What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
Your BMW key fob could have numerous functions. It can be used for a variety of purposes, including unlocking your doors, adjusting your windows and even starting your engine.
There are a few hidden tricks that you might not know about. Here are some of the best.
Functions
The BMW key fob is a small rectangular piece of plastic that has many buttons built into its side. Most of them allow you to lock and unlock your car however, some are unique. For instance, BMW owners can activate an invisible function on the key fob to lower all their windows at once by pressing the unlock button twice. This is ideal for those who wish to cool down their car during the summer heat.
The BMW key fob can be used to start your vehicle. This feature is a safety measure to prevent unauthorized access to the vehicle. To start the vehicle, the driver needs to first push the lock on the key fob and then press the circular arrow. For the latest BMW models it can be used to remotely start the vehicle. This feature is especially beneficial when a driver is running late to work and doesn't have time to turn the door.
Additionally lastly, the BMW key fob may also be utilized to control the vehicle's interior climate system. This is especially useful for people who travel with several people since each key fob is able to determine the preferred temperature for each individual. If you have a hybrid BMW, the key fob can be used to determine the state of charge of the battery in the vehicle.
While the standard BMW key fobs are able to withstand normal levels of humidity, dropping them into water can cause severe damage. It is best to store the key fob inside its case of protection when it is not in use. If you lose your key fob, we can offer a service that will deactivate the device, rendering it inaccessible to thieves. Contacting our dealer or technicians will do this. You can purchase a replacement BMW key fob to restore your car's functionality.
Design
BMW key fobs were big, clunky rectangles in black that, from a distance, appeared like a bottle-opener. They were basic, but they served a purpose. Then BMW began to make them more compact and added a plastic case around the base of the key that made it look nicer and less like a bottle opener. The new design also trimmed the rough edges of the key that could get into bags or pockets and made keys more comfortable to hold.
BMW then introduced the Display Key which puts all the functions of your car in your palm. The BMW key fob comes with an LCD screen which allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle, control the air conditioning and display the vehicle's information. It even offers remote parking on hybrid models!
BMW Digital Keys are a fantastic alternative if you want to replace your BMW key fob. You can unlock your vehicle using your smartphone provided you have a compatible model. This feature is available on 2021 and later BMW cars that use the iDrive 8 operating system.
The Connected Remote key is another innovative key from BMW that lets you start your car and control some features with your smartphone. The app lets you remotely control your car’s climate control and check battery levels. You can even check how much gas you have left in your tank should your car be equipped with that feature.
Whether you're using a BMW Digital Key or a traditional key fob the process for getting an replacement is the same. You'll have to bring the original key and the new one to Patrick BMW, and our technicians will assist you with everything. You can also choose to purchase an BMW Key Protection plan, which will cover the cost of a replacement in the event that keys get stolen or lost.
If you do lose your BMW key, don't panic! The first thing to do is reset the key. This will erase all programming and render it inoperable. This is done by turning the key to position one and back quickly, five times in a row. Then, turn it to position zero and then pull off the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key is a easy way to start your vehicle. The fob works with your smartphone or Apple Watch and works with BMW Connected Drive to unlock the vehicle or start the engine and more. It also allows you to share the key with up to five other people.
The key fob is encrypted and transmits signals to the vehicle. This makes it difficult for hackers to intercept and replicate the signal. The UWB technology of the BMW Digital Key also prevents attacks on relays even when it is moving. The system also incorporates 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 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 offers additional peace of mind.
A number of the more advanced BMW models have keyless access which lets drivers enter and start the vehicle without having manually use any buttons or insert an actual key. This feature is typically activated by pressing the lock button on the fob three times in the span of a second. In certain situations, you might have to press the fob's lock 3 times in order to activate a remote start feature on the dashboard or steering wheel.
Some people carry their BMW keyfob in a pouch that blocks signals. This reduces the chance that a third party broadcasts the identifying code from the fob in order to gain access to the vehicle. Some prefer a standard key case, that does not come with this feature, but it will protect the fob from scratches.
A few bmw car key cover BMW owners reported that their vehicles were taken by criminals who used an amplifier for signal strength to boost the identifying signals. This type of attack, referred to as "Relay Attack", can be prevented by placing the key fob into pockets that block signals or by using an app on your smartphone to block signals.
Replacement
Everyone has experienced this - the battery in your BMW key fob goes out or you need to buy an extra one for your family. Fortunately, finding a replacement BMW key fob and programming it into your car is simple and affordable. You can purchase an alternative from any dealer or locksmith that is authorized by BMW. A new key fob will cost 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 in your vehicle. Next, insert the new key fob into the ignition, and turn it to position 1 before turning return to position 0 five times in rapid succession. Then, press the unlock button on your BMW key fob and press the BMW logo three times in rapid succession. After you have finished this, take off your key and turn the car on. The vehicle's doors lock and unlock. This means that the new key fob has been successfully programmed.
Based on the car model, you may have an ignition key fob with an actual key blade in it or a key fob that does not have one. Each key fob has its own process to sync with your car, however the steps for each are identical. The only difference is the metal key fob will need to be placed in the ignition to begin your car.
If you have a BMW equipped with Comfort Access, the process is even more straightforward. Once you have programmed your new key fob to your BMW then, you can insert it into the ignition and press start.
It is crucial to keep your BMW key fob in good in good working order. If you're looking for an entirely new BMW key fob or replacement one, you can reach the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can assist you in selecting the correct key fob and upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry or engine starting.