What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
Your BMW key fob is likely to have numerous functions. You can use it for many things, including unlocking your doors, controlling your windows and even starting your engine.
There are some tricks that you may not know about. Let's take a look at some of the most useful ones.
Functions
The BMW key fob is an incredibly small piece of plastic that has many buttons incorporated into its side. Most of them unlock and lock the car, but a few are distinctive. For instance, BMW owners can activate a hidden function on their key fob to lower all of their windows simultaneously by pressing the unlock button twice quickly. This is perfect for those who wish to cool down their car 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 great security precaution that prevents unauthorised entry into the vehicle. To start the engine, the driver must press the lock button on the key fob, then the circular arrow. For the latest BMW models the feature can be used to remotely start the vehicle. This feature is especially useful when the driver is late for work and does not have time to open the door.
Additionally, the BMW key fob can also be used to control the vehicle's interior climate system. This is especially helpful for people who travel with several people since each key fob can be used to determine the preferred temperature for each individual. The key fob of a hybrid BMW can be used to check on the battery's charging status.
Dropping them in water is not recommended. It's recommended to keep the key fob in a safe case when not in use. If you do lose the key fob, a service is available to disable it, making it unusable for thieves. Contacting the dealer or our technicians can do this. You can purchase a new BMW key fob to restore your car's functionality.
Design
BMW key fobs were huge, clunky rectangular shapes in black that, from a distance, looked like a bottle-opener. They were simple, but functional. Then BMW started to make them a little more compact and added a case made of plastic around the base of the key that made it appear more elegant and less like the bottle opener. The new design also trimmed rough edges on the keys which could pierce bags or pockets and made the keys more comfortable to hold.
BMW has since introduced the Display Key which puts all the functionality of your vehicle in your hands. It allows you to lock and unlock your car, control your air conditioning, and view vehicle information on a small LCD touchscreen on the BMW key fob. Even hybrid models have remote parking!
BMW Digital Keys are a great alternative if you want to replace the BMW key fob. You can unlock your car by using your smartphone, if you have an appropriate model. This feature is only available for BMW vehicles made after 2021 that use the iDrive 8 system.
The Connected Remote key is a innovative key from BMW that allows you to start your vehicle and operate certain functions using your smartphone. The app allows you to remotely manage your car's climate control, check battery levels, and much more! You can check the amount of fuel 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 the traditional key or a BMW Digital Key. You'll have to bring the original key along with the new one to Patrick BMW, and our technicians will assist you with everything. You can also choose to purchase a BMW Key Protection plan, which will cover the costs of a replacement if 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 inoperable. This is done five times by quickly turning the key from position one to position zero and back. Then, you turn it back to position zero and then pull off the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key makes it easy to start your vehicle. The fob is compatible with your smartphone or Apple Watch and works with BMW Connected Drive to unlock the vehicle, start the engine, and more. You can also share the key with five people.
The key fob communicates encrypted signals to the vehicle. 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 also has an inbuilt alarm system to block unauthorised starts and disables the ignition switch which is a frequent target for thieves.
BMW offers a variety of optional security features. Passive Start is one such feature that disables the starter motor if the key fob does remain in close proximity to your car. This feature is available on a variety of BMW models and provides an additional level of security.
BMW's more advanced models feature keyless entry that allows drivers to access their vehicle without having manually insert a key or push any buttons. This feature can be activated by pressing three times on the lock button of the fob in just one second. In certain situations it is possible to press the lock button on the fob three times and then activate a separate remote start feature in the dashboard or on the here steering wheel.
Some people carry their BMW key fob in a pouch that blocks signals that reduces the chance of a third-party broadcasting the signal that identifies the fob and using it to access the car. Others prefer to use the standard key case which does not have this feature but will still protect the fob from scratches.
A few BMW owners have reported that their cars were stolen by criminals using a signal amplifier to boost the identifying signals. 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 need to buy another one for your family. Fortunately, finding an alternative BMW key fob and programming it into your vehicle is easy and inexpensive. BMW authorized locksmiths or dealers can sell you the replacement key fob. A new key fob will typically cost between $400 and $650, depending on the type of BMW you drive.
Make sure that there isn't other ignition key in your BMW before you start programming the new keyfob. Close all the doors of your vehicle. After that, insert your new key fob into the ignition and switch it to position 1 and back to position 0 five times in rapid succession. Then, hold down the unlock button on your BMW key fob and press the BMW logo three times in rapid succession. Once you've completed this, remove your key and turn the vehicle on. You should hear your vehicle's doors lock and unlock. This means that the new key fob has been successfully programmed.
Depending on the model of your car, you could either have a key blade in your key fob or that isn't. The process for syncing new fobs with your car is different for each, but the steps are nearly identical. The only difference is that the key fob with a metal key inside will need to be inserted into the ignition when you want to start the car.
If you have an BMW with Comfort Access, the process is even easier. Once you have programmed your new key fob into your BMW and inserted it into the ignition and press start.
While your BMW is a fantastic vehicle to get around Decatur It is crucial that you keep your key fob in good condition. If you are looking for a new BMW key fob or replacement one, you can reach the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can help you choose the best key fob for your needs and upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry and engine starting.