[FreddyBMW]

Is getting the DISPLAY KEY an option for those who could not select it at the time purchase?

Is it possible to buy a Display Key and easily program it and go or am I being too thrilled already?

[LittleJoe]

Originally Posted by FreddyBMW

Is getting the DISPLAY KEY an option for those who could not select it at the time purchase?

Is it possible to buy a Display Key and easily program it and go or am I being too thrilled already?

That's one you'll have to ask your BMW dealer to check into. But I would think it may be doable down the road six months or year after there are more X7's on the road.

[sliu070]

I've read that it is doable but very difficult and expensive. There was more info in the 5series forums.
I believe the conclusion was that BMW NA doesn't sell the keys, so you need to source it overseas and then do some coding as the dealers won't do it for you. I think some said they ended up spending about 800-900 to do the retrofit.
Let us know if you get a straight answer from BMW or your dealer.
I'm also interested.

[FreddyBMW]

Originally Posted by sliu070

I've read that it is doable but very difficult and expensive. There was more info in the 5series forums.
I believe the conclusion was that BMW NA doesn't sell the keys, so you need to source it overseas and then do some coding as the dealers won't do it for you. I think some said they ended up spending about 800-900 to do the retrofit.
Let us know if you get a straight answer from BMW or your dealer.
I'm also interested.

A bit bulky but looks good to have one. Can't compare it with the BMW App features but still getting a snapshot of things look cool. I am going to ask my dealer for the details.

Here is a guy showing some of the features of it......wish if I had added it, just a $300 option!

[SinaSC]

I checked with 3 different dealers and they all said It has to be added when the car is being build/ordered and there is no way to add it after purchase. Also the display key cannot be found under the x7 VIN#.

[Wild Blue]

Yeah. Odd that it's not available for the US market anymore. Still on the overseas configurators, though.

[DenverMisanthrope]

My 540i has the display key. Fortunately, the car also came with two normal key fobs, because I'm really not a fan of the display key. The novelty wears off quickly and you realize it's cumbersome, it confuses valet attendants, and it's yet another device that has to be kept charged.

The last straw for me was when it completely froze up one day out of the blue. I couldn't even shut the screen off. Once the battery finally died and I'd recharged it, I couldn't get it to turn back on. I thought it was bricked. At the time, the service department hadn't encountered another owner with one, so they had no idea what to do. I ended up leaving it in a drawer for several months and then, on a whim, I tried recharging it, at which point it did seem to be working again... but I've just left it in the drawer ever since.

The smartphone app is better. The display key was an answer to a problem that didn't exist.

Disclaimer: This is simply my opinion and is in no way intended to offend anyone who likes the display key.

[LittleJoe]

Originally Posted by DenverMisanthrope

My 540i has the display key. Fortunately, the car also came with two normal key fobs, because I'm really not a fan of the display key. The novelty wears off quickly and you realize it's cumbersome, it confuses valet attendants, and it's yet another device that has to be kept charged.

I agree and would pass on the Display Key if ordering a new X7, even if it was still available. As you say, it's a novelty and eventually you realize how big and bulky it is to carry.

[Wild Blue]

I'm with you in every way. The only thing that really keeps me still interested in the Display Key is the ability to lower the car remotely.

[sliu070]

Seeing as the remote parking is not available on our X7, I really didn't see a point in getting the display key, which others mentioned that its large and bulky.

[hwaghela]

It's doable. But cost me close to $1000 to add on to my car. They charged $300 for key and $700 for setup. The key was ordered from Germany. Did it on G12 750.

[FreddyBMW]

Originally Posted by hwaghela

It's doable. But cost me close to $1000 to add on to my car. They charged $300 for key and $700 for setup. The key was ordered from Germany. Did it on G12 750.

That is good to hear.

To ESYS Programmers: Do you guys see any option of programming one through ESYS program? Thanks.

[aw9nineteen]

Originally Posted by sliu070

Seeing as the remote parking is not available on our X7, I really didn't see a point in getting the display key, which others mentioned that its large and bulky.

Remote parking? Is this like the Tesla summon feature?

[OTJeebus]

It’s an option my dealer talked me out off for all the reasons said above.

[Metal man]

My opinion is pass. The 750 i leased has the display key. Literally sitting in key drawer since day 1. Its yuge

[Ihdihd]

Wouldn’t recommend it at all. I got it to future proof the car in case BMW decided to add a summons feature (even the old backup feature from the 7).

Here are some issues—

1. It’s big and bulky and slippery
2. The range on it is significantly worse than the normal remote, which is shocking given #1
3. Charging it is a huge pain. It needs to be in a particular spot in the wireless pad in the car otherwise it won’t charge. If you have a phone charging in the pad, it won’t charge. If it runs out of charge, you’re screwed
4. Charging via micro USB is terrible, the little cover is IMPOSSIBLE to open and leaves the charger in an awkward and precarious position
5. Features are not easily accessible not intuitive. For example, remote starting the car via small remote is three clicks of the round bmw button. On the display key, you have to nav to the climatize menu, and the car has to wait for 2-way communication is established, which doesn’t happen all the time in my house based on #2 above. My advice is stay away! I would gladly trade another regular remote for it.

[Dhallgagandeep]

Originally Posted by FreddyBMW

Is getting the DISPLAY KEY an option for those who could not select it at the time purchase?

Is it possible to buy a Display Key and easily program it and go or am I being too thrilled already?

Hi, I dont know if you got an answer to that or not, but you can add it for $1000 (in Canada), dont know about the same in US.

Hope it helps.

[Wild Blue]

FWIW, I saw a BMW news story that the Display Key is going to be available "on more models this fall". Perhaps it's making a comeback.

[jonatious]

Originally Posted by Wild Blue

FWIW, I saw a BMW news story that the Display Key is going to be available "on more models this fall". Perhaps it's making a comeback.

With some new features? 🤩

[LittleJoe]

As I posted above some time ago, I have the Display Key (2019 X7 50i) and wouldn't pay extra for it. A $1,000 extra in Canada! What a waste of money IMO. If BMW redesigned it and made it smaller, lowered the price, and improved the battery life, and some new features - maybe I would consider it. As for the current Display Key, I just wouldn't want it again, let alone spend a grand for it. I understand those who never had one wanting it but it's not what you think. Just an oversized FOB. I've offered to trade my wife for her normal size FOB and she wants nothing to do with the Display Key.

[Wild Blue]

Originally Posted by jonatious

With some new features? 🤩

That wasn't stated in the news story, I would guess not.

Again, the ONLY reason I would want the Display Key is to remotely control the height leveling. Even better, BMW could just add it to the phone app.

[iconoclast]

$1200 to get it done and it is absolutely not worth it. It is a novelty item that does not have any real benefit or purpose.