[DavidB_UK]

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I’ve just set up my X7 to also use the iPhone / Apple Watch key to work alongside my actual key. My actual key is linked to my driver profile, but I can’t seem to link my iPhone ‘key’ to the same driver profile.

Does anyone know if this is possible and if it is how to do it?

[asianman35]

A question related to this, do all 2023 x7s get the phone as a key feature?

[adamjs83]

Originally Posted by asianman35

A question related to this, do all 2023 x7s get the phone as a key feature?

Originally Posted by asianman35

A question related to this, do all 2023 x7s get the phone as a key feature?

Yes, the updated version that used UWB.

[Eugr]

Originally Posted by DavidB_UK

I’ve just set up my X7 to also use the iPhone / Apple Watch key to work alongside my actual key. My actual key is linked to my driver profile, but I can’t seem to link my iPhone ‘key’ to the same driver profile.

Does anyone know if this is possible and if it is how to do it?

It's in the manual:

CAR/Driver profiles/<tilt iDrive controller to the right>/Driver recognition/with digital key/activate linkage.

Make sure the phone is in the charger/NFC reader spot when doing it.

[Eugr]

One caveat is that only one digital key can be linked to one profile, so it can't be both iPhone and Apple Watch. One of them will stay linked to Guest.

[asianman35]

If your phone doesn't have uwb ( pixel 6, not pro) does that mean you have to tap your phone against the door? I'd rather just carry the fob then, or upgrade to the pixel 6 pro

[Eugr]

Originally Posted by asianman35

If your phone doesn't have uwb ( pixel 6, not pro) does that mean you have to tap your phone against the door? I'd rather just carry the fob then, or upgrade to the pixel 6 pro

I believe they retained NFC capability, so yeah, you'd need to tap the phone.

[DavidB_UK]

Originally Posted by Eugr

It's in the manual:

CAR/Driver profiles/<tilt iDrive controller to the right>/Driver recognition/with digital key/activate linkage.

Make sure the phone is in the charger/NFC reader spot when doing it.

I tried this but it doesn’t seem to want to let me assign the same driver profile to what it thinks are two separate keys. It asks me to unlink my profile from the actual key in order to link it to the phone?

[Eugr]

Originally Posted by DavidB_UK

I tried this but it doesn’t seem to want to let me assign the same driver profile to what it thinks are two separate keys. It asks me to unlink my profile from the actual key in order to link it to the phone?

Unless your other key is BMW display key or a key card, you should be able to link both fob and the digital key to your profile. They are assigned in separate menu items. I have my key fob and my phone linked to my profile (but not the key card or Apple Watch).

[Jbird73]

Agreed with Eugr. I have the same setup. I will say, however, that I find the FOB so much easier to just leave in my pocket. I am glad I have the key on my phone only for a backup in case for some reason I lose/can't find my FOB and also for the ability to "send a key" to a family member in case they need to move/drive the car while I am not around and for some reason I have the FOB with me.

I think of it as purely backup since you have to take it out of your pocket and tap versus the FOB just being something you carry but never take out.

[Eugr]

Agreed. The fob is my primary key and the phone is backup in case I need something from the car or move it around and I don't have the fob with me. If it was UWB-based Digital Key Plus like in iDrive 8 models, I'd consider making it my primary key with a key card (and my Apple Watch) as backups.

I'm so used to it driving a Tesla, that I often forget to grab the fob

BMW key card is used for valets and service guys.

[MystroX5]

I saw no advantages using my phone as the key. The Fob is my first choice. It’s just easier but the CC is always my second option as I can keep it on my iPhone in a little stick on pouch that holds iD. I don’t even have to take the CC key out and just tap the phone to the handle to unlock so in a way it’s even faster than the digital key within the app. The CC key is also water proof.

[Eugr]

Originally Posted by MystroX5

I don't even have to take the CC key out and just tap the phone to the handle to unlock so in a way it's even faster than the digital key within the app. The CC key is also water proof.

The digital key on iPhone doesn't require opening the app or even unlock it. Just take it out of the pocket, bring it closer to the handle and it will unlock. Same with Apple Watch. It even works when the phone/watch run out of battery.

[MystroX5]

Originally Posted by Eugr

The digital key on iPhone doesn't require opening the app or even unlock it. Just take it out of the pocket, bring it closer to the handle and it will unlock. Same with Apple Watch. It even works when the phone/watch run out of battery.

Same as the CC key so it’s not any more convenient. It’s the tapping either against the handle that seems bothersome compared to the key fob for me. I also like the beep/beep greeting and light curtain as I walk to the X7 with the fob.

[Jbird73]

I don't know why I never did the watch before but this thread motivated me to take the whopping 60 seconds to add it to the watch. Now I'm liking it more since I can go to the beach and not worry about the key FOB or the old hide the phone trick.

Of course, better not lose the watch

[unfoundnemo]

Originally Posted by adamjs83

Yes, the updated version that used UWB.

Do we know the 2023 X7 will have UWB? I don't think iD8 means UWB necessarily. I'm pretty sure the iX has it, and the upcoming X1 will have it, but the i4 does not... seems it's just the truly new chasis codes they're working it into...

[asianman35]

Originally Posted by unfoundnemo

Do we know the 2023 X7 will have UWB? I don't think iD8 means UWB necessarily. I'm pretty sure the iX has it, and the upcoming X1 will have it, but the i4 does not... seems it's just the truly new chasis codes they're working it into...

i freaking hope so, theyre trying to push the 7 series and X7 as their pinnacle of luxury models, would be stupid to leave something like that out and have it in the iX

[unfoundnemo]

Originally Posted by asianman35

i freaking hope so, theyre trying to push the 7 series and X7 as their pinnacle of luxury models, would be stupid to leave something like that out and have it in the iX

I'd imagine the new 7 series will have it too, just doubt the "old" X7 will have it. Similarly, no RSE, even for Alpinas, planned for the LCI X7...

They'll slap on a new part or two during and perhaps do a major software update if they could manage to make it work for the old hardware during the refresh, but the engineering resources are much more limited since they're already working on the new model, so we can't have it all.