Can the BMW 320 be started remotely?
2 Answers
BMW 320 cannot be started remotely, as remote start is not standard across the entire series, but it can be added as an optional feature. Introduction to remote start: Remote start allows the engine or motor to be started remotely via a key fob. If the BMW 3 Series is equipped with a remote start function, the BMW 3 Series can start the engine via signals from the key fob, featuring high reliability, ease of use, automatic timing, and full-vehicle heating. Proportion of models equipped with remote start: Among cars with prices similar to the 2021 BMW 3 Series, 37.82% are equipped with remote start, indicating a moderate overall configuration proportion.
The remote start function on the BMW 320 mainly depends on the model year and configuration. From my experience, having driven several generations of BMW 3 Series, such as the 2020 320Li, it comes with the ConnectedDrive system, allowing you to remotely start the engine via a mobile app to warm up or cool down the car. This requires downloading the My BMW app in advance, registering an account, and activating the service, which may involve a paid subscription. The benefit is being able to start the car before heading out in winter, so the interior isn't freezing cold. However, note that after starting, the car automatically locks to prevent theft, and the engine runtime is limited to avoid draining the battery. If your car is an older model without connectivity features, it might not support this function. I recommend checking the owner's manual or visiting a 4S shop for a system upgrade. Overall, it's a handy feature that has saved me a lot of time in traffic jams.
