[Ron Jeffries]

Just wanted to complain. I've got full computers smaller than this.

[msej449]

I'm with you on this.

Up to about 10 years ago fobs were getting smaller and smaller. We were beginning to see them in the shape and size of a thick credit card. About 12 years ago I hired a Renault with a card that fitted in my wallet and did keyless entry.

The latest decryption card for my online banking is as thin as a credit card, has an LCD display, and soft keys for numbers and a few functions.

And what about the anomaly that I can unlock, lock, flash, locate, ventilate, and send a destination to my car with the BMW smartphone app, but the technology doesn't extend to a keyless function. The phone has much more encryption and security capability than any proprietary key fob. Including fingerprint recognition.

My conclusion is that this is an area where the car manufacturers show how they're mechanical not software engineers. They're back in the 1980s in terms of APIs and message buses, with their suppliers not required to provide a standard interface or messaging protocol. I get the impression that they are still in some form of 1.0 software architecture.

[RoundelM3]

One reason is that they house an actual key which is removable by pressing the button on the bottom corner of the fob and pulling downward. This is particularly useful when the remote functions won't work or the car's battery is depleted. As for how "backward" the current software is, I'd disagree. If you've ever done any custom coding, you'd know why. The BMW F-chassis cars moved away from "bus" communication and into an actual network configuration, requiring an entirely different type of OBDII cable to communicate with all of the car's ECUs when checking for fault codes or enabling/disabling/modifying features within the car's electronics.

[getgot]

Originally Posted by roundel335

One reason is that they house an actual key which is removable by pressing the button on the bottom corner of the fob and pulling downward.

The hard key is pretty tiny, though. At least in the '17 M240i it's very low profile.

I'm in agreement with OP; it feels like with the capabilities of technology they wouldn't need a key that's basically the size of a flip phone. Or give me the functionality of a flip phone.

[XutvJet]

The key has a chip in it that stores various information including driver settings.

[airansun]

Obviously, those ‘setting’ are written in long hand on a sheet of paper, then rolled up into a little bottle and inserted into this huge fob. Otherwise, it’s still a silly lump, way too large for what its function is.

[Viffermike]

C'mon: The fob's average in size, folks.

I think many of you are missing the primary point of a fob. It's a remote control first, and needs to work well ergonomically in your hand so that you don't press the wrong button without looking at the fob. Make it too small, and this becomes difficult.

Also consider that fob size is not an issue for many owners -- particularly women who tend to keep it in their purse even when in the car. That's basically the whole reason fob covers/cases (leather, neoprene, etc.) are so popular.

What BMW doesn't offer is a fob alternative for those with Comfort Access. Lexus does with its Smart Key Card, which is basically the dimensions of a credit card and has a spare hard key, but has no buttons. It's also a $550 (IIRC) option before dealer programming.

[JohnnyCanuck]

I'm with the OP. I had a 2006 Mazdaspeed 6:

[Lucky13]

The point for me is that it stays in my pocket and is too damn big. With comfort access I never touch it except to get the giant bulge ( not that giant bulge)out of my pocket.

[Dylan86]

Interesting how we perceive this little pos so differently. I have the flip-out cover on mine and it sits nicely in the bottom of my pocket, without the case I’d be worried about losing the damn thing! First world problem nonetheless..

[Viffermike]

Originally Posted by Lucky13

The point for me is that it stays in my pocket and is too damn big. With comfort access I never touch it except to get the giant bulge ( not that giant bulge)out of my pocket.

Well, again: You're not every BMW owner. In fact, you're not even the typical BMW owner. No one on this forum is.

First world problems, indeed ...

[XutvJet]

I rent tons of cars for work and the fob is no larger than most out there.

What is a bit shocking to me is the quality of the fob considering the cost of the car. My wife's 2015 Outback has a much nicer looking fob with real metal and feels way more solid. My M235's fob is one the cheaper and hollow feeling one's I've come across over the years including those from GM, Ford, Nissan, Kia, and Hyundai.

[aaaaah]

I'll take it's current proportions over a credit card type deal. I'd break that thing way too easily and it may be thinner but it sure is much larger both of the other critical dimensions.

I'm after a key fob that is smaller in all three dimensions, like fancier BMW fobs. Not one that is like every iPhone. Now thinner and more breakable!

Keys should be robust.

[airansun]

They could offer choices, even one of each...

[Dylan86]

So, just on my lunch, and thought I'd take a pic of my two vehicle(s) keys, for comparo. Same model year, different German brand. These also reflect the Audi key fobs/ thickness and overall size.

They're almost identical in length x width.



The BMW fob is actually much thinner, in profile. Almost the same thickness with the cover on lol..



Gives you an idea, at least. The BMW fob is much better than the ladder, IMO!

D

[Lucky13]

Originally Posted by Viffermike

Well, again: You're not every BMW owner. In fact, you're not even the typical BMW owner. No one on this forum is.

First world problems, indeed ...

Your right I’m not the typical BMW owner since I have purchased 16 BMW’s so what would I know. Our 2013 X1 remote is the perfect size Mr. Knowitall and its 25-30% smaller than the 2 series remote just like all the other BMW’s I bought.

[Viffermike]

Originally Posted by Lucky13

Your right I’m not the typical BMW owner since I have purchased 16 BMW’s so what would I know. Our 2013 X1 remote is the perfect size Mr. Knowitall and its 25-30% smaller than the 2 series remote just like all the other BMW’s I bought.

Please see the posts above.

Thank you,

Mr. Knowitall (or from more sides than the BMW one, anyway)

[Dylan86]

I'm bored at work, so I took this as well. I think this photo best illustrates the size of these fobs. I'm a normal 5'10 guy with non basketball gripping hands. I'd be surprised if a '13 model X1 had a smaller fob, to be honest.. Pics could clarify, though.

[RotorOver]

It's not the size of the fob that counts, but what you do with it.

[wdc330i]

Originally Posted by Lucky13

Your right I’m not the typical BMW owner since I have purchased 16 BMW’s so what would I know. Our 2013 X1 remote is the perfect size Mr. Knowitall and its 25-30% smaller than the 2 series remote just like all the other BMW’s I bought.

I’m not sure what this mini-tirade is about, but the grammar is really sucking the wind out of your sails. Whew! Let’s try again:

You’re right. I’m not the typical BMW owner, because I have purchased 16 BMWs—so, what would I know? Our 2013 X1 remote is the perfect size, Mr Knowitall, and it’s 25-30% smaller than the 2 series remote—just like all the other BMWs I’ve bought.

At any rate, I sympathize with Ron and I agree with you, despite the grammar. I’ve also had many BMWs and am irritated that some of the model keys keep getting fatter and fatter. The 2 key is bulbous. Our X5 key is gaunt by comparison. And our Porsche key is positively sleek.

BMW can do better. And evidence is, they have done already.

[PANDA F22]

Originally Posted by Dylan86

I'd be surprised if a '13 model X1 had a smaller fob, to be honest.. Pics could clarify, though.

Heres a comparison between my '07 X5 and my '15 m235i. I definitely like the size of the '07 fob more. The biggest difference is the thickness.

[stevenvillatoro]

Small car wants a big fob. It’s a compensation thing.