[Scottatah]

Hi,

BMW just sent me an email about the 2019 X5. Based on the website, most of it seems pretty similar to the X3, but presumably dimensions are diff and a few options are cooler (I didn't spot many). One thing I did notice was the ability for Android phones to use NFC or potentially a digital key to unlock/start the vehicle (read this to mean a credit card sized key or something).

Is that something that might/could ever get released for the X3? Or is there additional hardware/software required not available on the G01's?

I could see them not allowing it simply to make the higher model more prestigious. I also realize none of us can see the future, I'm just wondering if there's even hope or a chance?

Note: I'm not an android user, so it's 50% less useful to me already.

Disclaimer: searched the forum for 'digital' as I know there was a key discussion going on recently, but either digital wasn't in it, or I just couldn't spot it again.

[jjrandorin]

Maybe when the X3 gets the re designed dashboard / idrive 7 like the 3 series. I read here on bimmerpost that was going to happen next year (2020 model), from what I remember.

[bmtespar]

The x3 would have to have the nfc chip reader inserted to the door pillar like the new x5. This is something I wouldn’t expect to see until the lci if then.

[Scottatah]

Originally Posted by bmtespar

The x3 would have to have the nfc chip reader inserted to the door pillar like the new x5. This is something I wouldn’t expect to see until the lci if then.

Understood. A fairly significant hardware requirement is sufficient enough for me to stop thinking/hoping for it.