What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
If you have a BMW it is likely that your key fob has numerous functions. You can use it for a variety of purposes, including unlocking your doors, controlling your windows and even starting your engine.
There are a few secret techniques that you may not know about. Let's take a look at some of the most effective ones.
Functions
The BMW key fob is a tiny, rectangular piece of plastic, with many buttons built into its side. Most of them allow you to lock and unlock your car, but a few are distinct. BMW owners, for example can activate a hidden function on their key fob by pressing the unlock button twice quickly. This is perfect for those looking to cool down their car on a hot summer day.
Another important benefit of the BMW key fob is that it can be used to start the vehicle. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized access to the vehicle. To start the car, the driver has to first press 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 especially useful in a situation where the driver is in a hurry for work and doesn't have the time to get out of the car to get the door handle.
The BMW key fob can also be used for controlling the internal climate system. This is especially convenient for those who travel with several people, since it is possible to set each individual's preferred temperature using their own key fob. If you own hybrid BMW key fob, it can be used to check the charging status of the vehicle's battery.
While the standard BMW key fobs are able to withstand normal levels of humidity, dropping them into water can cause significant damage. It's a good idea to keep the key fob in a protective case when not in use. If you lose your key fob, we can provide a service which will deactivate the device, making it inaccessible to thieves. This can be accomplished by contact with the dealer or one of our technicians. You can purchase a replacement BMW key fob to re-establish your car's functionality.
Design
BMW key fobs were once large rectangular black pieces that looked a bit like an opener for bottles from a distance. They were simple but functional. BMW then made them smaller and also added a plastic casing around the base to make it look more appealing and less like a key opener. The new design also trimmed the rough edges of the key that could poke into bags or pockets and made keys more comfortable to hold.
Then BMW introduced the Display Key, which puts all the functions of your vehicle in the palm of your hand. It allows you to lock and unlock your car, control your air conditioning, and display vehicle information on a small LCD touchscreen on the BMW key fob. Even hybrid models come with remote parking!
BMW Digital Keys are an excellent replacement if you need to replace your BMW key fob. You can unlock your car with your smartphone if you have a compatible model. This feature is available for 2021 or newer BMW vehicles that are equipped with the iDrive 8 operating system.
Another new and exciting key from BMW is the Connected Remote Key, which lets you start your car and control some of its features with your smartphone. The app allows you to remotely manage your car's climate control and monitor battery levels. You can also see how much fuel remains in your car, if it's equipped with this feature.
Whether you're using a BMW Digital Key or a traditional key fob the process of obtaining the replacement is the same. You'll have to bring the original key along with the new one to Patrick BMW, and our technicians will help you with everything. You can also purchase an BMW Key Protection Plan, which will cover the cost of replacement in the event that your keys are 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 that was stored on it and make it unusable. This is accomplished by turning the key to position one and then back in rapid succession, five times in a row. Then you can turn the key until it is at zero and then remove it from the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key makes it easy to start your vehicle. The fob works 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 people.
The key fob transmits encrypted signals to the vehicle. It is therefore impossible for hackers and cloners, to intercept the signal. Additionally, the UWB technology of the BMW Digital Key prevents relay attacks even if the fob is moving while it's being transported. The system also has an inbuilt alarm system to block unauthorised starts and disables the ignition switch, which is a common target for thieves.
BMW offers a variety of security options that can be added. Passive Start is one of them. It will disable the starter motor if the key fob does remain in close proximity to your vehicle. This feature is available on all models of the brand and provides additional peace of mind.
A number of the more advanced BMW models come with keyless access, which allows drivers to get in and start the vehicle without having manually push any buttons or insert a physical key. This feature is typically activated by pressing the lock button on the fob three times in the span of a second. In some cases you may have to press the lock on the fob three times to activate the remote start feature on the dashboard or steering wheel.
Some people keep their BMW keyfob in a bag that blocks signals. This decreases the possibility that a third party broadcasts the unique code that is on the fob in order to gain access to the car. Others prefer to use a standard key case, which doesn't have this feature but will still protect the fob from scratches.
Some BMW owners have reported that their vehicles have been stolen by criminals who just utilized a signal amplifier in order to increase the signal that identifies. This kind of attack, referred to as "Relay Attack", can be prevented by placing the key fob in an area that blocks signals or by using an application on your smartphone to block signals.
Replacement
It happens to everyone and it happens to you too - your BMW key fob battery goes out, or you need an extra battery for a family member. It's affordable and easy to purchase a new BMW fob and then program it into your car. You can buy the replacement from any dealership or locksmith that is authorized by BMW. A new key fob will cost between $400 and $650 depending on the type BMW you drive.
To program a new key fob to your BMW, first make sure that there isn't another key in the ignition. You should also close all doors in your vehicle. Place your new key fob into the ignition, and quickly move it from position 1 to zero, and then back to position 1. 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 switch on the car. You should hear your vehicle's doors lock and unlock. This means that the new key fob has been successfully programmed.
Based on the model of your car depending on the model of your car, you could have keys that have a key blade that is physically inside it, or a fob without one. Each fob has a different method of synchronizing with your car, but the steps for each are almost identical. The only difference is that the metal key fob has to be put into the ignition to start your car.
If you have a BMW with Comfort Access, the process is even more straightforward. Once you have programmed your new key fob into your BMW then, you can insert it into the ignition and press start.
It is essential to ensure that your BMW key fob in good in good working order. If you're in search of a new BMW key read more fob, or a replacement, you can contact the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can help you select the correct key fob and upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry and engine starting.