[bmdubya1198]

I've been trying to figure out the comfort access on my '07 335i, as it has not worked since buying the car over the summer. I know for a fact that the car has comfort access, since the module is in the trunk and the antennas are present throughout the car, as well as the CA door handles.
I have checked all fuses related to the system, replaced the key fob remote, disconnected the front door handles one at a time, and I have not been able to get it working.
I have not tried any kind of "relearn" procedure, as I have not been able to find anything. If I need to do that after unplugging the door handles, I will try that again. The connector on the passenger side handle is a little brittle, but the wires looked good. Nothing was exposed or shorting.

I have also read about aftermarket puddle lights causing radio interference (this car has them from a previous owner), but they utilize the original harnesses. There is no extension harness on the puddle lights that would cause any interference.

Does anybody have any ideas as to what's wrong? It's not a huge deal, but I would like to be able to have the system working and have the keyless start.
There are no CAS codes which would be related to it, AFAIK. The only ones were related to when the starter gave out when I bought the car.

[F31B48]

Originally Posted by bmdubya1198

I've been trying to figure out the comfort access on my '07 335i, as it has not worked since buying the car over the summer. I know for a fact that the car has comfort access, since the module is in the trunk and the antennas are present throughout the car, as well as the CA door handles.
I have checked all fuses related to the system, replaced the key fob remote, disconnected the front door handles one at a time, and I have not been able to get it working.
I have not tried any kind of "relearn" procedure, as I have not been able to find anything. If I need to do that after unplugging the door handles, I will try that again. The connector on the passenger side handle is a little brittle, but the wires looked good. Nothing was exposed or shorting.

I have also read about aftermarket puddle lights causing radio interference (this car has them from a previous owner), but they utilize the original harnesses. There is no extension harness on the puddle lights that would cause any interference.

Does anybody have any ideas as to what's wrong? It's not a huge deal, but I would like to be able to have the system working and have the keyless start.
There are no CAS codes which would be related to it, AFAIK. The only ones were related to when the starter gave out when I bought the car.

I would start with reading fault codes first. Secondly if there are no fault codes, it could be that there are too many keys enabled. The system will only work if it has 2 keys enabled. If somebody has enabled more than 2, the system won't work. You need ISTA to diagnose and check this so i would suggest getting that somehow first of all.

[Serf27]

Is your key fob an oem Bmw fob?

[bmdubya1198]

Yes, it's an OEM fob. I only have the one key fob for this car, so too many keys shouldn't be an issue unless they were previously programmed and not erased.

I'll check again on ISTA, for whatever reason ISTA hasn't been able to connect to my cars. I'll have to double check the port configuration. INPA is working perfectly fine.

[F31B48]

Definitely worth checking. It's under service functions, locking and security, enable/disable remote key. It can't be any less than 2 keys enabled either. Has to be 2, no more no less.

[Andystobbs]

Its 2 CA keys, not two keys in general. You could have 2 CA keys and 2 non CA and that would be ok.

Is your CA module actually plugged in?

[ctuna]

CA keys must be programmed into the car .
It can only have two there are only memory locations
for two.
If somebody replaced the key and did not remove the
programming for the old key and replace it with the new one
it will not work.

https://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=903551
Start reading at entry 13 in the above.

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1510527

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

So does starting car with key in pocket and unlocking/opening trunk with key in pocket work as well or not?

Also I'm not sure how you read your codes but reading it with ISTA (or something similar) will show you the codes from it. Some code readers just read the DME module.

[bmdubya1198]

Originally Posted by TheMidnightNarwhal

So does starting car with key in pocket and unlocking/opening trunk with key in pocket work as well or not?

Also I'm not sure how you read your codes but reading it with ISTA (or something similar) will show you the codes from it. Some code readers just read the DME module.

I used INPA, but as I said in my previous post the only CAS codes are related to the previous starter failure. I cleared them and have yet to check if anything reappeared.

Originally Posted by ctuna

CA keys must be programmed into the car .
It can only have two there are only memory locations
for two.
If somebody replaced the key and did not remove the
programming for the old key and replace it with the new one
it will not work.

https://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=903551
Start reading at entry 13 in the above.

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1510527

Thank you! I'll double check to make sure the key I have is a CA key, and check everything on ISTA later today. I'll take a look over those threads.

Originally Posted by Andystobbs

Its 2 CA keys, not two keys in general. You could have 2 CA keys and 2 non CA and that would be ok.

Is your CA module actually plugged in?

Yup, the module is plugged in. That was the first thing I checked lol. I'm going to check the key and make sure that it's a CA key. It's my brother's car and he's at work right now, so I'll check that when he gets home.

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

Originally Posted by bmdubya1198

I used INPA, but as I said in my previous post the only CAS codes are related to the previous starter failure. I cleared them and have yet to check if anything reappeared.

Thank you! I'll double check to make sure the key I have is a CA key, and check everything on ISTA later today. I'll take a look over those threads.


Yup, the module is plugged in. That was the first thing I checked lol. I'm going to check the key and make sure that it's a CA key. It's my brother's car and he's at work right now, so I'll check that when he gets home.

Ah okay INPA would have definitely shown those codes then. FYI the comfort access module is labelled as "CA" and the "CAS" is the car access system. If your CA shows up as green in your ISTA like mine here should be plugged in and communicating properly.



Knowing the answer to my second question would also point into the right direction. If the trunk opens and unlocks with the key in your pocket or if the car stats with the key in your pocket. Or not at all. I'd like to know what happens exactly when you do try to start the key with it in the pocket, the dash should show you a symbol of no key if it doesn't work.

[bmdubya1198]

Originally Posted by TheMidnightNarwhal

Ah okay INPA would have definitely shown those codes then. FYI the comfort access module is labelled as "CA" and the "CAS" is the car access system. If your CA shows up as green in your ISTA like mine here should be plugged in and communicating properly.



Knowing the answer to my second question would also point into the right direction. If the trunk opens and unlocks with the key in your pocket or if the car stats with the key in your pocket. Or not at all. I'd like to know what happens exactly when you do try to start the key with it in the pocket, the dash should show you a symbol of no key if it doesn't work.

Gotcha, I figured the CA would be its own module. I don't remember if that was an option on INPA, but I don't think it was.
Anyway, the keyless start does NOT work. If the key is not inserted, it will not do anything but show the "no key" symbol. I'm almost certain the trunk does not unlock that way either, but I haven't specifically tested it while diagnosing this.

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

Originally Posted by bmdubya1198

Gotcha, I figured the CA would be its own module. I don't remember if that was an option on INPA, but I don't think it was.
Anyway, the keyless start does NOT work. If the key is not inserted, it will not do anything but show the "no key" symbol. I'm almost certain the trunk does not unlock that way either, but I haven't specifically tested it while diagnosing this.

Ah ok shoot. I'm thinking perhaps the antennas aren't picking up any signal maybe they're bad.

I'm having similar odd CA issues here to but my keyless start and trunk unlock works.

Feel like the only possible way to diagnose these damn comfort access issues are trial and error by replacing it's components. There's like zero information online or in ISTA.

Actually as I type, IIRC in ISTA there's a procedure you can try to diagnose comfort access handles. But mine was telling me there was a fault stored in it, got 2 replacement used handles and same error even though they are working handles.

[Serf27]

Originally Posted by TheMidnightNarwhal

Ah ok shoot. I'm thinking perhaps the antennas aren't picking up any signal maybe they're bad.

I'm having similar odd CA issues here to but my keyless start and trunk unlock works.

Feel like the only possible way to diagnose these damn comfort access issues are trial and error by replacing it's components. There's like zero information online or in ISTA.

Actually as I type, IIRC in ISTA there's a procedure you can try to diagnose comfort access handles. But mine was telling me there was a fault stored in it, got 2 replacement used handles and same error even though they are working handles.

The e chassis CA was not the best.
My e70 is finicky. Most of the time it’s fine, but I’d say 10% of the time it doesn’t want to lock the car via handles/fob and other times it won’t recognize the key when trying to start. A jiggle of the keys in my pocket seems to do the trick, but very frustrating! My 09 g37 never had any issues with keyless functions.
My e91 ca works flawlessly though, so I believe the system is able to function 100% of the time with no issues. But with no codes, I agree with you, start replacing components 1 at a time.

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

Originally Posted by Serf27

The e chassis CA was not been the best.

Yeah lol... honestly had zero issues though with my first E92, it was fast and responsive then it got totalled and inherited a CA problematic car with my next purchase...

And now it works like 90% the time with a replacement handle.

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

Originally Posted by Serf27

The e chassis CA was not been the best.
My e70 is finicky. Most of the time it’s fine, but I’d say 10% of the time it doesn’t want to lock the car via handles/fob and other times it won’t recognize the key when trying to start. A jiggle of the keys in my pocket seems to do the trick, but very frustrating! My 09 g37 never had any issues with keyless functions.
My e91 ca works flawlessly though, so I believe the system is able to function 100% of the time with no issues. But with no codes, I agree with you, start replacing components 1 at a time.

Haha just saw your edit yeah pretty much uh. Hit or miss.

I think for me my next step will be with replacing the control module. I feel like it's the only thing that left that can be wrong if you have a half working handle, since means the antennas work and FOB works. Zero problems either with keyless start and trunk opening. After all it is the brains of the system... You can get some used ones not to expensive on ebay.

Sorry to threadjack there a bit OP but hope it provides you with more insight and info.

[Serf27]

Yea I agree hit or miss. It’s definitely a nice option to have, but there are those times where it gets frustrating. I’ll try the control module.
It’s not a huge deal, yet. All 4 handles work and tailgate work. Just some issues with locking and starting, 10% of the time.

As for OP, does your key have the BMW logo on the back? Some aftermarket keys look oem and have replaceable batteries, but are not CA keys.
I had broken wires leading up to a module that were also causing CA issues.

[bmdubya1198]

No worries, I like the input! It seems that these early CA systems were problematic. My buddy has an '07 G35 and while it has other electrical issues, the keyless functions all work perfectly. Pretty funny, being that the E90 works perfectly otherwise!

Yes, my key has the BMW logo on the back. It's VERY faded from use, but it's there. I didn't get a chance to check ISTA on the car last night, but will try to do it today. I'm really curious as to what's going on.

[bmdubya1198]

Okay, took a look with ISTA. Had to swap the interface to EDIABAS, for whatever reason that had been changed at some point. It appears the CA is communicating just fine, so that's good. The only thing I found while poking around in ISTA is that there appear to be at least 3 keys programmed to the car, this one being #1 for the personalization options.

I have to look around a little more to see if there are any further testing options for the CA. I couldn't find anything.

[MadJoe]

Originally Posted by bmdubya1198

Okay, took a look with ISTA. Had to swap the interface to EDIABAS, for whatever reason that had been changed at some point. It appears the CA is communicating just fine, so that's good. The only thing I found while poking around in ISTA is that there appear to be at least 3 keys programmed to the car, this one being #1 for the personalization options.

I have to look around a little more to see if there are any further testing options for the CA. I couldn't find anything.

You never verified that the key you're using is CA capable. Easy to check. Just remove the key blade from the fob, and ease the battery cover off if it has one. If not, you're trying to use a non-CA key to do CA things.

Once that's verified, then you can see if there's too many CA keys coded; like others have said it can only have 2 CA keys (and they must be keys 1 and 2 to function) and up to 2 non-CA keys. The non-CA keys must be keys 3 and 4, as well, even if you don't have a 2nd CA key (honestly not sure how this would work, but it's important that any non-CA keys be coded as key 3 and 4 if they're coded at all).

[bmdubya1198]

Popped off the battery cover, so it's definitely a CA key. I'll take a look at key assignment tomorrow.

[bmdubya1198]

I'm not sure if there's a better way to view the programmed keys, but this is what I'm seeing... looks like there are a lot of keys for this car floating around. Unless that just means that all the slots are enabled for the keys if they are programmed, but like I said, not sure.

[F31B48]

Originally Posted by bmdubya1198

I'm not sure if there's a better way to view the programmed keys, but this is what I'm seeing... looks like there are a lot of keys for this car floating around. Unless that just means that all the slots are enabled for the keys if they are programmed, but like I said, not sure.

I had the same issue on the car i was playing with. All keys were enabled. I disabled all except number 1 and 2 and the CA then worked.