The Benefits of a BMW 3 Series Key Fob
The BMW Display Key goes far beyond the typical key fob by incorporating an all-color touchscreen. It has a variety of useful features that can be accessed by simply swiping your finger.
Most standard BMW key fobs can handle day-to-day humidity levels, so keeping it in your pocket on a rainy day is unlikely to cause any damage. But it is crucial to keep your battery up-to-date.
Keyless Entry
A BMW key fob is more than just a means to unlock your car or turn it on. It's also a powerful security device that protects both your vehicle and its contents from theft. That's why it's important to keep your BMW key fob fully charged and connected to your vehicle. It's also important to keep it in a secure location when not in use so that it won't be lost or stolen.
It is likely that you will need to replace your BMW key fob battery at some point in its lifespan. The procedure is straightforward. First find the ignition switch on your BMW key fob and ensure it's off. Take the key fob off and carefully remove the battery. Replace the old battery with new one (size CR2032) and then replace the key fob. After the new battery is in position, press and hold the lock button until you hear the click (without turning on the engine). After that your doors will then unlock and lock, indicating that your BMW key fob is now programmed to your vehicle.
Your BMW may also have the Comfort Access feature that allows you to open and close your vehicle using the key fob or smartphone. In order to activate this you'll require an compatible iPhone and the Apple Wallet app. Once you've got the two, just put your iPhone into the Smart Key Tray in your BMW and follow the directions in the Wallet app.
You can follow the same procedure to program additional key fobs or a replacement, but you may need to deactivate the current ones first. It's also important to keep your BMW key fob away from water since the touchscreen can be damaged by it. This includes avoiding exposing it to direct sunlight as the display can be permanently damaged by long-term exposure to UV light. If you're worried about your BMW key fob being hacked or cloned, you should be aware that the security of this device is built to be built into it. A sophisticated system will ensure that your car only unlocks when it receives a unique identification signal that continuously changes.
Smart Keys
Smart Keys are key fobs that unlock and start your vehicle without the need of a smartphone or separate key. You can also make use of the app on your smartphone to track who has been in your car and at what time.
You can find the app on your smartphone's app store or by using the BMW Connected App to log into the Digital Key area. After you have logged in, it is possible to view who has access to the area and change any restrictions.
If you have keys with Smart Keys, you can use it to unlock your BMW's doors remotely and use Comfort Access features like automatically locking the doors as you are approaching. You can use the app to set the parking brake. You can also control a number of functions on your vehicle using the app, like adjusting your music volume or setting your climate controls.
The key fob's inner blade is a standard key size, and you can use it to unlock the door manually and also use Comfort Access features. The key is water-resistant which means you don't have to worry about it accidentally getting wet. But you should avoid exposing the key to intense heat or direct sunlight because the key may overheat and cause permanent damage.
Follow these steps to program your BMW keyfob so that it can work with the app on your phone. First, you'll need to confirm that your device is compatible for the Digital Key feature. Then you'll need to download the BMW Connected App and sign in with your iCloud account. Then, put your iPhone into the smartphone tray. Follow the instructions and activate the BMW Digital Key.
If you want to replace the battery in your BMW key fob, you can do so quickly by removing the backplate and swapping out the CR2032 coin cell battery. Be careful when removing the backplate as it's sealed by glue. It is always advisable to contact a professional automotive locksmith for assistance should you feel uncomfortable doing it yourself.
Proximity Keys
Proximity keys are the latest advancement in keyless car entry systems. Instead of requiring physical contact, they use the proximity sensor to recognize the key, allowing the driver to unlock the doors and start the engine. This is a convenient method however, it also poses some security risks.
The main problem is that they can be stolen, just like smartphones and laptops. Criminals are able to steal the system and send the identifying signal to an accomplice sitting nearby or make use of a signal amplifier to detect the signal. To combat this, some drivers choose to keep their keys in a pouch with a signal blocker or cover.
Another problem is that drivers might not realize they need to shut off the vehicle before leaving it. If they leave the car on while shopping at the store or dropping it into a cup holder can cause it to start running and cause theft or carbon monoxide poisoning. Many drivers leave their keys in the ignition when they go to park at home, assuming that the vehicle is off. This can lead to theft, or in the case of a hybrid vehicle carbon monoxide poisoning as the family is asleep.
If the key fob is damaged or the battery is dead, the car will not start, even if you own the key needed to open the door. It is essential to have an extra smart key or spare key to ensure that you or a trusted person can access your vehicle in case of emergency.
Fortunately, these issues can be resolved with appropriate precautions. By being more aware of the location of your key fob, and making sure that it's off and locked position prior to leaving from your vehicle, and by using an alarm system to remind you of the things you must do to minimize the chance of proximity key-related issues.
BMW's most sophisticated key, the Display Key with touchscreen display is the most advanced. The new key is a bit more vulnerable to theft than traditional BMW fobs, but it is still more secure. The best method to safeguard your new BMW Display Key is to treat it like an ordinary smartphone and keep it away from water.
Remote Start
If you own a BMW equipped with Remote Start you can use your key fob or BMW Connected App to start your car before you go into. You can heat your car up in the mornings when it's cold in Decatur or cool down the cabin on Pekin commutes. If your BMW didn't have Remote Start, you can add it by buying an OEM kit from our parts center and scheduling it at your convenience.
The majority of BMW key fobs come with a removable key blade as well as electronic control modules, which means you can create an emergency copy of your key by pressing the button at the base of the fob. This is useful in times when your fob gets wet or soaked, or if you're far from a locksmith. Some people keep a spare car key on their wallets to allow other family members to access their cars without having to call our dealership for Comfort Access or keyless entry.
The standard BMW key fob is able to withstand a day of rain or a trip through the washing machine. The BMW Display Key with touchscreen however, is more delicate and shouldn't be kept in water for long.
BMW key fobs can be used to store up to three profiles. This lets you modify your vehicle settings based on read more the keys you have. Unlocking the correct fob with your iDrive system will set all the relevant settings, from seat position to radio presets, for that profile. Then, when you want to switch drivers, you can simply press the lock button on your fob's key twice in one row.
If your BMW key fob isn't functioning properly, you'll need change the battery (a size CR2032) inside. Take off the cover of the fob, take out the batteries that were in use, and gently replace the new batteries. You can purchase a replacement BMW battery in our parts department, or purchase one online. If your key fob is equipped with Comfort Access, you will also have to disable the feature and code the vehicle to erase the current key profile before you pair it with a different.