The Benefits of a BMW 3 Series Key Fob
The BMW Display Key goes far beyond the ordinary key fob by incorporating an all-color touchscreen. It offers a number of helpful features that are accessible by a swipe of a finger.
The standard BMW key fobs are designed to withstand normal levels of moisture. So, keeping it in your wallet on a rainy afternoon is unlikely cause any damage. However, it's important to ensure that your battery is up-to-date.
Keyless Entry
A BMW key fob does so more than just a means to unlock your vehicle or start it. It's also a powerful security device that can help protect both your vehicle and its contents against theft. This is why it's crucial to keep your BMW key fob charged and paired with your vehicle. Keep it in a safe place when not in use to prevent it from being lost or stolen.
It is likely that you will need to replace your BMW key fob battery at some point during its lifecycle. The process is easy. First, locate the ignition switch on your BMW key fob and make sure it's off. Remove the key fob and carefully remove the battery. Replace it with a brand new one (size CR2032) and then put the cover back on. Press and hold the lock key until you hear the click (without turning off the engine). Once you do that the doors will automatically unlock and lock, which indicates that your BMW key fob has been programmed to your vehicle.
Your BMW may also have a feature called Comfort Access, which allows you to open and close your car with a key fob or smartphone. In order to activate this you'll require a compatible iPhone and the Apple Wallet app. Once you've got these items just place your iPhone in the Smart Key Tray inside your BMW and then follow the instructions on the Wallet app to pair it with your car's key fob.
You can use the same procedure to program additional key fobs or an alternative, but you may need to deactivate existing ones first. It is also essential to keep your BMW key fob away from water since the touchscreen can be damaged by it. Avoid exposing the key fob to direct sunlight, as it could permanently cause damage to the display. However, if you're worried about the key fob of your BMW being compromised or cloned, be aware that it's designed with security in mind. A sophisticated system will ensure that your vehicle unlocks only when it receives an unique identifying signal that's constantly changing.
Smart Keys
A key fob with Smart Keys functionality is able to unlock your vehicle and then start it up without the need for an additional key or smartphone. You can use your smartphone's app to keep track of who has is in your car when.
The app is available on the app store for your smartphone or use the BMW Connected App to log into the Digital Key area. After you have logged in, it will be possible to see who has access and modify any restrictions.
If you've got Smart Keys on your key you can use them to open the doors of your BMW remotely and make use of Comfort Access features such as automatically locking the door as you enter. The app can be used to set the parking brake. You can also use the app to control certain functions in your vehicle for example, changing the volume of your music or climate controls.
The key fob's inner key blade is a standard key size and you can use it to open the door manually and also make use of Comfort Access features. The key is resistant to water so there's no reason to fret about it getting wet. It is best not to expose the key to direct sun or extreme heat because it can overheat.
Follow these steps to program your BMW keyfob to ensure it works with the application on your phone. First, you'll need to confirm that your smartphone is compatible with the Digital Key feature. You'll then need to download the BMW Connected App, and log in with your iCloud account. Then, put your iPhone in the tray for your smartphone and follow the instructions to complete activating the BMW Digital Key.
You can easily replace the CR2032 battery in your BMW keyfob by removing the backplate. Be cautious when removing the backplate as it's sealed by glue. It is always advisable to contact an experienced locksmith in the automotive industry for assistance if you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself.
Proximity Keys
Proximity keys are the most recent technology in keyless entry systems. Instead of requiring a physical contact, they use a proximity sensor to identify the key and allow the driver to unlock the doors and start the engine. This is a convenient method, but it also poses some security dangers.
A major issue is that, similar to smartphones and laptops, they can be stolen. Criminals can hack into the system and transmit the signal that identifies them to an accomplice sitting nearby or make use of a signal amplifier to detect the signal. To stop this, some drivers decide to keep their key fobs in a pouch with a signal blocker or cover.
Another issue occurs when drivers do not shut off their vehicle prior to leaving. Leaving the vehicle running while at the grocery store or putting it in a cup holder can cause it to start running and cause theft or carbon monoxide poisoning. It is also typical for drivers to leave their keys in the ignition after leaving home, believing they have turned the car off. This could lead to theft, or in the case of a hybrid vehicle carbon monoxide poisoning as the family sleeps.
Additionally, if your key fob is lost or the battery fails suddenly, the car will not start even if you've got the key to open the door. It is essential to have an extra smart key or spare key made to ensure that you or a trusted individual can gain access to your vehicle in the event of an emergency.
Fortunately, these issues bmw replacement key fob can be overcome with the right precautions. You can reduce the risk that proximity keys will cause problems by being aware of where you store your keys and making sure it's off and locked before you leave the car.
BMW's most sophisticated fob, the Display Key with touchscreen display is the most sophisticated. This innovative key is also slightly more susceptible to theft, but it's still more secure than conventional BMW fobs. Keep your new BMW Display Key away from water and treat it like you would treat a smartphone.
Remote Start
If you have a BMW equipped with Remote Start you can use your key fob or BMW Connected App to start your car prior to getting into. You can warm up your car in the mornings, when it's cold in Decatur or cool down the cabin during Pekin commutes. If your BMW did not come with Remote Start, we can include it in your car by purchasing an OEM kit from our parts center.
The button at the base of most BMW key fobs lets you to make an emergency copy of your keys. This can be useful for times when your fob gets wet or soaked, or if you're far from an locksmith. Some people also keep a spare key in the fob to ensure that other family members can gain access to their vehicles without having to call our dealership for keyless entry or Comfort Access.
The standard BMW key fob is very resistant to moisture, which means it can safely withstand an entire day of rain or an excursion to the washing machine. The BMW Display Key with touchscreen, however, is more fragile and should not be kept in water for too long.
BMW key fobs are capable of storing up to three profiles. This lets you modify your vehicle settings based on the keys you've got. The iDrive system will unlock the correct fob, which will then set all relevant settings for that profile, including the seat position and radio presets. If you wish to switch drivers, you simply need to press the lock button twice on the fob.
If your BMW key fob isn't working properly, you'll need to replace the battery (size CR2032) within. Remove the cover from the fob, take out the old batteries, and gently replace the new batteries. You can purchase a new BMW key battery at our parts department, or purchase a new one on the internet. If your key fob is fitted with Comfort Access, you will also need to deactivate the feature and then code the vehicle to remove the current key profile before you pair it with another.