[arsh540]

Hey guys,

it seems cars built before july 2020 don't have the hardware needed to use the apple wallet digital key feature. The only information I could find on it was in an old press release:

BMW Digital Key for iPhone.

BMW is the first car manufacturer to enable its customers to use their iPhone as a fully digital car key. The digital key from BMW is stored on a chip in the iPhone as a so-called secure element and communicates with the vehicle using NFC technology. It was developed according to the standards of the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC), to which both Apple and BMW belong.

Not only does the digital key make it possible to open and close the car without a physical key, the car can also be started via iPhone. The customer furthermore has the option of sharing the key with up to five users quickly and easily via smartphone. This technology can even regulate the vehicle’s use: for example, if the key is shared with an inexperienced or young driver, the owner of the master key can set limits for speed, power (HP) and radio volume. The digital key can also manage several vehicles simultaneously. The NFC hardware required for the digital key is available for vehicles produced from July 2020.

has anyone had their NFC/wireless charging pad changed to a new one (under warranty)? did this enable the feature?

[BlackShadowKiwi]

Pretty sure I read somewhere it is not just the charging pad that is changed, sensors in the door handles need upgrading as well.

[sd_dracula]

It is absolute horse s**t what BMW did to the older G20s.
My car is a Sept 2019 and the digital key worked fine for about one year using my Android phone only to find out that the option (in software) has now been removed because of the BS iPhone not supporting the older G20 models.
Seriously BMW, not everyone cares for iPhones...

[mdl1978]

Originally Posted by arsh540

Hey guys,

it seems cars built before july 2020 don't have the hardware needed to use the apple wallet digital key feature. The only information I could find on it was in an old press release:

My 330i was built 1st July 2020. Mine can't use an iPhone to unlock the car. It says you need a Samsung. Which is the old version. Very annoying, as i use an iPhone.

[nealjay]

I have digital credit card lookin key and then added it to my iPhone in wallet app .
took me like 5 times to set it up
I have the nfc not wireless charging mat
u have to open the fone double Tapp tossed to activate apple wallet scroll to digital key and hold it by the door handle
its a waste reminds me of using old school keys to open the door I just carry the key and it unlocks when u walkup to it.
none of that holding it directly to the for handle and sometimes doesnt go smoothly. I did it in front of my cousin and I looked dumb and never tried it again. not even worth it

[bmw1368]

I have the digital key feature and have been more frustrated than anything. I have tried unlocking and locking the car with my phone and it rarely works.

Having comfort access so it will unlock when walking up and lock when walking away is good enough for me.

[times1]

The digital key feature was deleted from my 2022 M340i "Due to the chip shortage" I was told by the dealer.

[G22b58]

I don't want to use my phone as a key, but the key card is a good spare key solution. Too bad we don't get the options we have ordered ...

[VICG20M]

Originally Posted by times1

The digital key feature was deleted from my 2022 M340i "Due to the chip shortage" I was told by the dealer.

My 21' didn't have the digital key either which I am kinda upset about.