What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
If you own an BMW, chances are that your key fob comes with numerous functions. It can be used to unlock your doors, manage your windows, and even start your engine.
But there are some secrets you might not have heard of. Here are a few of the most effective.
Functions
The BMW key fob consists of an incredibly small piece of plastic that has many buttons incorporated into its sides. The majority of these buttons allow you to lock and unlock your car however, some are distinctive. For instance, BMW owners can activate an invisible function on the key fob to lower all their windows simultaneously by pressing the unlock button twice. This is a great option for those who wish to cool down their vehicle on a hot summer's day.
The BMW key fob can also be used to start your car. This is a fantastic security precaution that prevents unauthorised entry into the vehicle. To start the engine, the driver has to press the lock button on the key fob, then the circular arrow. This feature is also available on the latest BMW models to remotely start the vehicle. 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 get the door.
The BMW key fob can also be used for controlling the interior climate system. This is particularly convenient for those who travel with multiple people since each key fob is able to set the preferred temperature for each person. For those who have hybrid BMW key fob, it can be used to check the state of charge of the battery in the vehicle.
While standard BMW key fobs can withstand normal levels of water, dropping them into water can cause significant damage. For this reason, it's a good idea to keep the key fob in a protective case when not in use. If you lose your key fob we can offer a service which will deactivate the device, making it inaccessible to thieves. Contacting our dealer or technicians will do this. A replacement for a lost BMW key fob can then be purchased to restore functionality to your vehicle.
Design
BMW key fobs were once large black, clunky rectangles that looked kind of like an opener for bottles from a distance. They were simple, but functional. BMW then made them smaller and put a plastic casing around the base to make it look more appealing and less like a key opener. The new design also trimmed the rough edges of keys that could poke through bags or pockets and made keys easier to hold.
BMW has since introduced the Display Key which puts all the functions of your car in your hand. The BMW key fob has a small LCD screen which allows you to lock and unlock your car, control the air conditioning, and access the vehicle's information. Even hybrid models have remote parking!
If you're in need of an alternative for your BMW Digital Key, you can enjoy the same great functionality with the BMW Digital Key. You can use any smartphone compatible to replace the BMW key fob and unlock your car! This feature is available for 2021 and newer BMW vehicles that are equipped with the iDrive 8 operating system.
The Connected Remote key is another innovative key from BMW that lets you start your car and use certain functions using your smartphone. The app lets you 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, should your car be equipped with that feature.
The procedure for replacing the BMW Digital Key is the same, whether you use a traditional key or a BMW Digital Key. You'll have to bring the original key and the new one to Patrick BMW, and our technicians will help you with everything. You can also purchase the BMW Key Protection Plan, which covers 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 thing to do is reset the key. This erases all programming and render it inoperable. This is done five times by rapidly shifting the key from one position to zero and back. Then, turn it back to zero and then take it out of the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key makes it easy to start your car. The fob is compatible with your smartphone or Apple Watch and works with BMW Connected Drive to unlock the vehicle, start the engine, and much more. You can also share the key with five others.
The key fob communicates with vehicle using encrypted signals. It is therefore impossible for hackers and cloners, to intercept the signal. In addition, the UWB technology used in the BMW Digital Key prevents relay attacks even when the fob is in motion while it's being carried. The system also has a built-in alarm to prevent unauthorised starts and disables the ignition switch, which is a common target for thieves.
BMW also provides a variety of optional security features, including Passive Start, which disables the starter motor if the key fob isn't near to the vehicle. This feature is available in many of the brand's models and provides additional security.
A lot of the more sophisticated BMW models come with keyless access, which allows drivers to enter and start the vehicle without having manually push any buttons or insert the physical key. This feature is activated by pressing three times on the lock button on the fob in just one second. In some instances, you may need to press the fob's lock 3 times in order to activate the remote start feature on the steering wheel or dashboard.
Some people carry their BMW keyfob in a bag that blocks signals. This minimizes the risk of a third-party broadcasting identifying code from the fob 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 using a signal amplifier to increase the signal strength of the identifying signals. This kind of attack, referred to as "Relay Attack", can be prevented by placing the key fob into pockets that block signals, or by utilizing an app on your phone to block signals.
Replacement
It read more happens to everyone and it happens to you too - your BMW key fob battery fails, or you need an extra battery for someone in your family. Fortunately, finding the replacement BMW key fob and programming it into your vehicle is easy and affordable. You can purchase an alternative from any dealer or locksmith who is authorized by BMW. A new key fob can cost between $400 and $650, depending on the type of BMW you drive.
To program a new key fob for your BMW first, make sure that there isn't another key in the ignition. Close all doors in your vehicle. Place your new key fob into the ignition and swiftly turn it from position 1 to position 0, and then back again. Hold the unlock button and quickly press the BMW logo on your BMW keyfob. Once you've completed this, take off your key and turn the car on. You should hear your car's doors lock and unlock. This means that the new key fob has been successfully programmed.
Depending on your car model depending on the model of your car, you could have a key fob that has an actual key blade in it, or a fob without one. The procedure for syncing new fobs with your car differs for each however, the steps are nearly identical. The only difference is that the key fob that has a metal key in it needs to be placed in the ignition whenever you want to start the car.
If you own a BMW equipped with Comfort Access the process is even easier. Once you have programmed an entirely new key fob simply connect it to the ignition of your car and press the start button.
It is essential to keep your BMW key fob in working 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 upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry or engine starting.