15 Reasons Not To Overlook BMW Key Fob
What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
If you have a BMW you are likely to find that your key fob is equipped with numerous functions. You can use it for many things, including opening your doors, controlling your windows as well as starting the engine.
But there are some hidden tricks that you might not be aware of. Let's take a look some of the most useful ones.
Functions
The BMW key fob is a small, rectangular piece of plastic, with many buttons built into its side. Most of these buttons allow you to lock and unlock your car however, some are unique. BMW owners, for example can activate a secret function on their key fob by pressing the unlock button twice quickly. This is a great option for those who want to cool their vehicle on the summer heat.
Another significant purpose of the BMW key fob is that it can be used to start the car. This is a security measure to ensure that no one is able to gain access to the vehicle. To start the car, the driver must first push the lock on the key fob, and then press the circular arrow. This feature is also available on the latest BMW models to remotely start the vehicle. This is particularly helpful in a situation where the driver is in a hurry for work and doesn't have time to get out of the car to get the door handle.
Finally it is worth noting that the BMW key fob can be used to control the vehicle's interior climate system. This is especially useful for those who travel with multiple people as each key fob can be used to determine the preferred temperature for each individual. The key fob on a hybrid BMW can be used to check on the battery's charge status.
Dropping them in water is not recommended. It is best to store the key fob in its case that is protected when not in use. If you do lose the key fob, a service can be provided that will deactivate it, making 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 could be purchased to restore full functionality to your vehicle.
Design
BMW key fobs used to be huge black, clunky rectangles that looked like an opener for bottles 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 attractive and less like the key opener. This new design also reduced the rough edges of the keys that could poke through bags or pockets and made keys easier to hold.
BMW introduced the Display Key which puts all the functions of your car in your palm. It allows you to lock and unlock your car, operate your air conditioning, and display vehicle information on a small LCD touchscreen on the BMW key fob. It even allows remote parking on hybrid models!
If you're in need of an upgrade, you can get the same great functionality with a BMW Digital Key. You can unlock your vehicle by using your smartphone, provided you have an appropriate model. This feature is available on 2021 and later BMW vehicles with the iDrive 8 operating system.
Another exciting new key from BMW is the Connected Remote Key, which allows you to start your vehicle and use certain functions using your smartphone. The app lets you remotely control the climate control of your car and check the battery level. You can check how much fuel is left in your car if it has this feature.
If you're using a BMW Digital Key or a traditional key fob, the process of getting a replacement is similar. 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 a BMW Key Protection Plan, which covers the cost of replacement when 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 will erase all programming and render it useless. This is accomplished by turning the key to position one, then back in rapid succession, five times in the same row. Then, turn the key until it is at zero and remove it from the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key is a efficient way to start your car. The fob works with your smartphone or Apple Watch and works with BMW Connected Drive to unlock the vehicle, start the engine, and more. You can also share the key with five other people.
The key fob communicates with vehicle using encrypted signals. It is therefore extremely difficult 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 moving while it's being transported. The system employs an alarm to block unauthorised starting and disables the ignition switch.
BMW offers a variety of security features that are available as an option. Passive Start is one of them. It will disable the starter motor if the key fob does remain within close proximity to your vehicle. This feature is offered on a number of BMW models and offers an additional level of security.
BMW's most advanced models come with keyless entry, which allows users to start their car without having to manually insert a key or push any buttons. This feature is typically activated by pressing the fob's lock button three times in a single second. In some cases it is possible to press the lock button on the fob three times to then activate a separate remote start feature on the dashboard or on the steering wheel.
Some people carry their BMW key fob in a pouch that blocks signals, which reduces the risk of a third-party broadcasting the signal that identifies the fob and using it to access the car. Some prefer using an ordinary case that doesn't have this feature, but it still protects the fob against scratches.
A few BMW owners have reported that their vehicles have been stolen by criminals who just employed a signal amplifier to boost the identifying signal. This type of attack is known as "Relay Attack" and can be prevented by keeping your key fob in a signal-blocking pocket or by installing a signal blocker app on your smartphone.
Replacement
It happens to everyone - your BMW key fob battery fails or you require a spare for someone in your family. Fortunately, finding a replacement BMW key fob and programming it into your vehicle is easy and affordable. You can buy an alternative from any dealer or locksmith that is authorized by BMW. A new key fob can cost between $400 and $650, depending on the model of BMW you drive.
To program a new key fob for your BMW first, ensure that there is no other key in the ignition. Close all the doors of your vehicle. Next, insert your new key fob in the ignition and switch it to position 1, then back to position 0 five times in rapid succession. Hold down the unlock button and then press the BMW logo on your BMW keyfob. Once you've completed this, take off your key and turn the car on. The doors should unlock and lock, indicating that your new key fob has been successfully programmed.
Based on the model of your car, you could have a key blade inside your key fob or one that isn't. The process of synchronizing new fobs with your car is different for each one however, the steps are nearly identical. key for bmw is that the fob that has a metallic key in it will need to be put into the ignition when you want to start the car.
If you have a BMW equipped with Comfort Access the process is even easier. After you have programmed a new key fob, simply connect it to the ignition of your car and press the start button.
It is crucial to maintain your BMW key fob in working order. Patrick BMW's parts department will help you find a replacement BMW fob or replacement. We can help you choose the best key fob for your needs and upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry or engine starting.