This Is The History Of BMW Key Fob
What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
If you own an BMW you are likely to find that your key fob comes with many functions. It can be used for many things, including unlocking your doors, controlling your windows as well as starting the engine.
There are some tricks that you may not know about. Here are some of the best.
Functions
The BMW key fob is a small rectangular piece of plastic, with several buttons incorporated into its side. Most of these buttons allow you to lock and unlock your car however, a few are unique. For example, BMW owners can activate an invisible function on their key fob to lower all their windows simultaneously by pressing the unlock button two times. This is ideal for people who wish to cool down their vehicle during the scorching summer days.
Another major purpose of the BMW key fob is that it can be used to start the vehicle. This is a fantastic security precaution that prevents unauthorised entry into the vehicle. To start the engine, drivers must first press the lock button on the key fob and then the circular arrow. This feature is also available on newer BMW models to remotely start the car. This feature is especially useful when the driver is late for work and doesn't have time to turn the door handle.
The BMW key fob is also capable of controlling the internal climate system. This is especially useful for those traveling with multiple individuals as each key fob is able to set the temperature for each individual. The key fob of a hybrid BMW can be used to check the battery's charge status.
Dropping them into water is not recommended. This is why it's best to keep the key fob in a safe case when not in use. If you have lost your key fob, we can offer a service which will deactivate the device, rendering it useless to thieves. This can be done by contacting the dealer or one of our technicians. A replacement for a lost BMW key fob can then be purchased to restore functionality to your car.
Design
BMW key fobs were big rectangular black pieces that looked like a bottle opener from the distance. They were simple, but useful. Then BMW began to make them smaller and put a case made of plastic around the key's base that made it look nicer and less like a bottle opener. This new design also minimized the rough edges of keys that could pierce pockets or bags and made keys more comfortable to hold.
Then BMW introduced the Display Key, which puts all of your vehicle's functionality in your hand. The BMW key fob has an LCD screen which allows you to lock and unlock your car, control the air conditioning and view the information about your vehicle. It even lets you park remotely on hybrid models!
If you're in need of a replacement key fob, you can have the same great function with a BMW Digital Key. You can use any smartphone compatible to replace the BMW key fob and unlock your vehicle! This feature is available on 2021 and later BMW cars that use the iDrive 8 operating system.
The Connected Remote key is a innovative key from BMW that allows you to start your car and use certain functions using your smartphone. The app allows you to control the climate control of your car and monitor battery levels. You can see how much fuel remains in your car if it has this feature.
The process for replacing a BMW Digital Key is the same regardless of whether you're using a traditional key or a BMW Digital Key. 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 a BMW Key Protection plan, which will cover the costs of a replacement if your keys are stolen or lost.
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 unusable. This is done five times, by turning the key from position one to zero and back. Then, turn it back to position zero and then pull 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 and start the engine and much more. You can also share the key with five others.
The key fob communicates with vehicle using encrypted signals. This makes it impossible for hackers to intercept and clone the signal. The UWB technology of the BMW Digital Key also prevents attacks on relays even when it is moving. The system also uses an alarm built-in to stop unauthorized starts and disables the ignition switch which is a frequent target for thieves.
BMW offers a range of security options that can be added. Passive Start is one feature that disables the starter motor when the key fob does not remain close to your vehicle. This feature is offered on a number of BMW models and offers additional peace of mind.
A lot of the more sophisticated BMW models come with keyless access which allows drivers to get in and start the vehicle without having to manually use any buttons or insert the physical key. This feature can be activated by pressing three times on the lock button of the fob within one second. In certain situations, you might have to press the fob's lock 3 times in order to activate a remote start feature on the dashboard or steering wheel.
Some people keep their BMW keyfob in a pouch that blocks signals. thekeylab.co.uk decreases the possibility of a third-party broadcasting unique code that is on the fob to gain access to the vehicle. Others prefer to use a standard key case, that does not come with this feature, but can protect the fob from scratches.
Some BMW owners have reported that their cars have been taken by thieves who used a signal amplifier to boost the identifying signal. This type of attack, also known as "Relay Attack", can be avoided by putting the key fob into an area that blocks signals, or by installing an app on your smartphone to block signals.
Replacement
Everyone has had this experience - the battery in your BMW key fob dies or you'll need to purchase another one for your family. Luckily, purchasing an alternative BMW key fob and programming it into your vehicle is easy and inexpensive. You can buy a replacement from any dealership or locksmith who is authorized by BMW. A new key fob is likely to cost between $400 and $650, depending on the kind of BMW you drive.
Make sure that there isn't other ignition key in your BMW before you begin programming a new keyfob. Also, close all doors in your vehicle. Put your new key fob into the ignition, then quickly turn it from position 1 to position zero, 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 the key and then turn on the vehicle. You should hear the doors unlock and lock, indicating that your new key fob has been successfully programmed.
Based on the car model depending on the model of your car, you could have keys that have an actual key blade in it, or a key fob without one. Each fob has a different method of synchronizing with your car, but the steps for each are nearly identical. The only difference is that a key fob that has a metal key in it will need to be placed in the ignition whenever you are ready to start your car.
If you have a BMW equipped 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 important to keep your BMW key fob in working order. If you're in search of an entirely new BMW key fob or replacement, you can contact the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can assist you in selecting the right key fob and upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry or engine starting.