What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
Your BMW key fob could have numerous functions. It can be used to unlock your doors, operate your windows and even start your engine.
But there are some secrets you might not know about. Here are a few of the best.
Functions
The BMW key fob is an incredibly small piece of plastic that has a number buttons embedded into its sides. Most of these buttons allow you to lock and unlock your car however, a few are unique. For example, BMW owners can activate a hidden function on their key fob to lower all of their windows at once by pressing the unlock button two times. This is ideal for people who want to cool their vehicle during the summer heat.
The BMW key fob can also be used to start your vehicle. This feature is a great security measure and blocks unauthorized entry into the vehicle. To start the car, the driver has to first turn off the lock on the fob of the key and then the circular arrow. For newer BMW models the feature can be used to remotely start the car. 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 to open the door handle.
The BMW key fob also has the capability of controlling the interior climate system. This is particularly convenient for those traveling with multiple individuals as each key fob can be used to set the preferred temperature for each individual. For those who have hybrid BMW key fob can be used to monitor the state of charge of the battery in the vehicle.
Dropping them in water is not recommended. This is why it's recommended to keep the key fob in a secure case when not in use. If you lose the key fob, a replacement is available to disable it, rendering it inaccessible to thieves. This can be done by contact with the dealer or one of our technicians. A replacement for a lost BMW key fob can then be purchased to restore full functionality to your car.
Design
BMW key fobs used to be large black, clunky rectangles that looked a bit like an open bottle from a distance. They were basic, but useful. 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 pockets or bags 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 view the vehicle's information on a small 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. You can use any smartphone compatible to replace the BMW key fob and then unlock your car! This feature is available on 2021 and more recent BMW vehicles that are equipped with the iDrive 8 operating system.
The Connected Remote key is another amazing new key from BMW that allows you to start your car and use some features with your smartphone. The app allows you to remotely manage your car's climate control, check battery levels, and more! You can even see how you've got gas left in your tank in the event that your car is equipped with that feature.
No matter if you're using a BMW Digital Key or a traditional key fob the process of obtaining an replacement is the same. Our technicians will assist you in 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 a replacement if keys get lost or stolen.
If you do lose your BMW key, don't panic! The first thing you need to do is reset the key. This erases all programming and render it inoperable. This is accomplished five times by quickly turning the key from position one to position zero and back. Then switch the key to zero and take it out of the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key makes it easy to start your vehicle. The fob is compatible with your Apple Watch or smartphone and works with BMW Connected Drive. It can unlock the car and also start the engine. You can also share the key with five other people.
The key fob connects to the vehicle via encrypted signals. It is therefore difficult for hackers and cloners to get the signal. In addition, the UWB technology used in the BMW Digital Key prevents relay attacks, even if the fob is moving while it's being transported. The system also has an alarm built-in to stop unauthorized starts and disables the ignition switch which is a popular target for thieves.
BMW offers a range of security options that can be added. Passive Start is one of them. It disables the starter motor when the key fob does remain within close proximity to your car. This feature is offered in several models from the brand and provides additional peace of mind.
A number of the more advanced BMW models have keyless access that allows drivers to get in and start the vehicle without having to manually use any buttons or insert an actual key. This feature is typically activated by pressing the lock button on the fob three times within one second. In some cases you may have to press the lock on the fob 3 times in order to activate a remote start feature on the dashboard or steering wheel.
Some people prefer to carry their BMW key fob in a pouch that blocks signals that reduces the chance of a third-party broadcasting the identifying signal from the fob and using it to gain access to the car. Some prefer using a standard case, which doesn't have this feature, but it does protect the fob against scratches.
Some BMW owners have reported that their cars have been taken by criminals who just click here utilized a signal amplifier in order to boost the identifying signal. This type of attack is known as "Relay Attack" and can be avoided by keeping the key fob in a signal blocking pocket or by installing an app that blocks signals on your smartphone.
Replacement
It happens to everyone It happens to everyone - your BMW key fob battery goes out, or you need a spare for your family member. Luckily, purchasing 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 authorized by BMW. A new key fob costs between $400 and $650 based on the kind of BMW you drive.
To program a new key fob to your BMW, first make sure that there is no other key in the ignition. Also, close all doors in your vehicle. Next you'll need to insert the new key fob into the ignition and move it to position 1 and return to position 0 five times in rapid succession. Then, hold down the unlock button on your BMW key fob and press the BMW logo three times in rapid succession. After you've completed this, remove your key and turn the car on. You should hear the doors lock and unlock, indicating that your new key fob has been successfully programmed.
Based on the model of your car, you could have a key blade in your key fob, or without. Each fob has a different method of synchronizing with your car, however the steps for each are identical. The only difference is the metal key fob needs 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 to your BMW, insert it in the ignition and press start.
It is crucial to maintain your BMW key fob in good condition. If you're in search of an updated BMW key fob or replacement, you can contact the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can assist you in finding the right key fob to your vehicle and even upgrade your BMW by introducing an upgrade to Comfort Access to enable keyless entry and engine starting.