Keyless Ignition, is it worth it?

[Audi Nick]

The rather long delay in my new car being built has given me lots of time to add to the extra's, the latest being keyless ignition.

My wife thinks I'm mad and have more money than sense, and whilst she has not delivered the ultimate 'its me or the car' statement, I need to be prepared.

Has anyone else got keyless ignition and if you had to choose between the wife and the car, is there a contest?

[troc]

I wish my wife had keyless ignition.

No, wait that's not the question

I've keyless ignition on the S4 and it's rather handy, if essentially useless. Not having to shove the key in the hole - together with the whole getting it from the pocket etc hassle is nice.

The only major issue I have had with mine is totally user error - I am used to locking a car and then checking it's locked by pulling the handle. This, naturally, unlocks the car again...... I just check for the flashy red light now although the folded-in mirrors help.

Keyless entry/ignition is also rather cool when combined with the seat memory and everything as the car recognises which key was nearest when a door is opened and will configure the seats to that key's memory position. I believe this can be (partially) enabled via VCDS without buying the memory option. Radio preferences and stuff like that are also attached to each key. It's also practically impossible to lock your key in the car as it will just refuse to lock from the outside if the key which unlocked it is still inside. This includes the boot.


Try to sell it to her as a hand-saver, you don't have to fiddle in your pocked/handbag for the key, just walk up to the car and open the door (or boot) you want to use combined with the "never lock yourself out" ruse. Plus you get a spiffing "start" button.

[Ardy]

Love it - no scrambling around for keys, as long as is in something that's in the car it will start. Can just leave it in jacket pocket all day in and out the car and never really think about it. Personally i used to scratch the hell out of my drivers side door handle area as i always had they keys in my hand. Now after one year not a mark.

I also have the user error problem of checking the doors locked and unlocking it again but thats just habit - need to trust the system more

[ScottyUK]

The only major issue I have had with mine is totally user error - I am used to locking a car and then checking it's locked by pulling the handle. This, naturally, unlocks the car again...... I just check for the flashy red light now although the folded-in mirrors help.

Just get the beep enabled

I like the sound of the keyless but it seems a faff when walking away. I didn't bother but I know many love it.

p.s. How comes no one's mentioned the issue when washing the car?

[Ardy]

Beep - good idea - have started asking around some mechanic friends to see if someone has access to the software - i presume it needs to be hooked up to enable it?

Just walk away and brush your hand past any door - i like that bit - kid out holding hand and just brush finger past door when closed to lock. Tis a very lazy option tbh.

with reg to car washing - hopefully folks realised its much simpler just to not carry the key at the same time

[ScottyUK]

Beep - yep. You just need to locate someone close with VCDS (formally VAG-COM).

Locking - would be a pain for me. I throw the door shut whilst I'm walking away and press the fob. Having to shut door then lock it before walking away would be a faff for me.

Car washing - some can't. If you park on the street what choice do you have?

[21stCentury]

In answer to the original question, yes it is worth having because it's brilliant when you return to your car carrying stuff and your key is in your pocket trapped underneath wallet, mobile etc.

Locking - would be a pain for me. I throw the door shut whilst I'm walking away and press the fob. Having to shut door then lock it before walking away would be a faff for me.

It is not necessary to lock the door before walking away, pressing the fob remains an option.

For me, this option makes it like living in a world where having a key for your car isn't necessary - priceless!

[ScottyUK]

It is not necessary to lock the door before walking away, pressing the fob remains an option.

I almost put that in my post but didn't bother.

It would mean (for me) the option is even more not worth the dosh when you only use it half the time.

Show's we're all different I guess

[lozzermo]

I guess it's one of those options that sit in the 'nice to have' category once you have the important stuff ticked off.
Checking it's locked is just a matter of pulling the handle immediately after locking. Becomes almost second nature after a while.
The start button is a nice feature, if only it pulsed like an Aston or Jag, that would be nice!
In terms of ultimate convenience I hear that on the A6 they have a sensor under the rear bumper so that if you have your hands full all you have to do is wave your foot under the bumper. That would be the icing on the cake for th A4 system as no matter what, you always need a spare hand to open the boot.

[ScottyUK]

Checking it's locked is just a matter of pulling the handle immediately after locking. Becomes almost second nature after a while.

Checking it's locked ????? I'm even more convinced it was good to save my money!

That would be the icing on the cake for th A4 system as no matter what, you always need a spare hand to open the boot.

When I go to carry something big to the car I simply hold the fob in my hand at the same time. One blip when close and the tailgate opens.

Who needs a spare hand?