What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
If you have an BMW it is likely that your key fob comes with numerous functions. You can use it to do a variety of things, such as unlocking your doors, adjusting your windows and even starting your engine.
There are some tricks you might not know about. Here are some of the most effective.
Functions
The BMW key fob is a small, rectangular piece of plastic, with several buttons incorporated into its side. Most of the buttons are used to unlock and lock the vehicle, and some have additional functions. For instance, BMW owners can activate an invisible function on their key fob to lower all their windows at once by pressing the unlock button twice quickly. This is ideal for people who wish to cool down their vehicle during a hot summer's day.
The BMW key fob can also be used to start your vehicle. This feature is a great security precaution that prevents unauthorised entry into the vehicle. To start the car, the driver has to first press the lock on the key fob, and then press the circular arrow. For newer BMW models the feature can be used to remotely start the car. This is particularly useful in situations where the driver is running late for work and doesn't have the time to get out of the car to open the door.
The BMW key fob is also capable of controlling the interior climate system. This is particularly convenient for those traveling with multiple people as each key fob is able to set the preferred temperature for each person. If you have hybrid BMW, the key fob can be used to monitor the charging status of the battery of the vehicle.
Dropping them in water is not recommended. It is recommended to keep the key fob inside its protective case when it is not in use. If you have lost your key fob, we can offer a service which will deactivate the device, rendering it inaccessible to thieves. Contacting the dealer or our technicians will be able to do this. A replacement for the lost BMW key fob can then be purchased to restore functionality to your car.
Design
BMW key fobs were big, clunky black rectangles that looked a bit like an open bottle from a distance. They were basic, but they served a purpose. BMW then made them smaller and put a plastic casing around the base to make it appear more attractive and less like an opener for keys. This new design also reduced rough edges on the key that could poke into bags or pockets, and made the keys easier to hold.
Then BMW introduced the Display Key, which puts all of your vehicle's functionality in your hand. It lets you lock and unlock your car, operate your air conditioning, and display the information about your vehicle on a tiny LCD touchscreen on the BMW key fob. It even allows remote parking on hybrid models!
BMW Digital Keys are a fantastic replacement if you need to replace your BMW key fob. Simply use your smartphone to replace the BMW key fob and unlock your car! This feature is available for 2021 and newer BMW vehicles with the iDrive 8 operating system.
The Connected Remote key is a innovative key from BMW that allows you to start your car and control some features with your smartphone. The app lets you remotely manage your car's climate control as well as check the battery level and much more! You can check the amount of fuel left in your car if it has this feature.
Whether you're using a BMW Digital Key or a traditional key fob the process of obtaining an replacement is the same. You'll have to bring the original key along with the new one to Patrick BMW, and our technicians will help you with everything. You can also purchase a BMW Key Protection Plan, which will cover replacement costs if your keys get lost or stolen.
If you do lose your BMW key, don't panic! The first step is to reset the key, which will erase any programming it has and render it inoperable. This is accomplished five times, by shifting the key from position one to zero and back. Then, you turn it back to position zero and then pull it out of 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 or start the engine and more. You can also share the key with five other people.
The key fob connects to the vehicle via encrypted signals. This makes it difficult for hackers to steal and replicate the signal. In addition to this, the UWB technology of the BMW Digital Key prevents relay attacks, even if the fob is moving when it is being carried. The system also incorporates an alarm built-in to stop unauthorized starts and disables the ignition switch which is a frequent target for thieves.
BMW offers a variety of security options that can be added. Passive Start is one of them. It disables the starter motor when the key fob does not remain close to your vehicle. This feature is offered in all models of the brand and provides additional peace of mind.
BMW's more advanced models feature keyless entry that allows drivers to access their car without having to manually insert a key or press any buttons. This feature can be activated by pressing three times on the lock button on the fob within one second. In some instances, you may need to press the button to lock the fob three times to then switch on the remote start feature on the dashboard or on the steering wheel.
Some people prefer to carry their BMW key fob in a signal-blocking pouch, which reduces the risk of a third party broadcasting the signal that identifies the fob and using it to access the car. Some people prefer to use a standard case that does not come with the feature, but it still protects the fob from scratches.
A few BMW owners have reported that their vehicles have been stolen by criminals who just used a signal amplifier to increase the signal that identifies. This type of attack is referred to as "Relay Attack" and can be avoided by keeping the key fob in a signal-blocking pocket or by using a signal blocker app on your smartphone.
Replacement
It happens to everyone and it happens to you too - your BMW key fob battery fails or you require a spare for a family member. It's easy and affordable to purchase a replacement BMW fob and then program it into your vehicle. BMW authorized locksmiths or dealers can offer you the replacement key fob. A new key fob will typically bmw new key cost between $400 and $650, depending on the model of BMW you drive.
To program a new key fob for your BMW first, make sure that there is no other key in the ignition. You should also close all doors in your vehicle. Next put the new key fob into the ignition, and switch it to position 1 and back to position 0 five times quickly. Hold down the unlock button, then press the BMW logo on your BMW keyfob. Once you've completed this, remove the key and then turn on the car. The vehicle's doors lock and unlock. This indicates that the new key fob has been successfully programmed.
Based on the car model depending on the model of your car, you could have a key fob that has a key blade that is physically inside it, or a fob that does not have one. The procedure for syncing new fobs to your vehicle differs for each, but the steps are almost identical. The only difference is the metal key fob will need to be put into the ignition to start your car.
If you have a BMW equipped with Comfort Access the process is even simpler. Once you have programmed your new key fob in your BMW, insert it in the ignition and press start.
It is crucial to maintain your BMW key fob in working condition. If you're looking for an updated BMW key fob or 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 also upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry and engine starting.