What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
If you have an BMW, chances are that your key fob has many functions. It can be used to unlock your doors, operate your windows and even start the engine.
There are some tricks that you might not know about. Here are a few of the best.
Functions
The BMW key fob is an incredibly small piece of plastic with many buttons incorporated into its sides. Most of these buttons are used to lock and unlock the vehicle, but some have additional functions. For example, BMW owners can activate an invisible function on their key fob to lower all their windows simultaneously by pressing the unlock button two times. This is ideal for those looking to cool down their car during a hot summer day.
The BMW key fob can also be used to begin your vehicle. This is a fantastic safety precaution and prevents unauthorized entry into the vehicle. To start the car, the driver has to first press the lock on the fob of the key and then press the circular arrow. This feature is also available on newer BMW models to remotely start the car. This feature is especially useful when the driver is late for work and does not have time to open the door.
Additionally lastly, the BMW key fob may also be used to control the vehicle's interior climate system. This is especially helpful for those traveling with multiple people as each key fob can be used to determine the preferred temperature for each individual. If you own a hybrid BMW, the key fob can be used to monitor the charging status of the battery in the vehicle.
While the standard BMW key fobs can handle normal levels of humidity, dropping them into water can cause significant damage. It's recommended to keep the key fob in a protective case when not in use. If you do lose the key fob, a service can be offered to disable it, making it inaccessible to thieves. Contacting the dealer or one of our technicians will be able to do this. You can buy a replacement BMW key fob to repair the functionality of your vehicle.
Design
BMW key fobs were once huge, clunky rectangular shapes in black that, from a distance, appeared like a bottle opener. 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 a key opener. This new design also reduced rough edges on the key that could poke into bags or pockets, and made the keys easier for you to hold.
Then BMW introduced the Display Key, which puts all the features of your car in the palm of your hand. The BMW key fob has small LCD screens which allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle, operate the air conditioning and display the vehicle's information. It even lets you park remotely on hybrid models!
BMW Digital Keys are an excellent alternative if you want to replace your BMW key fob. Just use your compatible smartphone to replace the BMW key fob, and then unlock your car! This feature is only available to BMW vehicles made after 2021 using the iDrive 8 system.
Another cool new key from BMW is the Connected Remote Key, which lets you start your car and operate some of its features with your smartphone. The app allows you to remotely control the climate control of your car, check battery levels, and more! You can also see how much gas you have left in your tank, in the event that your car is equipped with that feature.
The procedure for replacing the BMW Digital Key is the same regardless of whether you're using an old-fashioned key or a BMW Digital Key. Our technicians will assist you with the process if you bring both the old and new one to Patrick BMW. You can also choose to purchase a BMW Key Protection plan, which will pay for the cost of a replacement if your keys get 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, then back in rapid succession five times in one row. Then, turn it to position zero and take off 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 people.
The key fob transmits encrypted signals with the vehicle. It is therefore impossible for hackers and cloners, to intercept 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 a built-in alarm to prevent non-authorized starts and disables ignition switch which is a frequent target for thieves.
BMW offers a variety of security features that are available as an option. Passive Start is one such feature that disables the starter motor if the key fob does not remain within close proximity to your vehicle. This feature is available in several models from the brand and provides additional security.
Many of the more advanced BMW models offer keyless access that allows drivers to enter and start the car without having to manually press 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 it may be necessary to press the button to lock the fob three times and then activate the remote start feature within the dashboard or on the steering wheel.
Some people carry their BMW key fob in a pouch that blocks signals which minimizes the possibility of a third party broadcasting the identifying signal from the fob and using it to access the car. Some prefer using a standard case that does not have the feature, but it still protects the fob from scratches.
Some BMW owners have reported that their vehicles have been stolen by criminals who simply employed a signal amplifier to increase the signal that identifies. This kind of attack is referred to as "Relay Attack" and can be prevented by keeping your key fob in a signal blocking pocket or by installing a signal-blocking app on your phone.
Replacement
It happens to everyone and it happens to you too - your BMW key fob battery goes out, or you need a spare for someone in your family. click here Thankfully, getting an alternative BMW key fob and programming it to your car is easy and affordable. BMW authorized locksmiths or dealers can sell you a replacement key fob. A new key fob can cost between $400 and $650, based on the type of BMW you drive.
Check to see if there is other ignition key in your BMW before you start programming a new keyfob. You should also close all doors inside your vehicle. Then put your new key fob into the ignition, and turn it to position 1, then return to position 0 five times rapidly. Next, press the unlock button on your BMW key fob and press the BMW logo three times in rapid succession. After you've completed this, remove the key and then turn on the car. The doors will unlock and lock, indicating that your new key fob is successfully programmed.
Based on the model of your car, you could either have a key blade in your key fob or one without. Each fob has a different process for synchronizing with your car, however the steps for each are identical. The only difference is that the metal key fob will need to be put in the ignition to begin your car.
If you have a BMW with Comfort Access the process is much simpler. Once you have programmed your new key fob into your BMW, insert it in the ignition and press start.
It is crucial to maintain your BMW key fob in working order. Patrick BMW's parts department can help you find a new BMW fob or a replacement. We can assist you in selecting the right key fob and upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry or engine starting.