BMW 120i Digital Key Review — Enhanced Convenience

Upgrade Your BMW 120i with a Digital Key for Smart Access

Many BMW owners anticipate the convenience of Comfort Access, allowing doors to unlock simply by touching the door handle. However, the BMW 120i often lacks this feature as standard, leaving many owners feeling a bit disappointed. This becomes particularly inconvenient when your hands are full with shopping bags or you're holding a child, requiring you to fumble for the smart key. This review introduces a solution: the Digital Key Keyple 2, which brings convenient vehicle access to your BMW 120i.

The owner of this BMW 120i visited our detailing center seeking a more affordable way to achieve the convenience of Comfort Access, as the official BMW option was prohibitively expensive. After researching various tuning options, they were drawn to the digital key solution recommended by our specialists. Key considerations during the consultation included compatibility with the existing smart key, potential issues with service center visits, and overall user satisfaction.

How the BMW 120i Digital Key (Keyple 2) Works

The Keyple 2 digital key operates on a straightforward principle. It features an internal lithium-ion battery and connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth. The system detects your smartphone's proximity to the vehicle, automatically unlocking the doors when you approach and locking them when you move away. This requires a minor, reversible modification to your existing smart key.

Installation process:

1. Carefully disassemble the smart key's outer casing.
2. Connect the power, door lock, unlock, and trunk signal points on the internal PCB module.
3. Reassemble the smart key. This process is fully reversible, allowing you to revert to the original smart key at any time.

The modification is simple and typically takes about an hour to complete for a BMW 120i, thanks to its uncomplicated design. The main ECU module for the digital key can be installed in various locations, offering flexibility.

Choosing the Right Installation Spot

The placement of the Keyple 2's main ECU module is up to the owner. Mounting it on the vehicle's windshield allows for the use of an additional NFC card, enabling keyless entry even without your smartphone. Alternatively, many owners prefer to conceal the module in less visible areas like the center console, under the dashboard, or beneath the seats. This approach maintains the vehicle's aesthetic integrity while ensuring full functionality. The high degree of installation freedom is a significant advantage.

Safety and Service Center Compatibility

A common concern is the system's safety and its impact on service center visits. The Keyple 2 operates independently of the BMW's native systems. This means your original BMW smart key remains fully functional, and the installation does not pose any problems when the vehicle is serviced at a dealership. Technicians will simply see it as an additional electronic component.

The reliability of the Keyple 2 is further supported by its track record. It has been successfully installed on over 10,000 vehicles across various brands, including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche, proving its safety and dependability. The high satisfaction rates among owners of luxury vehicles underscore its quality.

Real-World Experience with the BMW 120i Digital Key

After the initial setup, there's a short adjustment period as you get accustomed to your smartphone acting as your car key. It quickly becomes second nature, eliminating the need to search for your keys when your hands are full. The seamless transition from approaching the car to unlocking it is a significant quality-of-life improvement for daily driving.