What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
If you have a BMW you are likely to find that your key fob comes with many functions. It can be used to unlock your doors, operate your windows, and even start your engine.
There are a few tricks you may not know about. Let's take a look some of the most effective ones.
Functions
The BMW key fob is a small rectangular piece of plastic that has many buttons incorporated in its side. Most of the buttons are used to lock and unlock the vehicle, and some have additional functions. For instance, BMW owners can activate a hidden function on their key fob to lower all of their windows at once by pressing the unlock button two times. This is ideal for people who want to cool their vehicle on the scorching summer days.
Another important benefit of the BMW key fob is that it can be used to start the car. This feature is a safety measure to prevent 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. This feature is also available on newer BMW models to remotely start the vehicle. This is particularly helpful when the driver is in a hurry for work and doesn't have time to get out of the car and open the door.
Additionally lastly, the BMW key fob may also be utilized to control the vehicle's interior climate system. This is especially helpful for those who travel with multiple people since each key fob can be used to set the temperature for each person. The key fob on a hybrid BMW can be used to check the battery's charge status.
Dropping them in water is not recommended. For this reason, it's recommended to keep the key fob in a secure case when not in use. If you lose your key fob we can offer a service which will deactivate the device, making it inaccessible to thieves. This can be accomplished by calling the dealer or one of our technicians. A replacement for a lost BMW key fob could be purchased to restore functionality to your car.
Design
BMW key fobs used to be large rectangular black pieces that looked like a bottle opener from the distance. They were simple but functional. BMW then made them smaller and put a plastic casing around the base to make it look more appealing and less like the key opener. The new design also reduced the rough edges of the key that could poke into bags or pockets and made the keys more comfortable to hold.
Then BMW introduced the Display Key, which puts all the features of your car in the palm of your hand. The BMW key fob features an LCD screen which allows you to lock and unlock your car, control the air conditioning and display the vehicle's information. It even allows remote parking on hybrid models!
If you're in need of a replacement, you can get the same great function with the BMW Digital Key. You can use any smartphone compatible to replace the BMW key fob and unlock your vehicle! This feature is available on 2021 and later BMW vehicles with the iDrive 8 operating system.
Another new and exciting key from BMW is the Connected Remote Key that lets you start your car and use certain functions using your smartphone. The app allows you to control your car’s climate control and monitor battery levels. You can see how much fuel remains in your car if it is equipped with this feature.
The process for replacing a 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 the new one to Patrick BMW. You can also purchase a BMW Key Protection plan, which will cover the cost of a replacement if your keys get stolen or lost.
If you do lose your BMW key, don't panic! The first step is to reset the key, which will erase any programming it has and render it useless. This is accomplished five times by quickly changing the key from position one to zero and back. Then switch the key to zero and take it out of the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key makes it easy to start your car. It 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. It also allows you to share the key with up to five other people.
The key fob communicates with the vehicle using encrypted signals. This makes it difficult for hackers to steal and clone 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 stop unauthorised starting and disables the ignition switch.
BMW offers a range of security options that can be added. Passive Start is one such feature that disables the starter motor if the key fob does not remain in close proximity to your car. This feature is available in all models of the brand and offers security.
BMW's more sophisticated models include keyless entry, which allows users to start their vehicle without having manually insert a key or press any buttons. This feature is typically activated by pressing the fob's lock button three times within one second. In some instances, you may have to press the fob's lock 3 times in order to activate the remote start feature on the steering wheel or dashboard.
Some people carry their BMW keyfob in a bag that blocks signals. This decreases the possibility that a third party broadcasts the unique code that is on the fob in order to gain access to the vehicle. Others prefer to use the standard key case which doesn't have this feature, but it will protect the fob from scratches.
Some BMW owners have reported that their cars were stolen by criminals who simply employed a signal amplifier to increase the signal that identifies. This type of attack is known as "Relay Attack" and can be avoided by keeping the key fob in a signal blocking pocket or by installing an app that blocks signals on your phone.
Replacement
Everyone has had this experience - the battery in your BMW key fob goes out or you'll need to purchase an extra one for your family. Luckily, purchasing an alternative BMW key fob and programming it into your vehicle is simple and affordable. BMW authorized locksmiths or dealers can offer you an alternative key fob. A new key fob can cost between $400 and $650, depending on the kind of BMW you drive.
To program a new key fob for your BMW first, ensure that there is no other key in the ignition. Close all doors in your vehicle. Insert your new key fob into 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 car on. You should hear the doors lock and unlock, indicating that your new key fob has been successfully programmed.
Depending on the model of your car, you could either have a key blade on your key fob or one that isn't. Each one has a distinct process for synchronizing with your vehicle, but the steps for each are nearly identical. The only difference is that the fob that has a metallic key in it needs to be inserted into the ignition when you are ready to start your car.
If you own 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 essential to keep your BMW key fob in working in good working order. If you're in search of a new BMW key fob, or a replacement, you can contact the parts department at more info Patrick BMW. We can assist you in selecting the correct key fob and upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry and engine starting.