An Easy-To-Follow Guide To BMW 3 Series Key Fob
The Benefits of a BMW 3 Series Key Fob
The BMW Display Key goes far beyond the standard key fob with a full-color touchscreen. It has a range of helpful features that are accessible with a swipe of a finger.
Most standard BMW key fobs can withstand the daily moisture levels, so keeping it in your pocket on a rainy day is unlikely to cause damage. It is important to ensure that the battery is kept up-to-date.
Keyless Entry
A BMW key fob does so much more than just unlock your car or start it. It's also a powerful security device that protects both your vehicle and its contents from theft. It's therefore important to keep the BMW key fob charged, and connected to your car. Keep it in a secure place when not in use to prevent it from being lost or stolen.
It is likely that you will need to replace your BMW key fob battery at some point in its lifespan. The process is easy. First find the ignition switch on your BMW key fob and ensure it is off. Then, remove the cover on your key fob and carefully remove the old battery. Replace the old battery with new one (size CR2032) and then replace the key fob. Press and hold the lock key until you hear a click (without turning on the engine). Once you've done this, your doors will lock and unlock instantly, indicating that the BMW key fob is programmed.
Your BMW might also come with a feature called Comfort Access that lets you open and close your car using a key fob or smartphone. To activate this feature option, you'll need a compatible iPhone and the Apple Wallet app. Once you have those things just place your iPhone in the Smart Key Tray of your BMW and follow the steps on the Wallet app to pair it with your vehicle's key fob.
You can use the same procedure to program additional key fobs or an alternative, however you might need to deactivate the current ones first. It's also important to keep your BMW key fob out of water since the touchscreen could be damaged by water. This includes avoiding exposing it to direct sunlight since the display can be permanently damaged from prolonged exposure to UV light. If you're concerned about your BMW key fob getting hacked, or cloned be aware that the security of the device is constructed into it. A sophisticated system will ensure that your vehicle is locked only when it receives an unique identifying signal that's constantly changing.
Smart Keys
Smart Keys are key fobs that let you unlock and start your car without the requirement of an individual key or smartphone. You can also utilize the app on your smartphone to track who has been in your car and when.
You can download the app from your smartphone's app stores or sign in using the BMW Connected App. Once you've logged in, it will be possible to view who has access and alter any restrictions.
If you have keys with Smart Keys, you can use it to unlock the doors of your BMW remotely and make use of Comfort Access features like automatically locking the doors when you come closer. The app can be used to set the parking brake. You can also use the app to manage certain functions of your car like changing your music volume or climate controls.
The internal key blade of the key fob is of standard key size. It can be used both to unlock doors manually and with Comfort Access. The key is indestructible to water so there's no reason to be concerned about it getting wet. But it is important to avoid exposing the key to intense sunlight or extreme heat as the key could overheat and cause permanent damage.
Follow these simple steps to program your BMW keyfob to ensure it is compatible with the application on your phone. First, you'll need that your phone is compatible for the Digital Key feature. Then you'll need to download the BMW Connected App and sign to your iCloud account. Next, you'll need to place your iPhone in the tray for your smartphone and follow the instructions to complete activating the BMW Digital Key.
If you want to replace the battery in your BMW key fob, you can do so easily by removing your backplate and replacing the CR2032 coin cell battery. Be bmw spare key when trying to remove the backplate, as it's sealed with glue. You can always call an experienced locksmith in the automotive industry to assist you if you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself.
Proximity Keys
Proximity keys are a recent evolution of keyless car entry systems. Instead of requiring a physical contact, they utilize the proximity sensor to recognize the key and allow the driver to unlock the doors and start the engine. This technology is convenient however, it also poses certain safety risks.
The biggest issue is that they are easily stolen, just like laptops and smartphones. Criminals could hack into the system to transmit signals that identify them to a nearby accomplice or use a basic amplifier to take in the signals. Some drivers keep their keys in a signal blocking pouch or cover to combat this.
Another issue is when drivers fail to switch off their car prior to leaving. The vehicle being left on while shopping at the store or dropping it into a cup holder can cause it to run, resulting in theft or carbon monoxide poisoning. It is also a common practice for drivers to leave their keys in the ignition after they have parked at home, assuming they have turned the car off. This can lead to theft, or in the case of a hybrid car carbon monoxide poisoning as the family is asleep.
Additionally, if your key fob is lost or the battery fails suddenly, the car will not start even if you've got the key to open the door. It is essential to always have a spare key or a smart key duplicated, so that you or a trusted person have access to your vehicle in case of emergency.
Fortunately the problem are easily solved with the appropriate steps. By being more aware of the location of your key fob, and making sure it's off and locked position before you walk away from your vehicle and using an alarm system to remind you of the things you need to do, you can minimize the chance of proximity key-related issues.
BMW's most sophisticated fob is the Display Key, which comes with an LCD touchscreen. This unique key is somewhat more vulnerable to theft than standard BMW fobs, but it is still more secure. Keep your new BMW Display Key away from water and treat it the same way you would a smartphone.
Remote Start
If you own a BMW equipped with Remote Start or Remote Start, you can make use of the BMW Connected app or your key fob to start your car prior to you enter. This lets you warm up your car on chilly Decatur mornings or cool your vehicle during Pekin commutes. If your BMW did not include Remote Start, we can integrate it into your vehicle by purchasing an OEM kit at our parts center.
The button at the base of most BMW key fobs allows you to make an emergency duplicate of your keys. This is helpful for times when your fob gets wet, or when you're far from a locksmith. Some people also keep a spare key on the fob so that other family members can get into their cars without having to call our dealership for keyless entry or Comfort Access.
The standard BMW key fob is highly resistant to moisture, which means it can safely withstand a day in the rain or going to the wash machine. The BMW Display Key with touchscreen however, is more delicate and should not be left in water for too long.
BMW key fobs hold up to three driver profiles, which means you can customize the settings of your car based on the keys you carry with you. The iDrive system will unlock the appropriate fob, and then set all relevant settings for that profile, including seat position and radio presets. If you want to change drivers, you simply need to press the lock button twice on the key fob.
If your BMW key fob doesn't work properly, you will need to replace the battery (size CR2032) within. Take off the cover of your fob and then remove the battery, and insert the new one slowly. You can buy a replacement BMW key battery in our parts department, or you can purchase a new one on the internet. If your key fob is equipped with a Comfort Access feature, you'll also have to disable it and code the car to remove your current key profile before you can pair it to another.