What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
If you own an BMW it is likely that your key fob comes with a lot of functions. You can use it to unlock your doors, control your windows, and even start your engine.
There are a few tricks you might not know about. Let's take a look at some of the most useful ones.
Functions
The BMW key fob is a small rectangle of plastic that has several buttons incorporated in its side. Most of these buttons allow you to lock and unlock your car however, some are unique. BMW owners, for example can activate a secret function on their key fob by pressing the unlock button twice quickly. This is ideal for those who want to cool their vehicle on a hot summer's day.
Another important benefit of the BMW key fob is that it can be used to start the vehicle. This feature is a great safety precaution and prevents unauthorized entry into the vehicle. To start the engine, the driver has to press the lock button on the key fob, then press the circular arrow. This feature is also available on newer BMW models to remotely start the car. This is especially useful when the driver is running late for work and doesn't have time to get out of the car to open the door.
Finally lastly, the BMW key fob may also be used to control the vehicle's interior climate system. This is particularly helpful for those who travel with multiple people, as it is possible to set each person's preferred temperatures with their individual key fob. If you have hybrid BMW, the key fob can be used to determine the state of charge of the vehicle's battery.
While the standard BMW key fobs can withstand normal levels of humidity, dropping them into water can cause severe damage. It is best to store the key fob in its protective case when not in use. If you happen to lose the key fob, a service can be provided that will disable it, making it unusable for thieves. Contacting the dealer or one of our technicians can do this. A replacement for a lost BMW key fob could be purchased to restore functionality to your vehicle.
Design
BMW key fobs were huge, clunky rectangular shapes in black that from a distance looked like a bottle-opener. They were simple, but useful. BMW then made them smaller and put a plastic casing around the base to make it look more attractive and less like the key opener. The new design also trimmed the rough edges of the keys that could poke through bags or pockets and made keys easier to hold.
BMW introduced the Display Key which puts all the functionality of your vehicle in your hand. The BMW key fob features a small LCD screen that allows you to lock and unlock your car, control the air conditioning and view vehicle information. Even hybrid models have remote parking!
If you're in need of a replacement key fob, you can have the same functionality and features with a BMW Digital Key. You can unlock your vehicle by using your smartphone, when you own a compatible model. This feature is only available for BMW vehicles made after 2021 using the iDrive 8 system.
The Connected Remote key is another amazing new key from BMW that allows you to start your car and use certain functions using your smartphone. The app lets you remotely manage your car's climate control and check the battery level. You can even see how much gas you have left in your tank in the event that your car get more info is equipped with that feature.
The process of replacing a BMW Digital Key is the same regardless of whether you're using an old-fashioned key or a BMW Digital Key. Our technicians will help you with the process when you bring your old key and the new one to Patrick BMW. You can also choose to purchase a BMW Key Protection plan, which will cover the costs of a replacement if your keys are stolen or lost.
If you do lose your BMW key, don't panic! The first thing to do is reset the key. This erases all programming and render it inoperable. This is done by turning the key from position one and back in quick succession, five times in the same row. Then, turn it back to position zero and take off the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key makes it easy to start your vehicle. The fob is compatible with your Apple Watch or smartphone and works with BMW Connected Drive. It allows you to unlock your vehicle and also start the engine. You can also share the key with five others.
The key fob communicates with vehicle via encrypted signals. This makes it impossible for hackers to intercept and clone the signal. Additionally the UWB technology of the BMW Digital Key prevents relay attacks even if the fob is in motion while it's being transported. The system also has an inbuilt alarm system to block non-authorized starts and disables ignition switch which is a popular target for thieves.
BMW offers a range of security options that can be added. Passive Start is one of them. It disables the starter motor when the key fob does not remain in close proximity to your vehicle. This feature is available on a variety of BMW models and provides additional security.
BMW's more advanced models feature keyless entry, which lets drivers to access their vehicle without having to manually insert a key or push any buttons. This feature is activated by pressing three times on the lock button on the fob in just one second. In certain situations it may be necessary to press the button to lock the fob three times to then turn on a separate remote start feature on the dashboard or on the steering wheel.
Some people prefer to carry their BMW key fob in a pouch that blocks signals, which reduces the risk of a third-party broadcasting the signal that identifies the fob and using it to access the car. Some prefer using an ordinary case that does not have the feature, but it does protect the fob against scratches.
A few BMW owners have reported that their cars were stolen by criminals using a signal amplifier to boost the identification signals. This type of attack, also known as "Relay Attack", can be avoided by putting the key fob into an area that blocks signals, or by utilizing an app on your smartphone to block signals.
Replacement
Everyone has had this experience - the battery in your BMW key fob goes out or you have to purchase another one for your family. Luckily, purchasing a replacement BMW key fob and programming it to your car is easy and inexpensive. You can purchase a replacement from any dealership or locksmith that is authorized by BMW. A new key fob costs between $400 and $650 depending on the model of BMW you drive.
Make sure there is no other ignition key in your BMW before you begin programming a new keyfob. Close all doors in your vehicle. Place your new key fob in the ignition and swiftly change it from position 1 to position 0, and then back to position 1. Next, press 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 the vehicle on. The doors will unlock and lock, which indicates that your new key fob has been successfully programmed.
Depending on your car model, you may have a key fob that has a physical key blade inside it or a key fob that doesn't have one. The process for syncing new fobs with your car differs for each, but the steps are similar. The only difference is that the fob with a metal key in it will need to be placed in the ignition whenever you are ready to start your car.
If you have a BMW equipped with Comfort Access the process is even simpler. Once you have programmed your new key fob into your BMW then, you can insert it into the ignition and press start.
It is important to ensure that your BMW key fob in working order. Patrick BMW's parts department will help you find a replacement BMW fob or replacement. We can help you find the right key fob for your car, and we can even upgrade your BMW with a Comfort Access upgrade to enable keyless entry as well as engine starting.