BMW vehicles come equipped with a sophisticated security system designed to protect your car from theft and vandalism. Among the features of this system are the tilt and interior motion sensors. While these sensors provide valuable protection, there may be instances where you need to deactivate them temporarily, such as when leaving your pets in the car or during ferry crossings. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to deactivate these sensors on your BMW.

Understanding the Sensors

Before diving into the deactivation process, it's essential to understand what these sensors do:

1. 1) Tilt Sensor: This sensor detects changes in the vehicle's angle, such as those caused by towing or jacking up the car.
2. 2) Interior Motion Sensor: This sensor detects movements inside the car's cabin, alerting you to potential intrusions.

Step-by-Step Guide to Deactivation

For Newer BMW Models (iDrive System)

1. 1) Start Your Car: Turn on the ignition but do not start the engine.
2. 2) Access the iDrive System: Navigate to the iDrive menu by pressing the iDrive controller.
3. 3) Go to 'Settings': Scroll to find the 'Settings' option and select it.
4. 4) Select 'Vehicle Settings': Within 'Settings', locate and select 'Vehicle Settings.'
5. 5) Find 'Door/Vehicle Access': In 'Vehicle Settings', find and select 'Door/Vehicle Access.'
6. 6) Deactivate the Sensors:
   1. Tilt Alarm Sensor: Toggle the switch to turn off the tilt alarm sensor.
   2. Interior Motion Sensor: Toggle the switch to turn off the interior motion sensor.
7. 7) Exit the Menu: Once deactivated, exit the menu. The sensors will remain off until the next time the vehicle is locked.

For Older BMW Models (Key Fob Method)

1. 1) Lock Your Car: Close all doors, windows, and the sunroof. Lock your car using the key fob.
2. 2) Immediate Re-locking: Within 10 seconds of locking the car, press the lock button on the key fob again. This second press deactivates the tilt and interior motion sensors.
3. 3) Visual Confirmation: You should see the hazard lights flash or hear a confirmation beep indicating that the sensors are deactivated.

Important Considerations

1. 1) Automatic Reactivation: The sensors automatically reactivate the next time you unlock and lock your car.
2. 2) Temporary Deactivation: This process is for temporary deactivation only. If you need to deactivate these sensors regularly, consider discussing with your BMW dealer for a more permanent solution.
3. 3) Safety First: Remember, deactivating these sensors reduces your vehicle’s security level. Only deactivate them when necessary and reactivate them as soon as possible.

Troubleshooting

If the sensors do not deactivate as expected, try the following:

1. 1) Check the Key Fob Battery: Ensure your key fob battery is not low.
2. 2) Repeat the Process: Sometimes, the timing of the second press can be tricky. Try repeating the process.
3. 3) Consult Your Manual: Different BMW models may have slight variations. Refer to your vehicle's manual for specific instructions.

Conclusion

Deactivating the tilt and interior motion sensors on your BMW is a simple process, whether you have a newer model with the iDrive system or an older model using the key fob method. This functionality allows you to customize your vehicle’s security features to suit specific situations, ensuring both convenience and safety. Always remember to reactivate the sensors to maintain optimal security for your BMW.

For further assistance or if you encounter any issues, do not hesitate to contact BMW of Bridgewater or consult your vehicle’s user manual. Safe driving!

BMW of Bridgewater | 655 US 202/206 Bridgewater, NJ 08807 | 908-287-1800