The Ultimate Guide To BMW Key Fob
What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
Your BMW key fob could have many functions. It can be used to unlock your doors, manage your windows and even start your engine.
There are a few tricks you might not know about. Here are some of the most effective.
Functions
The BMW key fob is a small rectangular piece of plastic that has several buttons incorporated into its side. The majority of these buttons unlock and lock the car however, a few are distinctive. BMW owners, for instance can activate a secret function on their key fob by pressing the unlock button twice quickly. This is ideal for those who wish to cool down their car during a hot summer's day.
Another important purpose of the BMW key fob is that it can be used to start the vehicle. This feature is a safety measure to prevent unauthorized access to the vehicle. To start the car, the driver must first turn off the lock on the key fob, and then the circular arrow. For the latest BMW models, this feature can also be used to remotely start the car. This feature is especially useful when the driver is late for work and does not have the time to pull the door.
Additionally it is worth noting that the BMW key fob may also be used to control the vehicle's interior climate system. This is particularly useful for those who travel with several people, since it is possible to set each person's preferred temperatures with their individual key fob. If you own hybrid BMW, the key fob can be used to determine the state of charge of the vehicle's battery.
Dropping them into water is not recommended. It is best to store the key fob in its protective case when not in use. If you lose the key fob, a service can be provided that will deactivate it, making it unusable for thieves. This can be done by calling the dealer or one of our technicians. You can buy a replacement BMW key fob to re-establish the functionality of your vehicle.
Design
BMW key fobs were large rectangular black pieces that looked a bit like a bottle opener from the distance. They were simple, but functional. BMW then made them smaller and also added a plastic casing around the base to make it appear more attractive and less like an opener for keys. This new design also reduced rough edges on the key which could pierce pockets or bags, and made the keys easier for you to hold.
Then BMW introduced the Display Key, which puts all the features of your car in your hand. The BMW key fob comes with an LCD screen that lets you lock and unlock your vehicle, control the air conditioning and view the vehicle's information. Even hybrid models can have remote parking!
BMW Digital Keys are a great replacement option if you have to replace your BMW key fob. Just use your compatible smartphone to replace the BMW key fob and unlock your car! This feature is available for 2021 or more recent BMW vehicles with the iDrive 8 operating system.
Another cool new key from BMW is the Connected Remote Key that allows you to start your vehicle and control certain features using your smartphone. The app allows you to remotely control your car's climate control as well as check the battery level 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 process for replacing a BMW Digital Key is the same whether you're using an old-fashioned key or a BMW Digital Key. You'll need to bring your working key and the new one to Patrick BMW, and our technicians will help you with everything. bmw key fob replacement can also purchase an BMW Key Protection Plan, which will cover the cost of replacement if your keys get lost or stolen.
If you do lose your BMW key, don't panic! The first step is to reset the key, which erases any programming it has and render it inoperable. This is accomplished by turning the key from position one and then back quickly five times in a row. Then switch the key to position zero and then remove it from the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key makes it easy to start your car. It is compatible with your Apple Watch or smartphone and works with BMW Connected Drive. It can unlock the car and then start the engine. You can also share the key with five people.
The key fob is encrypted and transmits signals with the vehicle. 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 if the fob is in motion while it's being transported. The system uses an alarm to block unauthorised starting and disables ignition switch.
BMW also provides a variety of security options available including Passive Start, which disables the starter motor when the key fob is not near to the vehicle. This feature is available in several models from the brand and offers peace of mind.
BMW's more advanced models feature keyless entry, which allows drivers access and start their car without having to manually insert a key or press any buttons. This feature is typically activated by pressing the fob's lock button three times in the span of a second. In some instances, you may have to press the lock on the fob three times to activate the remote start feature on the steering wheel or dashboard.
Some people carry their BMW keyfob in a pouch that blocks signals. This decreases the possibility that a third party broadcasts the identification code from the fob to gain access to the car. Others prefer to use a standard key case, that does not come with this feature, but can protect the fob from scratches.
A few BMW owners have reported that their vehicles have been taken by criminals who simply employed a signal amplifier to boost the identifying signal. 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 using a signal blocker app on your phone.
Replacement
Everyone has experienced this - the battery in your BMW key fob dies or you need to buy a spare one for a family. Thankfully, getting the replacement BMW key fob and programming it into your vehicle is easy and inexpensive. You can purchase a replacement from any dealership or locksmith authorized by BMW. A new key fob can cost between $400 and $650, depending on the model of BMW you drive.
To program the new key fob into your BMW first, ensure that there isn't another key in the ignition. It is also recommended to shut all doors in your vehicle. Then you'll need to insert the new key fob into the ignition and move it to position 1 and back to position 0 five times in rapid succession. Then, press the unlock button on your BMW key fob and press the BMW logo three times in rapid succession. Once you have completed this, take off the key and then turn on the vehicle. The vehicle's doors unlock and lock. This indicates that the new key fob has been successfully programmed.
Depending on the model of your car, you could either have a key blade on your key fob or one without. Each fob has a different process for synchronizing with your car, but the steps for each are identical. The only difference is that the metal key fob will need to be inserted into the ignition to start your car.
If you have an BMW with Comfort Access, the process is even more straightforward. Once you have programmed your new key fob to your BMW, insert it in the ignition and press start.
It is important to maintain your BMW key fob in good condition. If you're in search of an updated BMW key fob or a replacement, you can contact the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can assist you in finding the perfect key fob for your car, and we can even upgrade your BMW by introducing the Comfort Access upgrade to enable keyless entry and engine starting.