[kirr89]

I know they announced that the 2021 5 series is the first car to be able to use Apple Car Key but since the G20 3 series has nfc and works with android and the BMW card key, it should work with the new apple feature.

Can anyone confirm? I have updated to the new iOS and BMW app(giving me problems. doesn't "see" my car anymore) and don't see the car key tab

[randybobandy]

As of now, it's a no. July 2020 builds and beyond will have the capability. There is some discussion over on the G05 board discussing possible backwards compatibility, but it seems there may be some new hardware requirements for BMW by Apple.

[del82]

Originally Posted by randybobandy

As of now, it's a no. July 2020 builds and beyond will have the capability. There is some discussion over on the G05 board discussing possible backwards compatibility, but it seems there may be some new hardware requirements for BMW by Apple.

Yeah I'm at a dealer now having some service work done. They've confirmed it is hardware and software but didn't know if the hardware is an easy retro for example replacing door handles.

[randybobandy]

I would like to have it, but if it can't be done...oh well. My personally, I do not have smart locks on my gates or house, so I still need keys. I would've been a nice addition, like the key card...but oh well.

[kirr89]

That's weird. Doesn't make sense for them to say it's a hardware thing. NFC is NFC. Unless its a firmware that's needs to be changed or software that needs to be updated. Because the NFC that's on Android devices uses the same NFC as iphone.

[bimmerbriva]

There's another thread on here that has some info implying that the BDC module would just need to be re-coded/new firmware installed to support it:
https://g20.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1739430

[del82]

Originally Posted by kirr89

That's weird. Doesn't make sense for them to say it's a hardware thing. NFC is NFC. Unless its a firmware that's needs to be changed or software that needs to be updated. Because the NFC that's on Android devices uses the same NFC as iphone.

It doesn't make sense to exclude iPhone users on pre July 20 builds if it was just software related but Android users could use it from day 1. Nor does it make sense it wasn't available for iPhone from day 1 if it was just software.

There must have been a reason for it.

If it was able to be coded it would be released as an official upgrade.

There's been talk of having to have a particular chip to work with iPhone security.

[kirr89]

I'm just gonna get the bmw card and keep it in my wallet. Only 60 bucks

[JasonDot]

Originally Posted by kirr89

That's weird. Doesn't make sense for them to say it's a hardware thing. NFC is NFC. Unless its a firmware that's needs to be changed or software that needs to be updated. Because the NFC that's on Android devices uses the same NFC as iphone.

Great point. To make things even stranger on my 3/20 build if I try to set up my iPhone 11 as a digital key when I rest it in the tray it opens Apple Wallet automatically, but the car won't detect it. So it's trying something...just the tip.

[loonysup]

I picked up a 330i last weekend. It has the key card and that's working fine. I called the dealer I bought it from (about 3 hours from my house) and was told they furloughed all their geniuses and didn't know about the digital keys for iPhone. Called another dealer near my house - no help at all. Finally called BMW connected and was put through to their "geniuses" and was told that it was coming in the next month or two for iPhones. I asked if there were specific requirements and they told me if the car had the NFC logo in the center console it would work.

I'm not holding my breath on this one.

[del82]

Originally Posted by loonysup

I picked up a 330i last weekend. It has the key card and that's working fine. I called the dealer I bought it from (about 3 hours from my house) and was told they furloughed all their geniuses and didn't know about the digital keys for iPhone. Called another dealer near my house - no help at all. Finally called BMW connected and was put through to their "geniuses" and was told that it was coming in the next month or two for iPhones. I asked if there were specific requirements and they told me if the car had the NFC logo in the center console it would work.

I'm not holding my breath on this one.

I wouldn't worry - It will only be for cars built July 2020 onwards.

I have the latest 07.2020.25 iDrive software and iOS 13.6. Apple key doesn't work in my Nov 2019 build M340i.

The new iDrive software also removes Android NFC ability to open the car - I think only 1 Android phone has the ability.

The NFC standard has changed so pre July cars have different NFC hardware or connection ability that can't read version 2 signals. NFC is no longer 'just NFC'.

It isn't a software update requirement. What I don't know is if we can change the door handles to the new ones?!

Info:

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.m...de/carkey/amp/

[del82]

Originally Posted by kirr89

That's weird. Doesn't make sense for them to say it's a hardware thing. NFC is NFC. Unless its a firmware that's needs to be changed or software that needs to be updated. Because the NFC that's on Android devices uses the same NFC as iphone.

Once you upgrade to 03.2020.25 no more Android NFC.