What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
If you own a BMW it is likely that your key fob is equipped with many functions. You can use it for a variety of purposes, including unlocking your doors, adjusting your windows as well as starting the engine.
There are a few tricks you may not know about. Let's look at some of the most useful ones.
Functions
The BMW key fob is a tiny, rectangular piece of plastic, with many buttons built into its side. Most of the buttons are used to lock and unlock the vehicle, however certain buttons have additional functions. For instance, BMW owners can activate an invisible function on the key fob to lower all of their windows simultaneously by pressing the unlock button twice quickly. This is ideal for those looking to cool down their car in the heat of summer.
The BMW key fob can also be used to begin your vehicle. This is a fantastic safety precaution and prevents unauthorized entry into the vehicle. To start the engine, the driver must press the lock button on the key fob, then 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 running late for work and doesn't have the time to get out of the car and open the door handle.
Lastly it is worth noting that the BMW key fob may also be utilized to control the vehicle's interior climate system. This is particularly convenient for people who travel with several people since each key fob is able to determine the preferred temperature for each individual. For those who have a hybrid BMW key fob, it can be used to check the status of charging the vehicle's battery.
Dropping them into water is not recommended. For this reason, it's a good idea to keep the key fob in a protective case when not in use. If you have lost your key fob, we can offer a service that will disable the device, rendering it useless to thieves. Contacting the dealer or our technicians will do this. You can purchase a new BMW key fob to repair your car's functionality.
Design
BMW key fobs were once big, clunky rectangles in black that, from a distance, looked like a bottle-opener. They were simple but functional. Then BMW began to make them a little smaller and also added a plastic case around the base of the key, which made it appear more elegant and less resemble an opener for bottles. The new design also trimmed the rough edges of keys that could poke through pockets or bags and made keys easier to hold.
Then BMW introduced the Display Key, which puts all the features of your car in the palm of your hand. The BMW key fob has small LCD screens which allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle, operate the air conditioning and display the vehicle's information. It even offers remote parking on hybrid models!
BMW Digital Keys are a great replacement option if you have to replace your BMW key fob. Simply use your smartphone to replace the BMW key fob and unlock your car! This feature is only available on BMW vehicles manufactured after 2021 that use the iDrive 8 system.
The Connected Remote key is another innovative key from BMW that allows you to start your car and control some features with your smartphone. The app allows you to remotely control the climate control of your car as well as check the battery level and more! You can even see how much gas you have left in your tank, in the event that your car is equipped with that feature.
No matter if you're using a BMW Digital Key or a traditional key fob, the process of getting the replacement is the same. Our technicians will help you with the process when you bring both your old key and the new one to Patrick BMW. You can also purchase a BMW Key Protection plan, which will cover the cost of a replacement if your keys get lost or stolen.
If bmw key fob replacement you do lose your BMW key, don't panic! The first thing you need to do is reset the key. This erases all programming and render it unusable. This is accomplished five times, by shifting the key from position one to position zero and back. Then switch the key until it is at zero and 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 is compatible with BMW Connected Drive. It can unlock the vehicle and also start the engine. It also lets you share the key with up to five other people.
The key fob communicates with the vehicle via encrypted signals. It is therefore extremely difficult for hackers and cloners to intercept the signal. Additionally, the UWB technology in the BMW Digital Key prevents relay attacks even when the fob is in motion while it's being carried. The system also uses an alarm built-in to stop unauthorised starts and disables the ignition switch which is a frequent target for thieves.
BMW also provides a variety of security options available including Passive Start, which disables the starter motor if the key fob is not in close proximity to the car. This feature is available on many BMW models and offers an additional level of security.
A number of the more advanced BMW models come with keyless access that lets drivers enter and start the vehicle without having manually push any buttons or insert an actual key. This feature is activated by pressing three times on the lock button of the fob in a single second. In certain situations it is possible to press the lock button on the fob three times and then turn on the remote start feature within the dashboard or on the steering wheel.
Some people carry their BMW key fob in a case that blocks signals. This decreases the possibility that a third party broadcasts the unique code that is on the fob to gain access to the car. Some prefer using a standard case that does not have the feature, but it still protects the fob from scratches.
Some BMW owners reported that their cars were snatched by criminals who used a signal amplifier to boost the identification signals. This type of attack, referred to as "Relay Attack", can be avoided by putting the key fob into 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 require an extra battery for your family member. It's simple and inexpensive to purchase a replacement BMW fob and then program it into your car. You can purchase a replacement from any dealership or locksmith who is authorized by BMW. A new key fob will typically cost between $400 and $650, based 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. Also, close all doors inside your vehicle. After that you'll need to insert your new key fob into the ignition and switch it to position 1, then return to position 0 five times in rapid succession. Next, press the unlock button on your BMW key fob and press the BMW logo three times in rapid succession. Once you've completed this, remove your key and turn your car on. The doors will lock and unlock, indicating that your 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 that does not have one. Each key fob has its own process to sync with your vehicle, but the steps for each are nearly identical. The only difference is that the metal key fob has to be inserted into the ignition to start your car.
If you have a BMW equipped with Comfort Access the process is even simpler. After you have programmed a new key fob, simply connect it to the ignition of your car and press the start button.
While your BMW is a great way to get around Decatur however, it is vital that you keep your key fob in a good condition. Patrick BMW's parts department will help you locate a new BMW fob or a replacement. We can help you choose the correct key fob and upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry or engine starting.