2019 X3 Comfort Access issues

[grand_national]

Hi. I'm new to BMWs and the forum. I have a 2019 X3.
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I've searched the forum, but can't seem to find an applicable thread for my issue.
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I needed to replace the batteries in both our fobs. Ever since then, the fob buttons work and the car starts, but all of my Comfort Access features do not with either fob.
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I've been looking for a reset or resync procedure applicable to my year and model without success.
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I find reference to instructions for "plug the key into the dash, etc., etc.", but I don't seem to have a slot on my dash for that.
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The dealer wants $400 to "diagnose this issue".....so that's a last resort.
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Could someone please point me to a procedure which is correct for my year/model to resync my fobs for CA?
Thanks so much in advance.

[Greydog]

Morning Daryl

Welcome to the Forum

As I understand the procedure is as follows, on the side of the steering column there should be a Key Symbol (on the right I think) enter your car hold the fob against the Key Symbol then press the start button. This should register the Fob to the Idrive you can now add remove functions through the Idrive 

I have got this from a friend in BMW I have never done this so if it helps let us know

Good Luck

Dave

 

[grand_national]

Thanks, but I've gone through this process a dozen times and the fob works fine to open/close the doors and liftgate.  Its the Comfort Access system which is not working which I understand is completely separate from the main open/close fob functions.

After opening the door and starting the car using the fob, once I stop the car, I get an informational message at the bottom of my center gauge "Comfort Access Reduced".  I can't find this message anywhere on the web except one post which really doesn't confirm how/if it was fixed.  Keep in mind, NONE of the CA door handles or the tailgate lift work but all of the normal fob buttons do.

Right now this issue is resulting in (Un)Comfort(able) (In)Access. 

[Greydog]

Morning Daryl

Have you tried resetting your comfort access through the Idrive system ?

Comfort access door handles are I believe reset by having the key fob in your hand and touching the 3 little grooves on the drivers door handle to lock then touch the handle to unlock. 

In the Idrive settings make sure the CA check box has a tick in it

Dave

Mods could you move Daryl's post to the X3 section not 5series

[grand_national]

Have you tried resetting your comfort access through the Idrive system ?

That's exactly what I'm trying to do, but I can't figure out how to do it on the X3.

Comfort access door handles are I believe reset by having the key fob in your hand and touching the 3 little grooves on the drivers door handle to lock then touch the handle to unlock. 

The locks are completely unresponsive when I do this procedure.  They won't lock nor unlock.

In the Idrive settings make sure the CA check box has a tick in it

I've gone though the iDrive menu system several times.  I cannot find an overall "turn on" or "turn off" checkbox in the menus for CA anywhere.

I've found how to customize the CA system to each driver's profile preferences.  I've even deleted my profile and recreated it.

I've also reset the fobs by holding them (I tried each one at a time, several times) to the steering column and starting and stopping the engine via the button.  After stopping the engine, I get a message on the instrument cluster right above the steering column stating "i" (for "informational" I believe)  " i  Comfort Access Reduced "  There are no error messages in the menu system that I can find.  I also hooked up an OBDII scanner, and while an old model, it did not report any error codes.  I can't find reference to this "CA Reduced" message anywhere except on 1 post where the person ultimately needed to replace the door handle.  All door handles open/close, foot activated liftgate open feature, and the liftgate "close and lock" button all stopped working at once, so I have a hard time believing all of the individual components all went bad at once and I'd think if the entire system failed, I'd get a message to that effect somewhere.

Thanks in advance for any additional responses.

[Greydog]

Afternoon Daryl

BMW are great at hiding stuff so you need a dealer, or they hope you do 😅

You are correct in the assumption that if you had several failures the car would light up all warnings to tell you. 

By the sound of it you will need Dealer level access through the OBD port, so you need someone with ISTA/INPA Diagnostics (the best) or a dedicated BMW Diagnostic reader from someone like Foxwell, Icarsoft or Autel. In the UK we have a Register of BMW Specialists which is a great help.

ISTA (BMW Software) even needs dedicated sub programs (built in) to access Mini and I have just learned later X3 models 

I unfortunately have never had a diagnostic session on an X3 but with other models there are check box menus on several control units to allow functions to be turned on/off and additional accessories added. They are only accessible through the Diagnostic program, I have seen a 540i Touring that after the Battery was changed decided it was in "transport mode" a factory setting that restricts performance when cars are being delivered it took 20minutes to figure out what it was and untick transport mode hey presto back to normal.

Any BMW clubs close to you a member may well have the diagnostics you need and be willing to help. Try talking to Pelican Parts they are well known for their help and support

Hope this helps not hinders

Dave

 

[grand_national]

Thank you, Dave.

Since we are new to BMW, we don't have knowledge of such groups.

[Greydog]

Morning Daryl

Maybe Google will help ? If memory serves (dangerous at my age) I remember reading about a website bimmershops based in the US which gave lists by state. Worth a try

Dave