What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
If you own a BMW, chances are that your key fob comes with numerous functions. You can use it to unlock your doors, operate your windows and even start the engine.
There are a few secrets you might not have heard of. Let's take a look at some of the most useful ones.
Functions
The BMW key fob is a small rectangular piece of plastic with a number buttons embedded into its sides. Most of them allow you to lock and unlock your car, but a few are distinct. BMW owners, for instance, can activate a secret function on their key fob by pressing the unlock button twice quickly. This is ideal for those who wish to cool their vehicle on a hot summer day.
Another significant benefit of the BMW key fob is that it can be used to start the car. This feature is a safety measure that prevents unauthorized access to the vehicle. To start the engine, the driver has to press the lock button on the key fob and then press the circular arrow. For the latest BMW models the feature can be used to remotely start the vehicle. This feature is particularly useful when a driver is late to work and does not have time to turn the door.
Lastly lastly, the BMW key fob can also be used to control the vehicle's interior climate system. This is particularly convenient for those traveling with multiple people as each key fob can be used to determine the preferred temperature for each person. If you own a hybrid BMW key fob can be used to check the state of charge of the battery in the vehicle.
Dropping them in water is not recommended. It's a good idea to keep the key fob in a protective case when not in use. If you have lost your key fob, we can offer a solution that will deactivate the device, making it useless to thieves. This can be accomplished by calling the dealer or one of our technicians. You can purchase a replacement BMW key fob to repair the functionality of your vehicle.
Design
BMW key fobs were once large black, clunky rectangles that looked like an opener for bottles from a distance. They were basic, but they served a purpose. Then BMW started to make them more compact and added a plastic case around the base of the key, which made it look nicer and less resemble an opener for bottles. This new design also reduced rough edges on the keys which could pierce bags or pockets and made keys easier to hold.
BMW has since introduced the Display Key which puts all the functions of your car in your hands. It lets you lock and unlock your car, operate your air conditioning, and view the information about your vehicle on a tiny LCD touchscreen on the BMW key fob. Even hybrid models have remote parking!
BMW Digital Keys are a fantastic replacement if you need to replace the BMW key fob. You can unlock your vehicle using your smartphone if you have a compatible model. This feature is only available to BMW vehicles made after 2021 that use the iDrive 8 system.
The Connected Remote key is another cool new key from BMW that allows you to start your vehicle and operate some features with your smartphone. The app allows you to manage your car's climate control and monitor battery levels. You can check how much fuel is left in your car if it is equipped with this feature.
The process of replacing the BMW Digital Key is the same, whether you use an old-fashioned key or a BMW Digital Key. Our technicians will assist you with the process if you bring both your old key and new one to Patrick BMW. You can also purchase the BMW Key Protection Plan, which will cover replacement costs in the event that your keys are 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 it has and render it useless. This is done five times by quickly turning the key from one position to zero and back. Then, turn it to position zero and take it out of the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key is a efficient way to start your car. The fob pairs with your smartphone or Apple Watch and works with BMW Connected Drive to unlock the vehicle and start the engine and much more. It also allows you to share the key with up to five others.
The key fob is encrypted and transmits signals to the vehicle. It is therefore difficult for hackers and cloners to intercept the signal. The UWB technology of the BMW Digital Key also prevents attacks on relays even if the device is in motion. The system uses an alarm to block unauthorised starting and disables ignition switch.
BMW also offers a range of security options that are available, including Passive Start, which disables the starter motor when the key fob isn't in close proximity to the vehicle. This here feature is offered on a number of BMW models and provides additional peace of mind.
BMW's more sophisticated models include keyless entry that allows drivers access and start their car without having to manually inserting a key or pressing any buttons. This feature is activated by pressing three times on the lock button of the fob in just one second. In some cases you may have to press the lock on the fob three times to activate the remote start feature on the steering wheel or dashboard.
Some people keep their BMW key fob in a case that blocks signals. This decreases the possibility of a third-party broadcasting identifying code from the fob in order to gain access to the car. Some people prefer to use an ordinary case that doesn't have this feature, but it does protect the fob from scratches.
Some BMW owners have reported that their vehicles have been taken by criminals who just employed a signal amplifier to boost the identifying signal. This kind of attack, known as "Relay Attack", can be avoided by putting the key fob into a pocket that blocks signals, or by utilizing an app on your phone to block signals.
Replacement
It happens to everyone and it happens to you too - your BMW key fob battery fails or you need a spare for someone in your family. It's affordable and easy to purchase a replacement BMW fob and then program it into your vehicle. BMW authorized locksmiths or dealers can sell you a replacement key fob. A new key fob will typically cost between $400 and $650, based on the type of BMW you drive.
To program a new key fob for your BMW first, ensure that there isn't another key in the ignition. Close all doors in your vehicle. Put your new key fob into the ignition, then quickly move it from position 1 to position 0, and then back to position 1. Hold down the unlock button and quickly press the BMW logo on your BMW keyfob. After you have finished this, take off your key and turn the vehicle on. The vehicle's doors unlock and lock. This indicates that the new key fob has been successfully programmed.
Based on the model of your car You may have an ignition key fob with a key blade that is physically inside it, or a key fob that does not have one. The procedure for syncing new fobs with your car differs for each however, the steps are similar. The only difference is that a key fob that has a metallic key inside will need to be inserted into the ignition when you want to start the car.
If you have a BMW with Comfort Access the process is much simpler. Once you have programmed your new key fob in your BMW and inserted it into the ignition and press start.
While your BMW is a great way to travel around Decatur It is crucial to keep your key fob in good condition. Patrick BMW's parts department will help you locate a new BMW fob or replacement. We can assist you in finding the right key fob for your car, and we can even upgrade your BMW by introducing a Comfort Access upgrade to enable keyless entry and engine starting.