What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
Your BMW key fob is likely to have numerous functions. It can be used to unlock your doors, manage your windows, and even start the engine.
There are some tricks you might not be aware of. Here are some of the best.
Functions
The BMW key fob is a tiny, rectangular piece of plastic that has many buttons built into its side. Most of them allow you to lock and unlock your car however, a few are unique. BMW owners, for instance can activate a hidden 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.
The BMW key fob can also be used to start your car. 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 must press the lock button on the key fob and then press the circular arrow. For newer BMW models it can be used to remotely start the car. This feature is particularly useful when the driver is late to work and doesn't have time to turn the door.
The BMW key fob also has the capability of controlling the internal climate system. This is particularly helpful for those who travel with multiple individuals, as it's possible to set each person's preferred temperature using their own key fob. The key fob of a hybrid BMW can be used to check the battery's charging status.
Dropping them into water is not recommended. For this reason, it's best to keep the key fob in a safe case when not in use. If you lose your key fob we can offer a solution which will deactivate the device, rendering it useless to thieves. Contacting the dealer or our technicians can do this. A replacement for a lost BMW key fob could be purchased to restore functionality to your car.
Design
BMW key fobs were once big, clunky rectangles in black that from a distance looked like a bottle-opener. They were basic, but useful. 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. This new design also minimized the rough edges of keys which could puncture pockets or bags and made keys easier to hold.
Then BMW introduced the Display Key, which puts all the functions of your vehicle in the palm of your hand. It lets you lock and unlock your car, control your air conditioning, and view the vehicle's information on a small LCD touchscreen on the BMW key fob. Even hybrid models can have remote parking!
BMW Digital Keys are a great alternative if you want to replace your BMW key fob. You can unlock your vehicle by using your smartphone, when you own an appropriate model. This feature is available on 2021 or newer BMW cars that use the iDrive 8 operating system.
Another new and exciting key from BMW is the Connected Remote Key, which lets you start your car and control certain functions using your smartphone. The app lets you remotely control your car’s climate control and check battery levels. You can check how much fuel is left in your car if it is equipped with this feature.
The procedure for replacing a BMW Digital Key is the same, whether you use the traditional 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 the BMW Key Protection Plan, which will cover replacement costs if your keys get lost or stolen.
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 useless. This is done by turning the key to position one and then back in rapid succession five times in the same row. Then, turn the key until it is at zero and then remove it from the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key makes it easy to start your car. The fob is compatible with your smartphone or Apple Watch and works with BMW Connected Drive to unlock the vehicle and start the engine and much more. You can also share the key with five people.
The key fob communicates with vehicle using encrypted signals. This makes it difficult for hackers to intercept and replicate the signal. In addition, the UWB technology used in the BMW Digital Key prevents relay attacks even when the fob is in motion when it is being transported. The system also has an alarm built-in to stop non-authorized starts and disables ignition switch which is a popular target for thieves.
BMW offers a variety of security options that can be added. Passive Start is one such feature that will disable the starter motor if the key fob does not remain within close proximity to your vehicle. This feature is available on a variety of BMW models and can provide additional security.
BMW's more sophisticated models include keyless entry, which lets drivers to access their vehicle without having manually inserting a key or pressing any buttons. This feature is typically activated by pressing the lock button on the fob three times in a single second. In some cases, you may need to press the button to lock the fob three times and then switch on a separate remote start feature in the dashboard or on the steering wheel.
Some people keep their BMW keyfob in a pouch that blocks signals. This reduces the chance that a third party broadcasts the unique code that is on the fob to gain access to the vehicle. Some people prefer to bmw replacement car keys use a standard case that does not come with the feature, but still protects the fob from scratches.
Some BMW owners have reported that their cars were stolen by thieves who utilized a signal amplifier in order to boost the identifying signal. This type of attack, known as "Relay Attack", can be avoided by putting the key fob into pockets that block signals, or by installing an app on your phone to block signals.
Replacement
It happens to everyone It happens to everyone - your BMW key fob battery fails or you need a spare for your family member. Thankfully, getting the replacement BMW key fob and programming it to your car is simple and affordable. BMW authorized locksmiths or dealers can offer you an alternative key fob. A new key fob costs 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. You should also close all doors inside your vehicle. Insert your new key fob into the ignition, then quickly turn 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've completed this, take off your key and turn the vehicle on. You should hear the doors lock and unlock, indicating that your new key fob has been successfully programmed.
Based on the model of your car, you might have a key blade inside your key fob or one without. Each fob has a different method of synchronizing with your vehicle, but the steps for each are identical. The only difference is the metal key fob needs to be put in the ignition to begin your car.
If you have a BMW equipped with Comfort Access the process is even simpler. Once you have programmed your new key fob to your BMW and inserted it into the ignition and press start.
It is essential to maintain your BMW key fob in working order. Patrick BMW's parts department can assist you locate a new BMW fob or a replacement. We can help you find the right key fob for your vehicle and can upgrade your BMW with an upgrade to Comfort Access to enable keyless entry as well as engine starting.