What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
Your BMW key fob is likely to have many functions. You can use it to unlock your doors, control your windows, and even start your engine.
There are some tricks you may not be aware of. Let's take a look some of the most useful ones.
Functions
The BMW key fob consists of an incredibly small piece of plastic with many buttons incorporated into its sides. Most of these buttons allow you to lock and unlock your car, but a few are unique. For instance, BMW owners can activate a hidden function on their key fob to lower all their windows at once by pressing the unlock button twice. This is a great option for those who wish to cool down their vehicle on the scorching summer days.
Another important purpose of the BMW key fob is that it can be used to start the car. This is a fantastic security precaution that prevents unauthorised entry into the vehicle. To start the vehicle, the driver needs to first turn off the lock on the key fob and then press the circular arrow. This feature is also available on the latest BMW models to start the vehicle remotely. This is particularly useful when the driver is late for work and doesn't have time to get out of the car to open the door.
The BMW key fob is also capable of controlling the interior climate system. This is particularly useful for those who travel with multiple people, since it is possible to set each individual's preferred temperature with their own key fob. If you have a hybrid BMW, the key fob can be used to monitor the charging status of the battery in the vehicle.
Dropping them in water is not recommended. It's best to store the key fob in its case that is protected when it is not in use. If you lose the key fob, a solution can be offered to disable it, making it inaccessible to thieves. Contacting our dealer or technicians will do this. A replacement for a lost BMW key fob could be purchased to restore functionality to your car.
Design
BMW key fobs were once big, clunky rectangles in black that, from a distance, appeared like a bottle opener. They were simple, but functional. BMW then made them smaller and also added a plastic casing around the base to make it look better and less like the key opener. The new design also trimmed rough edges on the key which could pierce bags or pockets and made the keys easier to hold.
BMW then introduced the Display Key which puts all the features of your vehicle in your hand. The BMW key fob has an LCD screen which allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle, control the air conditioning and view the vehicle's information. It even offers remote parking on hybrid models!
BMW Digital Keys are a fantastic replacement if you need to replace the BMW key fob. You can unlock your vehicle by using your smartphone, when you own a compatible model. This feature is only available for BMW vehicles manufactured after 2021 that use the iDrive 8 system.
The Connected Remote key is another innovative key from BMW that lets you start your vehicle and operate certain features using your smartphone. The app lets you remotely manage your car's climate control and check the battery level. You can also see the amount of fuel left in your car if it is equipped with this feature.
Whether you're using a BMW Digital Key or a traditional key fob the process for getting an replacement is the same. You'll have to bring your original key and the new one to Patrick BMW, and our technicians will help you with everything. You can also purchase the 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 will erase any programming it has and render it useless. This is accomplished by turning the key to position one, then back quickly five times in one row. Then you can turn the key to zero and take 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 more. It also allows you to share the key with up to five other people.
The key fob is encrypted and transmits signals to the vehicle. This makes it difficult for hackers to intercept and clone the signal. The UWB technology of the BMW Digital Key also prevents relay attacks even if it is moving. The system also has an alarm built-in to stop unauthorized starts and disables the ignition switch, which is a common target for thieves.
BMW offers a range of security options that can be added. Passive Start is one such feature that disables the starter motor when the key fob doesn't remain within close proximity to your car. This feature is offered in several models from the brand and gives you peace of mind.
A number of the more advanced BMW models have keyless access which lets drivers enter and start the car without having to manually press any buttons or insert an actual key. This feature is activated by pressing three times on the lock button of the fob in just one second. In some instances, you may have to press the lock on the fob three times to activate a remote start feature on the dashboard or steering wheel.
Some people carry their BMW keyfob in a bag that blocks signals. This decreases the possibility of a third-party broadcasting the unique code that is on the fob in order to gain access to the car. Some prefer using a standard case, which does not come with the feature, but it still protects the fob against scratches.
A few BMW owners have reported that their cars have been taken by criminals who simply used a signal amplifier to increase the signal that identifies. This kind of attack, also known as "Relay Attack", can be prevented by placing the key fob in pockets that block signals, or by installing an app on your phone to block signals.
Replacement
It happens to everyone - your BMW key fob battery fails, or you need an extra battery for your family member. Fortunately, finding an alternative BMW key fob and programming it into your vehicle is simple and affordable. BMW authorized locksmiths or dealers can sell you an alternative key fob. A new key fob can cost between $400 and $650, depending on the type of BMW you drive.
To program the new key fob into your BMW first, ensure that there isn't another key in the ignition. Close all doors in your vehicle. Next you'll need to insert your new key fob into the ignition and move it to position 1, then return to position 0 five times rapidly. Then, press the unlock button on your BMW key fob and press the BMW logo three times in rapid succession. After you've completed this, take off the key and turn on the vehicle. You should hear the doors unlock and lock, indicating that your new website key fob is successfully programmed.
Depending on your car model You may have keys that have an actual key blade in it, or a fob without one. The procedure for syncing new fobs to your vehicle is different for each however the steps are almost identical. The only difference is the metal key fob will need to be put into the ignition to start your vehicle.
If you have a BMW with Comfort Access the process is even easier. After you have programmed the new key fob, simply insert it into the ignition of your BMW and press the start button.
It is essential to maintain your BMW key fob in good in good working order. If you are looking for an updated BMW key fob or replacement one, you can reach the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can assist you in selecting the correct key fob and also upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry and engine starting.