tex2670

Someone posted on another forum that "some" cars have a smart key that automatically unlocks the car as you walk up to it. The only evidence he cited was from Wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remote_keyless_system
Not too many actual sources in this article. Anyone know of a car that actually has this feature?

Thx in advance.

Infra

iTrader: (1)

Every Lexus has this standard. BMW, Audi, MB, Inifiniti, pretty much every make has this as an option.

Not sure what you're asking for proof of? Just go look at any car's specifications, or stop by a dealership and ask about it.

piguy

Infra, in Method 2, the car unlocks when the driver touches the door handle. This is how most cars that I know of handle it (including my IS). In Method 1, the car would unlock just when the driver got near - they don't have to touch the door handle.

I'm curious about this as well. Based on my experience with my IS, I'd prefer Method 1 for two reasons:
-Sometimes I try and open the door too quickly, before the system has unlocked the car
-When traveling with others, they often try and open the door before I've touched the door handle.

But I haven't thought too deeply about the downsides. I'm sure there's some that push car makers towards making Method 2 the standard.

oldcajun

My LS turns on the "puddle lights" on the mirrors as I approach but does not unlock the car. I have never seen one that automatically unlocks without touching the unlock sensors.
Steve

tex2670

I'm not looking for cars with SmartKeys. I'm looking for a car that automatically unlocks the door without touching the door handle as you approach the car. Yes, I could check specs, but it would kind of be a random search, not knowing any car that has this feature.

I don't think it exists, except maybe in some ultra lux car.

tex2670

Same with my IS. I haven't ever seen this feature either...

spwolf

there is nothing luxurious about it, they dont do it for security reasons. Also, in Lexus, you dont have to touch the handle at all, it unlocks when it detects your hand reaching for the handle, not actually pulling it.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

This

mrraider

Almost. Your hand has to be near the sensor on the inside of the door handle. I don't like this implementation because it tends to get fussy with gloves. I prefer the implementation where teh door unlocks when you pull the door handle.

tex2670

I agree--I don't think it exists.

I've had my IS for 6 years--I have to physically touch the back of the handle to unlock, but do not have to pull. I've had 2nd and 3rd Gen RX, and 5 Gen ES loaners--same thing--you have to touch the back of the handle, or now the dimples on top and bottom. Your GS might be different.

spwolf

try it :-). You dont have to touch it at all. You put your hand behind the handle but dont touch it and you will see. I have 2IS these days. Dimples are only for locking, not unlocking.

it doesnt exist because it would be unsafe - not because it is not possible... the sensors you have in your 2IS can do that, but again, it would be safety/security issue.

LexTriton

iTrader: (1)

There are some aftermarket systems that actually do function like this. There was a thread about it in the SC300/SC400 forums a while ago. Here's the video from that thread.

MadMax96

It wasn't really considered a "smart key" but I know on my friend's 1993 Corvette the doors would unlock as you approached and then lock as you walked away.

Kind of cool, but if you were outside near your car with the fob in your pocket, say, at home, it would continually unlock and relock depending on your proximity.

tex2670

Tried it today--I had to touch it.

lalexusgs

I have #1 option in my '13 BMW 335i. I just walk up to the car, and about couple feet away I hear the doors unlock. I'm sure any new BMW with CA (comfort access) feature has it. Not sure of other luxury brands, but if BMW has it - other luxury brands probably have it too.