What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
Your BMW key fob could have numerous functions. You can use it for a variety of purposes, including opening your doors, controlling your windows and even starting your engine.
There are a few tricks you might not know about. Let's look at some of the most useful ones.
Functions
The BMW key fob is a tiny, rectangular piece of plastic with several buttons incorporated into its side. The majority of these buttons allow you to lock and unlock your car, but a few are distinctive. For example, BMW owners can activate a hidden function on the key fob to lower all their windows simultaneously by pressing the unlock button twice. This is ideal for people who want to cool their car during a hot summer's day.
Another important function of the BMW key fob is that it can be used to start the vehicle. This is a security measure to ensure that no one is able to gain access to the vehicle. To start the engine, the driver must press the lock button on the key fob and then the circular arrow. For the latest BMW models the feature can be used to remotely start the vehicle. This is especially useful when the driver is in a hurry for work and doesn't have the time to get out of the car and open the door.
Finally it is worth noting that the BMW key fob may also be used to control the car's interior climate system. This is particularly convenient for those traveling with multiple individuals as each key fob is able to set the preferred temperature for each individual. If you own hybrid BMW key fob, it can be used to monitor the status of charging the battery of the vehicle.
Dropping them in water is not recommended. It's a good idea to keep the key fob in a protective case when not in use. If you have lost your key fob, we can offer a service which will deactivate the device, making it inaccessible to thieves. This can be done by calling the dealer or one of our technicians. You can purchase a replacement BMW key fob to repair the functionality of your vehicle.
Design
BMW key fobs were huge, clunky rectangular shapes in black that from a distance looked like a bottle opener. They were simple but functional. BMW then made them smaller and put a plastic casing around the base to make it appear more appealing and less like the key opener. This new design also minimized the rough edges of keys that could poke through bags or pockets, and made keys more comfortable to hold.
Then BMW introduced the Display Key, which puts all the features of your car in your hand. The BMW key fob features a small LCD screen that lets you lock and unlock your vehicle, operate the air conditioning and display the vehicle's information. Even hybrid models come with remote parking!
If you're in need of an upgrade for your BMW Digital Key, you can enjoy the same great functionality by using a BMW Digital Key. You can unlock your car with your smartphone when you own an appropriate model. This feature is available on 2021 or later BMW vehicles that are equipped with the iDrive 8 operating system.
The Connected Remote key is a innovative key from BMW that allows you to start your vehicle and operate certain functions using your smartphone. The app allows you to remotely control your car's climate control and check battery levels and much more! You can also see how much gas you have left in your tank, if the car is equipped with that feature.
The process of 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 assist you with the process if you bring your old key and the new one to Patrick BMW. You can also purchase an BMW Key Protection Plan, which will cover the cost of replacement in the event that your keys are lost or stolen.
If you do lose your BMW key, don't panic! The first step is to reset the key, which erases any programming that was stored on it and render it inoperable. This is done by turning the key to position one, then back in quick succession, five times in one row. Then, turn it to position zero and take it out of the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key makes it easy to start your car. It is compatible with your Apple Watch or smartphone and works with BMW Connected Drive. It can unlock the car and then start the engine. It also allows you to share the key with up to five other people.
The key fob communicates encrypted signals with the vehicle. This makes it difficult for hackers to steal and replicate the signal. The UWB technology of the BMW Digital Key also prevents attacks on relays even if the device is moving. The system also uses an alarm built-in to stop unauthorised starts and disables the ignition switch which is a popular target for thieves.
BMW also offers a range of security options that are available, including Passive Start, which disables the starter motor when the key fob is not within close proximity to the vehicle. This feature is available on several models from the brand and offers security.
A lot of the more sophisticated BMW models have keyless access, which allows drivers to get in and start the vehicle without having manually push any buttons or insert a physical key. This feature can be activated by pressing three times on the lock button on the fob within one second. In some cases, you may need to press the button to lock the fob three times and then turn on a separate remote start feature in the dashboard or on the steering wheel.
Some people keep their BMW keyfob in a pouch that blocks signals. This decreases the possibility of a third-party broadcasting the identifying code from the fob in order to gain access to the car. Some prefer an ordinary key case which doesn't have this feature, but can protect the fob from scratches.
A few BMW owners reported that their cars were stolen by criminals who used a signal amplifier to increase the signal strength of the identifying signals. This kind of attack, also known as "Relay Attack", can be prevented by placing the key fob into a pocket 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 fails, or you need a spare for a family member. Fortunately, finding an alternative BMW key fob and programming it into your vehicle is simple and affordable. You can buy the replacement from any dealership or locksmith that is authorized by BMW. A new key fob costs between $400 and $650 depending on the type BMW you drive.
Make sure that there isn't other ignition key in your BMW before you start programming the new keyfob. Close all the doors of your vehicle. Insert your new key fob in the ignition, then quickly move it from position 1 to 0, and then back again. Press the unlock button and then press the BMW logo on your BMW keyfob. Once you have completed this, remove the key and switch on the vehicle. You should hear your vehicle's doors unlock and lock. This indicates that the new key fob was successfully programmed.
Based on the car model depending on the model of your car, you could have an ignition key fob with a physical key blade inside it, or a key fob without one. Each one has a distinct method of synchronizing with your vehicle, but the steps for each new bmw key fob are identical. The only difference is that a key fob that has a metal key in it needs to be placed in the ignition whenever you are ready to start your car.
If you own an BMW with Comfort Access, the process is even simpler. Once you have programmed a new key fob, simply insert it into the ignition of your BMW and press the start button.
It is essential to ensure that your BMW key fob in good condition. Patrick BMW's parts department can help you locate a new BMW fob or a replacement. We can help you select the best key fob for your needs and also upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry or engine starting.