Which BMW Series Comes with the LCD Key?
4 Answers
BMW's LCD key is only available with the new BMW 7 Series. Functions of the LCD key: 1. Remote Control: The key can remotely operate and unlock the vehicle, allowing you to preheat the car in winter or precool it in summer before departure. 2. Vehicle Information: The key's display shows real-time vehicle status, door status, remaining fuel range, unauthorized door opening alerts, abnormal alerts, battery voltage checks, etc. 3. Comfort Access: When equipped with the LCD key, it includes Comfort Access functionality, enabling automatic unlocking and starting when approaching the vehicle, effectively adding a Comfort Access feature. If the vehicle originally has an electric tailgate, it can also sense and operate the electric tailgate.
I've been driving a BMW 5 Series for almost three years and opted for this LCD key. The 7 Series comes standard with the LCD key, while the 5 Series requires the 530Li Luxury trim or above to have it as an option. High-end versions of the X5/X7 also have it. This key can display door status, remaining fuel, and even remotely start the air conditioning. To be honest, it's quite heavy to carry around—twice as heavy as a regular key. Last time a friend took it to look at it, they almost dropped it. The dealership said replacing a new one costs over 8,000 yuan. Nowadays, new models come standard with card keys, and the LCD key is becoming increasingly rare.
I accompanied a friend to a BMW 4S store to look at cars before, and the salesperson specifically demonstrated the display key. It mainly comes standard on the entire 7 Series, and is optional for the top configuration of the 5 Series and high-end versions of the X7. The small screen on the key can control the parking assist function, which is pretty cool. However, the salesperson also warned that this thing is prone to breaking if dropped, and the repair cost is particularly high. Now, new models like the iX electric car have been changed to card keys, so it's estimated that the display key will become an exclusive configuration for older models in the future.
BMW's LCD key first appeared on the 7 Series, and is now also available on high-end 5 Series models and some X5/X7 variants. The key's screen can display vehicle status and range, and holding it down allows remote engine start. However, it's quite cumbersome in practice as it requires frequent charging. My neighbor's key screen got water damaged, costing over 6,000 yuan to repair. The new 3 Series and 1 Series don't come with this feature, suggesting BMW is gradually phasing out this design.
