What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
Your BMW key fob could have numerous functions. It can be used for a variety of purposes, including unlocking your doors, adjusting your windows as well as starting the engine.
There are some tricks you might not know about. Here are some of the best.
Functions
The BMW key fob is a small rectangular piece of plastic, with a number of buttons integrated into its side. Most of these buttons allow you to lock and unlock your car however, some are distinct. BMW owners, for instance can activate a hidden function on their key fob by pressing the unlock button twice quickly. This is ideal for those who wish to cool off their car during a hot summer day.
Another significant function of the BMW key fob is that it can be used to start the car. This feature is a great security precaution that prevents unauthorised entry into the vehicle. To start the car, the driver must first push the lock on the key fob, and then the circular arrow. This feature is also available on the latest BMW models to start the vehicle remotely. This is particularly useful in situations where the driver is running late for work and doesn't have time to get out of the car and open the door handle.
Lastly lastly, the BMW key fob can also be utilized to control the vehicle's interior climate system. This is particularly useful for people who travel with multiple people, since it is possible to set each person's preferred temperature with their own key fob. The key fob of a hybrid BMW can be used to check the battery's charging status.
While the standard BMW key fobs are able to withstand normal levels of water, dropping them into water can cause serious damage. This is why it's recommended to keep the key fob in a safe case when not in use. If you do lose the key fob, a solution can be offered to disable it, rendering it useless for thieves. Contacting the dealer or our technicians will be able to do this. A replacement for a lost BMW key fob could be purchased to restore full functionality to your car.
Design
BMW key fobs were once large black, clunky rectangles that looked a bit like an open bottle from a distance. They were simple, but functional. Then BMW began to make them a little smaller and put a case made of plastic around the base of the key, which made it look more attractive and a little less like an opener for bottles. This new design also minimized the rough edges of the keys that could poke through bags or pockets and made keys more comfortable to hold.
Then BMW introduced the Display Key, which puts all the features of your car in the palm of your hand. It lets you lock and unlock your car, operate your air conditioning, and display the vehicle's information on a small LCD touchscreen on the BMW key fob. Even hybrid models come with remote parking!
BMW Digital Keys are a fantastic replacement if you need to replace the BMW key fob. You can use any smartphone compatible to replace the BMW key fob and unlock your car! This feature is only available to BMW vehicles made after 2021 with the iDrive 8 system.
Another cool new key from BMW is the Connected Remote Key that lets you start your car and use certain functions using your smartphone. The app allows you to remotely control the climate control of your car and check battery levels and more! You can check how much fuel remains in your car if it has this feature.
No matter if you're using a BMW Digital Key or a traditional key fob the process for getting the replacement is the same. Our technicians will help you with the process when you bring your old key and the new one to Patrick BMW. You can also purchase the BMW Key Protection plan, which will cover the cost of a replacement if your 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 inoperable. This is done by turning the key to position one, then back in quick succession five times in one row. Then, you turn it back to zero and then take it out of the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key makes it easy to start your car. It is compatible with your Apple Watch or smartphone and is compatible with BMW Connected Drive. It allows you to unlock your vehicle and also start the engine. You can also share the key with five other people.
The key fob transmits encrypted signals to the vehicle. It is therefore difficult for hackers and cloners to intercept the signal. In addition, the UWB technology in the BMW Digital Key prevents relay attacks even if the fob is moving while it's being transported. The system utilizes an alarm to prevent unauthorized starting and disables the ignition switch.
BMW offers a range of optional security features. Passive Start is one such feature that disables the starter motor if the key fob does remain close to your car. This feature is available on website a variety 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 inserting a key or pressing any buttons. This feature can be activated by pressing three times on the lock button of the fob in a single second. In certain situations, you might have to press the lock on the fob three times to activate a remote start feature on the steering wheel or dashboard.
Some people keep their BMW keyfob in a pouch that blocks signals. This decreases the possibility that a third party broadcasts the identifying code from the fob in order to gain access to the vehicle. Others prefer to use an ordinary key case which doesn't have this feature, but it will protect the fob from scratches.
Some BMW owners have reported that their cars were stolen by criminals who used an amplifier for signal strength to increase the signal strength of the identifying signals. This type of attack is known as "Relay Attack" and can be avoided by keeping the key fob in a signal-blocking pocket or by using a signal-blocking app on your phone.
Replacement
Everyone has experienced this - the battery in your BMW key fob goes out or you need to buy an extra one for your family. Luckily, purchasing an alternative BMW key fob and programming it into your car is easy and inexpensive. BMW authorized locksmiths or dealers can sell you a replacement key fob. A new key fob will cost between $400 and $650, depending on the type BMW you drive.
To program the new key fob into your BMW, first make sure that there is no other key in the ignition. Also, close all doors inside your vehicle. Insert your new key fob into the ignition, and quickly move it from position 1 to 0, and back to position 1. Next, press the unlock button on your BMW key fob and press the BMW logo three times in rapid succession. After you have finished this, remove your key and turn your car on. You should hear your vehicle's doors lock and unlock. This indicates that the new key fob has been successfully programmed.
Depending on the model of your car, you might have a key blade inside your key fob or one that isn't. Each fob has a different process for synchronizing with your vehicle, but the steps for each are almost identical. The only difference is that the metal key fob needs to be put into the ignition to start your vehicle.
If you have an BMW with Comfort Access, the process is even easier. Once you have programmed your new key fob in your BMW, insert it in the ignition and press start.
It is essential to maintain your BMW key fob in good in good working order. If you're looking for 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 with the Comfort Access upgrade to enable keyless entry and engine starting.