What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
If you own an BMW, chances are that your key fob comes with a lot of functions. You can use it to do a variety of things, such as opening your doors, controlling your windows as well as starting the engine.
There are a few tricks you might not know about. Let's take a look some of the most useful ones.
Functions
The BMW key fob is an incredibly small piece of plastic that has several buttons incorporated in its side. Most of these buttons are used to unlock and lock the vehicle, but some have additional functions. BMW owners, for example can activate a hidden function on their key fob by pressing the unlock button twice quickly. This is ideal for those who wish to cool down their vehicle on the scorching summer days.
Another significant purpose of the BMW key fob is that it can be used to start the car. This is a security measure to ensure that no one is able to gain access to the vehicle. To start the vehicle, the driver needs to first turn off the lock on the fob of the key and then the circular arrow. For the latest BMW models, this feature can also be used to remotely start the car. This is particularly useful in a situation where the driver is in a hurry for work and doesn't have the time to get out of the car to open the door handle.
Finally it is worth noting that the BMW key fob may also be used to control the car's interior climate system. This is especially helpful for those who travel with multiple individuals as each key fob is able 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.
While the standard BMW key fobs are able to withstand normal levels of moisture, dropping them in water can cause serious damage. It's a good idea to keep the key fob in a safe case when not in use. If you have lost your key fob, we can offer a solution that will disable the device, rendering it useless to thieves. Contacting the dealer or our technicians will do this. A replacement for a lost BMW key fob can be purchased to restore functionality to your vehicle.
Design
BMW key fobs used to be large rectangular black pieces that looked kind of like an open bottle from a distance. They were simple but functional. Then BMW started to make them a little smaller and also added an aluminum case around the base of the key that made it appear more elegant and a little less like an opener for bottles. This new design also reduced the rough key edges that could poke through bags or pockets and made keys easier to hold.
BMW introduced the Display Key which puts all the features of your vehicle in your palm. The BMW key fob comes with small LCD screens which allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle, operate the air conditioning and display vehicle information. It even allows remote parking on hybrid models!
BMW Digital Keys are a fantastic alternative if you want to replace the BMW key fob. You can unlock your car by using your smartphone, when you own a compatible model. This feature is available on 2021 or newer BMW vehicles with the iDrive 8 operating system.
Another exciting new key from BMW is the Connected Remote Key, which allows you to start your car and control certain functions using your smartphone. The app allows you to remotely manage your car's climate control as well as check the battery level and more! You can also see how you've got gas left in your tank if the car is equipped with this feature.
The process for replacing a BMW Digital Key is the same regardless of whether you're using a traditional key or a BMW Digital Key. Our technicians will help you in 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 replacement costs in the event that 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 will erase all programming and render it inoperable. This is accomplished by turning the key from position one and then back quickly five times in a row. Then, turn the key to zero and then remove it from the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key is a convenient method to start your car. The fob is compatible with your Apple Watch or smartphone and is compatible with BMW Connected Drive. It can unlock the car and then start the engine. You can also share the key with five others.
The key fob connects to the vehicle using encrypted signals. This makes it impossible for hackers to steal and replicate the signal. The UWB technology of the BMW Digital Key also prevents relay attacks even if it is in motion. The system also incorporates an alarm built-in to stop unauthorised starts and disables the ignition switch, which is a common target for thieves.
BMW also offers a variety of optional security features, including Passive Start, which disables the starter motor if the key fob isn't within close proximity to the vehicle. This feature is available in several models from the brand and offers security.
BMW's most advanced models come with keyless entry, which lets drivers to access their vehicle without having manually insert a key or press any buttons. This feature is typically activated by pressing the lock button on the fob three times in the span of a second. In some instances, you may need to press the button to lock the fob three times, and then switch on the remote start feature within the dashboard or on the steering wheel.
Some people keep 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 car. Others prefer to use an ordinary key case which doesn't have this feature, but can protect the fob from scratches.
A few BMW owners have reported that their cars were stolen by criminals who used a signal amplifier to boost the identifying signals. This kind of attack, known as "Relay Attack", can be prevented by placing the key fob into an area that blocks signals, or by installing an application on your smartphone to block signals.
Replacement
It happens to everyone and it happens to you too - your BMW key fob battery goes out or you require an extra battery for your family member. Fortunately, finding a replacement BMW key fob and get more info 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 cost between $400 and $650, depending on the kind of BMW you drive.
To program the new key fob into your BMW first, ensure that there is no other key in the ignition. Also, close all doors in your vehicle. Put your new key fob into the ignition, then quickly change 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 your car's doors unlock and lock. This indicates that the 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 without. The process for syncing new fobs to your vehicle is different for each however, the steps are almost identical. The only difference is that the metal key fob needs to be inserted in the ignition to begin your vehicle.
If you own a BMW equipped with Comfort Access the process is even simpler. After you have programmed a new key fob, simply insert it into the ignition of your BMW and press the start button.
It is important to maintain your BMW key fob in good condition. If you're in search of a new BMW key fob, or a replacement for your existing one, contact 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.