[M2guru]

I am prepping for a rollbar installation, so I disconnected and removed everything related to the center console and passenger seat. I was going to rotate the car in the garage for more space to remove the driver's seat and rear portion of the carpeting, but the car won't start. It seems to think that my key isn't around. I got my back up key and that, too, won't start it up.

I had my traction control and sport mode selector panel disconnected and my idrive unit disconnected, so I connected that but that didn't work. Any thoughts would be appreciated!

[chief1richard]

Originally Posted by M2guru

I am prepping for a rollbar installation, so I disconnected and removed everything related to the center console and passenger seat. I was going to rotate the car in the garage for more space to remove the driver's seat and rear portion of the carpeting, but the car won't start. It seems to think that my key isn't around. I got my back up key and that, too, won't start it up.

I had my traction control and sport mode selector panel disconnected and my idrive unit disconnected, so I connected that but that didn't work. Any thoughts would be appreciated!

Strange. Is it a Manual of Automatic?

[M2guru]

Manual

[chief1richard]

Originally Posted by M2guru

Manual

So your getting reading in the dash that indicates key is nor in vehicle? Did you try putting key next to steering column?

[M2guru]

Originally Posted by chief1richard

So your getting reading in the dash that indicates key is nor in vehicle? Did you try putting key next to steering column?

Exactly. Yes.it asked me to but it didn't do anything different.

[chief1richard]

Originally Posted by M2guru

Exactly. Yes.it asked me to but it didn't do anything different.

Does your IDrive tell you anything in vehicle settings?

[M2guru]

Originally Posted by chief1richard

Does your IDrive tell you anything in vehicle settings?

I can't even get that far. Seems odd. I might try plugging the passenger seat in again. And then everything on the center console to see what happens.

[chief1richard]

Originally Posted by M2guru

I can't even get that far. Seems odd. I might try plugging the passenger seat in again. And then everything on the center console to see what happens.

Also if that doesn't work check fuses.

[M2guru]

Originally Posted by chief1richard

Also if that doesn't work check fuses.

So...that didn't work. Any ideas how to check fuses if I can't get the car to recognize the keys? Take them all out and inspect?

[M2guru]

Facebook to the rescue!

There is a comfort access sensor in the rear of the center console... It's flat and a bit smaller than a deck of cards. It's screwed onto the lower, rear/back side.

[chief1richard]

Originally Posted by M2guru

Facebook to the rescue!

There is a comfort access sensor in the rear of the center console... It's flat and a bit smaller than a deck of cards. It's screwed onto the lower, rear/back side.

Good to hear. I will be putting a cage in my car down the road. What type of seats did you go with? The Comfort access thing, did you trip a switch on it to disconnect it?

[M2guru]

Originally Posted by chief1richard

Good to hear. I will be putting a cage in my car down the road. What type of seats did you go with? The Comfort access thing, did you trip a switch on it to disconnect it?

I am going with OMP for both driver and passenger, but I am going with different models so I can pick between the two when I try them out: ARS-R and WRC-R. The WRC-R has higher thigh bolsters which I am afraid might be too difficult to get in and out of with the stock steering wheel. I am going a little blind because I haven't sat in many seats.

I disconnected the comfort access module when I took the center console off not realizing it was a module. There are lots of wires to disconnect. After learning about the module, I took the module off the center console (one torx screw) and connected the wire back up - car started right up.

That center console is pretty heavy...makes me think about if I'll put it back in. My wife is already not too happy that I am making it more of a racecar than a fun weekend car. I plan to keep everything I take out in case it's too much or I become an old man or need to balance what I do with it with my wife.

[M2guru]

chief1richard Here is a video I put together in case you end up doing the same: https://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...7#post27033207

[chief1richard]

Originally Posted by M2guru

chief1richard Here is a video I put together in case you end up doing the same: https://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...7#post27033207

Nice video. Are you having the cage fabricated, or is it one Pre-made? I hate that console, especially the arm rest. Would love the CS model one. Do you intend to re-install after your seats are in or will you leave it out? Hope you make more videos like that. Good Luck.

[M2guru]

Originally Posted by chief1richard

Nice video. Are you having the cage fabricated, or is it one Pre-made? I hate that console, especially the arm rest. Would love the CS model one. Do you intend to re-install after your seats are in or will you leave it out? Hope you make more videos like that. Good Luck.

Thanks! I decided to go with a custom rollbar by a local company after almost pulling the trigger on RSR. I changed my mind on the RSR because of the feedback I read on the forums. I believe a local company will make me something that is stronger though I'll pay more for it.

I am undecided about the center console or anything behind the front seats. I'll probably start out with as little as possible and then see what I want to add back. I foresee wanting at least a USB port up by the dash for at least power.

I'll try to keep making videos. I did a rather poor job capturing the video. I actually had three GoPros set up and I think I only used the video from one because I aligned them poorly. I didn't put too much effort into the editing either - just about an hour. Forgot to cut the audio out, too. I'll circle back with info and video when I get the driver's seat and bracket in the car to drive it to the rollbar fabrication company.