What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
If you own a BMW, chances are that your key fob has a lot of functions. You can use it to unlock your doors, control your windows, and even start your engine.
There are some tricks that you might not be aware of. Here are a few of the most effective.
Functions
The BMW key fob is a tiny, rectangular piece of plastic, with several buttons incorporated into its side. The majority of the buttons are used to lock and unlock the vehicle, however certain buttons have additional functions. BMW owners, for example can activate a hidden function on their key fob by pressing the unlock button two times quickly. This is ideal for those looking to cool their vehicle during a hot summer day.
Another important purpose of the BMW key fob is that it can be used to start the vehicle. This feature is a safety measure to ensure that no one is able to gain access to the vehicle. To start the engine, the driver has to press the lock button on the key fob, then the circular arrow. For newer BMW models the feature can be used to remotely start the car. This feature is particularly useful when a driver is running late to work and does not have time to turn the door.
Additionally, the BMW key fob can also be used to control the vehicle's interior climate system. This is particularly useful for those who travel with several people, as it is possible to set each individual's preferred temperatures with their individual key fob. The key fob on a hybrid BMW can be used to check the battery's charging status.
Dropping them into water is not recommended. This is why it's recommended to keep the key fob in a secure case when not in use. If you lose the key fob, a service can be offered to deactivate it, making it inaccessible to thieves. This can be done by contact with the dealer or one of our technicians. You can purchase a new BMW key fob to repair the functionality of your vehicle.
Design
BMW key fobs were large black, clunky rectangles that looked a bit like a bottle opener from the distance. They were simple, but functional. Then BMW started to make them a little smaller and also added a case made of plastic around the base of the key, which made it appear more elegant and less resemble a bottle opener. This new design also reduced the rough edges of the key that could get into bags or pockets, and made the keys more comfortable to hold.
BMW introduced the Display Key which puts all the functions of your car in your palm. It allows you to lock and unlock your car, control your air conditioning, and display the vehicle's information on a small touchscreen LCD on the BMW key fob. It even lets you park remotely on hybrid models!
If you're in need of a replacement key fob, you can have the same great functionality with the BMW Digital Key. You can use any smartphone compatible to replace the BMW key fob and unlock your car! This feature is available for 2021 and later BMW cars that use the iDrive 8 operating system.
Another exciting new key from BMW is the Connected Remote Key, which allows you to start your vehicle and control certain features using your smartphone. The app lets you remotely manage your car's climate control and check battery levels and much more! You can even check how you've got gas left in your tank in the event that your car is equipped with that feature.
Whether you're using a BMW Digital Key or a traditional key fob the click here process for getting an replacement is the same. Our experts will assist you with the process if you bring the old and new one to Patrick BMW. You can also choose to purchase a BMW Key Protection plan, which will cover the costs of a replacement in the event that your keys are lost or stolen.
If you do lose your BMW key, don't panic! The first thing you have to do is reset the key. This erases all programming and render it useless. This is accomplished by turning the key from position one and back in quick succession five times in a row. Then you can turn the key to zero and take it out of the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key is a efficient method to start your car. The fob pairs with your smartphone or Apple Watch and works with BMW Connected Drive to unlock the vehicle or start the engine and much more. It also lets you share the key with up to five others.
The key fob communicates with vehicle using encrypted signals. It is therefore difficult for hackers and cloners, to intercept the signal. Additionally the UWB technology of the BMW Digital Key prevents relay attacks even if the fob is moving while it's being carried. The system uses an alarm to prevent unauthorized starting and disables ignition switch.
BMW also provides a variety of security options that are available, including Passive Start, which disables the starter motor when the key fob is not within close proximity to the vehicle. This feature is available on many of the brand's models and gives you security.
A number of the more advanced BMW models have keyless access, which allows drivers to get in and start the vehicle without having to manually push any buttons or insert a physical key. This feature is typically activated by pressing the fob's lock button three times in the span of a second. In certain situations it is possible to press the button to lock the fob three times to then turn on an additional remote start feature on the dashboard or on the steering wheel.
Some people carry their BMW keyfob in a bag that blocks signals. This minimizes the risk that a third party broadcasts the identifying code from the fob in order to gain access to the car. Others prefer to use the standard key case which doesn't have this feature, but can protect the fob from scratches.
Some BMW owners have reported that their vehicles were stolen by criminals who just used a signal amplifier to increase the signal that identifies. This type of attack, known as "Relay Attack", can be avoided by putting the key fob in pockets that block signals or by using an app on your smartphone to block signals.
Replacement
It happens to everyone - your BMW key fob battery goes out or you require an extra battery for someone in your family. Thankfully, getting an alternative BMW key fob and programming it to your car is simple and affordable. You can purchase the replacement from any dealership or locksmith authorized by BMW. A new key fob can cost between $400 and $650, depending on the model of BMW you drive.
To program a new key fob to your BMW first, make sure that there is no other key in the ignition. Close all doors in your vehicle. Next, insert your new key fob in the ignition, and switch it to position 1 and back to position 0 five times rapidly. Hold down the unlock button and quickly press the BMW logo on your BMW keyfob. Once you have completed this, remove the key and turn on the car. You should hear your vehicle's doors lock and unlock. This means that the new key fob was successfully programmed.
Based on the car model depending on the model of your car, you could have a key fob that has a key blade that is physically inside it or a key fob that does not have one. Each fob has a different method of synchronizing with your car, however the steps for each are almost identical. The only difference is the metal key fob will need to be placed into the ignition to start your car.
If you own a BMW equipped with Comfort Access, the process is even easier. After you have programmed a new key fob, simply connect it to the ignition of your BMW and press the start button.
While your BMW is a fantastic vehicle to travel around Decatur however, it is vital to keep your key fob in good condition. If you're in search of an entirely new BMW key fob or replacement for your existing one, contact the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can assist you in selecting the right key fob and also upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry and engine starting.