basically just mimics the phone app and the car is already collecting and transmitting the data it uses.

[MalibuBimmer]

Right now the 2015 Build Your Own has only the turbine wheels as a no-cost option. Of course, it's what else that will come standard with the car for the less than $1000 price increase that's currently unstated. I, too, will be unhappy if there is comfort access that we can't retrofit. As for the key, I love gadgets so I am willing to buy one. But the app does pretty much everything now except unlock the car.

[ChiTownM]

I went with Pure Impulse because I wanted to get everything possible. I got the car now for 2 weeks and it just is unfortunate to hear about new options. I guess I am just frustrated because it is snowing here and I cannot drive it. I am actually happy that I got one already. Now we already have 3 of us to start a chain letter to BMW .... I kid I kid

[Carac]

I can't find the quote right now but I swear I heard a BMW i exec say they were planning rolling updates to i8's the way Tesla adds to features and added value to existing customers. Comfort access should have been present from day 1 in the US and (in theory) there's no reason it can't be added. There's already a proximity sensor for the ignition and the doors locks are electric so software is the barrier there. And as for the DisplayKey, it's basically taking the information that is already provided to servers for the phone app and (presumably) transmitting it via Bluetooth or radio to the key.

Basically, they could easily add those features...but they'd rather you spend another $135-148k to "upgrade" and get something that comes standard on the 2014 Fiesta ST I bought last year (comfort access).

[mpbruin108]

I saw this device in someone's hand and I wonder if I am the only one that thinks it is way too big. It reminded me of a old smaller cell phone. It's cool looking as heck but I prefer apps on my phone to control everything. IMHO. I might be alone here. haha

[drlonline]

Originally Posted by mpbruin108

I saw this device in someone's hand and I wonder if I am the only one that thinks it is way too big. It reminded me of a old smaller cell phone. It's cool looking as heck but I prefer apps on my phone to control everything. IMHO. I might be alone here. haha

I agree with both of your sentiments: yes it looks cool, but definitely too big, particularly if all of its functionality can be handled by one's smartphone.

[I8_MD]

I had a production version of the key in my hand this am. It is twice the size of the standard key the coolness of the key far out weighs the slight size inconvenience.

[MalibuBimmer]

Two display key sitings in the U.S.? I thought the only working display key here was the one that was assigned to the Pebble Beach charity car.

How can I get one of these keys!?

[KKSigs]

Originally Posted by MalibuBimmer

Two display key sitings in the U.S.? I thought the only working display key here was the one that was assigned to the Pebble Beach charity car.

How can I get one of these keys!?

Me too!

[ChiTownM]

Who has more info by now, how can the MY 2014 schmucks (aka us here) get one and make it work. And what about comfort access, it has to be possible. We need to find a way.....seriously annoyed, well maybe just a bit. :

[hytek]

wut? No comfort access??? Really?

[JWDnl]

Originally Posted by hytek

wut? No comfort access??? Really?

US only, mine came standard with CA.

[ChiTownM]

Yeah, US only and only 2014......unreal.