What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
If you have a BMW you are likely to find that your key fob has many functions. You can use it to unlock your doors, control your windows and even start the engine.
There are some tricks you might not know about. Here are a few of the most effective.
Functions
The BMW key fob is an incredibly small piece of plastic with several buttons incorporated in its side. Most of these buttons are used to lock and unlock the vehicle, but a few have more unique functions. BMW owners, for instance can activate a hidden function on their key fob by pressing the unlock button twice quickly. This is a great option for those who wish to cool down their vehicle on the summer heat.
Another important benefit of the BMW key fob is that it can be used to start the car. This feature is a great security measure and blocks unauthorized entry into the vehicle. To start the engine, drivers must first press the lock button on the key fob, then the circular arrow. For the latest BMW models it can be used to remotely start the vehicle. This is particularly useful when the driver is running late for work and doesn't have the time to get out of the car to get the door.
The BMW key fob can also be used for controlling the interior climate system. This is particularly helpful for those who travel with several people, as it is possible to set each individual's preferred temperature using their own key fob. For those who have hybrid BMW key fob can be used to determine the charging status of the battery of the vehicle.
While the standard BMW key fobs can withstand normal levels of moisture, dropping them in water can cause significant damage. For this reason, it's recommended to keep the key fob in a safe case when not in use. If you have lost your key fob, we can offer a solution that will deactivate the device, rendering it useless to thieves. Contacting our dealer or technicians will be able to do this. You can buy a replacement BMW key fob to restore the functionality of your vehicle.
Design
BMW key fobs were large, clunky rectangles of black that, from a distance, looked like a bottle-opener. They were simple, but functional. Then BMW started to make them a little more compact and added an aluminum case around the base of the key that made it appear more elegant and a little less like a bottle opener. The new design also reduced the rough edges of the key which could pierce pockets or bags and made the keys easier for you to hold.
Then BMW introduced the Display Key, which puts all the functions of your vehicle in the palm of your hand. The BMW key fob features an LCD screen that lets you lock and unlock your vehicle, control the air conditioning, and access the vehicle's information. It even allows remote parking on hybrid models!
BMW Digital Keys are a fantastic alternative if you want to replace the BMW key fob. Just use your compatible smartphone to replace the BMW key fob, and then unlock your car! This feature is available on 2021 or newer BMW cars that use the iDrive 8 operating system.
The Connected Remote key is another amazing new key from BMW that lets you start your car and use certain features using your smartphone. The app allows you to remotely control your car’s climate control and monitor battery levels. You can even see how much gas is left in your tank in the event that your car is equipped with this feature.
The procedure for replacing the BMW Digital Key is the same whether you're using an old-fashioned key or a BMW Digital Key. You'll have to bring your original key along with the new one to Patrick BMW, and our technicians will assist you with everything. You can also purchase an BMW Key Protection plan, which will cover the cost of a replacement if keys get lost or stolen.
If you do lose your BMW key, don't panic! The first step is to reset the key, which erases any programming that was stored on it and render it inoperable. This is accomplished five times by rapidly shifting the key from position one to position zero and back. Then you can turn the key to position zero and take it out of the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key is a convenient way to start your car. The fob is compatible with your smartphone or Apple Watch and works with BMW Connected Drive to unlock the vehicle or start the engine and much more. You can also share the key with five people.
The key fob transmits encrypted signals with the vehicle. This makes it impossible for hackers to steal and clone the signal. Additionally to this, the UWB technology in the BMW Digital Key prevents relay attacks even when the fob is moving when it is being transported. The system employs an alarm to block unauthorised starting and disables ignition switch.
BMW also offers a variety of optional security features, including Passive Start, which disables the starter motor when the key fob isn't in close proximity to the car. This feature is available on a variety of BMW models and offers additional security.
A number of the more advanced BMW models offer keyless access which allows drivers to enter and start the car without having to manually use any buttons or insert the physical key. This feature can be activated by pressing three times on the lock button of the fob in a single second. In certain situations, you may need to press the button to lock the fob three times and then activate the remote start feature in the dashboard or on the steering wheel.
Some people keep their BMW keyfob in a here pouch that blocks signals. This minimizes the risk that a third party broadcasts the identifying code from the fob to gain access to the car. Some prefer a standard key case, that does not come with this feature but will still protect the fob from scratches.
A few BMW owners have reported that their cars have been stolen by criminals who simply employed a signal amplifier to boost the identifying signal. This kind of attack is known as "Relay Attack" and can be avoided by keeping the key fob in a signal blocking pocket or by using a signal-blocking app on your smartphone.
Replacement
Everybody has experienced this: the battery in your BMW key fob dies or you need to buy another one for your family. It's easy and affordable to get a replacement BMW fob, and program it into your vehicle. BMW authorized locksmiths or dealers can offer you an alternative key fob. A new key fob will typically cost between $400 and $650, depending on the kind of BMW you drive.
Make sure there is no other ignition key in your BMW before you begin programming a new keyfob. Also, close all doors inside your vehicle. Place your new key fob in the ignition, and quickly turn it from position 1 to zero, and then back to position 1. Then, hold down the unlock button on your BMW key fob and press the BMW logo three times in rapid succession. After you have finished this, take off your key and turn your car on. The doors will unlock and lock, which indicates that your new key fob is successfully programmed.
Depending on the model of your car, you could either have a key blade in your key fob or one that isn't. The process for syncing new fobs to your car is different for each one however, the steps are similar. The only difference is that the fob with a metal key in it will need to be put into the ignition when you wish to start the car.
If you have a BMW with Comfort Access the process is much simpler. Once you have programmed the new key fob, simply insert it into your BMW's ignition and press the start button.
While your BMW is a fantastic vehicle to travel around Decatur It is crucial that you keep your key fob in good working condition. If you are looking for a new BMW key fob or a replacement one, you can reach the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can assist you in finding the perfect key fob for your vehicle, and we can even upgrade your BMW with an upgrade to Comfort Access to enable keyless entry as well as engine starting.