Seat recall feature

[teddyb]

I did a search, but am having some trouble finding the answer to my question.

I have the memory seat function. It looks like there is an option to have the car recall the seat position when either the car is unlocked or when the driver door is opened. I set this to recall when the car is unlocked.

I was hoping this would set the seat back to "position 1". Having read the manual it seems to say that this feature puts the seat back to the same place it was when the same key was last used.

This doesn't seem very practical - for example, since my car is new a few people have driven it (using my key). I was hoping when I next unlocked the car the seat would go right back to position 1. I am used to my Tahoe doing that.

Can anyone make sense of what I'm asking (I don't really know how to explain it better - sorry)!

Thanks,

Darryl

PS While I'm asking questions - it seems the only power outlet in my '11 Coupe is in the armrest??? I want to plug my Valentine detector in but I don't want to hardwire it as I move it between a few vehicles. Stretching the cord for that or a GPS all the way to the armrest seems ludicrous. I love the tray that goes where the ashtray used to, but I need the outlet!

[gstopyra]

For my detector I bought standard telephone cable and an extension adaptor (walmart)...this allows me to run from the outlet, down along the left side of the passenger seat, along the left side of glovebox, then up to my dash. not as pretty as hardwire, but doesn't stretch across the car...easy to connect/disconnect.

-Greg

[teddyb]

Thanks for the tip. I was hoping there was an outlet in the passenger footwell as in my previous car. I thought I read somewhere that the 1 had one.

[AussieRacer]

I was hoping this would set the seat back to "position 1". Having read the manual it seems to say that this feature puts the seat back to the same place it was when the same key was last used.

Your understanding is correct. The seat effectively has three memory positions per key:
1. Last position when key was used
2. Memory 1 button
3. Memory 2 button
Positions 2 and 3 are only recalled upon pressing the button. So you need to save your position in one of those memories if you are going to share your key with other drivers.

[Tom K.]

There is an option for auto callup off. That will prevent the seat from moving to the last position, and then you can push one of the memory buttons to have your preferred position recalled.

But unless things have changed from my '08, you cannot have either memory position stored with the keyfob - only the last position before ignition shutoff.

Tom

[teddyb]

Thanks guys. That clears it up. Appreciated!

[IDBMW]

It may not seem practical going to the last position when several people drive the car using the same key but I would think most drivers have their own key and do not share it so to me what BMW is doing make total sense. Not only do the seats move, the mirrors and other functions like climate control and audio go the last setting as well. At least you can disable the function until everyone has had fun with your car.

So what you need to do is simply press the 1 button on the side of the seat when you get in and it goes back to the position you set the seat to when you pressed the memory button.


As for the radar detector, get a second power cord and hardwire it in. Then you can hide the wire and make it look good. I use a Buss add a fuse. You remove a fuse and put this device in place. It keeps the original fuse and taps off the power for a second device where a wire comes out to connect to. It makes for a clean install.

[amancuso]

What power source did you tap into?

Originally Posted by IDBMW

It may not seem practical going to the last position when several people drive the car using the same key but I would think most drivers have their own key and do not share it so to me what BMW is doing make total sense. Not only do the seats move, the mirrors and other functions like climate control and audio go the last setting as well. At least you can disable the function until everyone has had fun with your car.

So what you need to do is simply press the 1 button on the side of the seat when you get in and it goes back to the position you set the seat to when you pressed the memory button.


As for the radar detector, get a second power cord and hardwire it in. Then you can hide the wire and make it look good. I use a Buss add a fuse. You remove a fuse and put this device in place. It keeps the original fuse and taps off the power for a second device where a wire comes out to connect to. It makes for a clean install.

[teddyb]

Originally Posted by IDBMW

[FONT=Tms Rmn][SIZE=3][FONT=Arial]


As for the radar detector, get a second power cord and hardwire it in. Then you can hide the wire and make it look good. I use a Buss add a fuse. You remove a fuse and put this device in place. It keeps the original fuse and taps off the power for a second device where a wire comes out to connect to. It makes for a clean install.

I can see how the hardwire is nice and neat, but I just don't see how there can only be one power outlet in a 2011 car. My car is non i-Drive, and I have a small Garmin unit for the 3 or 4 times a year I need nav. Certainly don't want to hardwire it..

Oh well, just a minor irritation. The rest of my experience with my new car has been overwhelmingly positive.

[daMau]

Originally Posted by maxnix

I thought there was another power tap under the center stack for the deleted lighter?

I move my seat all the way back on it's tracks manually every time I egress the vehicle.

Isn't there one in the glove box too, near the USB port? (I'm only 50/50) on this one...

Also, I'm bummed the comfort access upgrade doesn't move the seats back and forward automatically upon exit/reentry. I keep my seat set to fairly sporty driving position, perhaps I will start doing as you do. Cmon BMW, my '05 C-class did that!

[teddyb]

Originally Posted by maxnix

I thought there was another power tap under the center stack for the deleted lighter?

I move my seat all the way back on it's tracks manually every time I egress the vehicle.

If there is one, then I'm blind... Any '11 owners know?

I can't find one in the owners manual

[daMau]

Originally Posted by teddyb

If there is one, then I'm blind... Any '11 owners know?

I can't find one in the owners manual

You can stop looking. Just got back from a car wash, and I was wrong, there is no outlet in the glovebox.

[Tom K.]

Originally Posted by maxnix

I thought there was another power tap under the center stack for the deleted lighter?

Wasn't that a casualty of the 2010/11 de-contenting?

Tom

[teddyb]

Originally Posted by Tom K.

Wasn't that a casualty of the 2010/11 de-contenting?

Tom

Yes, this owner is quite "decontented"...

I guess I'll have to hardwire the V1 -every time I look down the speedo says something illegal.

[jameselee]

Originally Posted by dMau1986

Also, I'm bummed the comfort access upgrade doesn't move the seats back and forward automatically upon exit/reentry. I keep my seat set to fairly sporty driving position, perhaps I will start doing as you do. Cmon BMW, my '05 C-class did that!

Agreed!

[dmboone25]

I was shocked to realize that there was only one power outlet...

I had just turned in my 2008 135 and was driving the new car home...my dad and I stopped for a quick drive thru and I was trying to get the radar detector situated...it was the first time I noticed that the old power outlet in the cigarette tray was gone....

Needless to say, I was a little pissed - mostly at myself for not noticing earlier...I guess I just thought the second one was hidden somewhere....

Thus, I have the stretched cord for my Passport....