What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
If you own a BMW, chances are that your key fob has numerous functions. It can be used for many things, including opening your doors, controlling your windows and even starting your 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 consists of an incredibly small piece of plastic with a number buttons embedded into its sides. Most of these buttons unlock and lock the car however, some are unique. For example, BMW owners can activate an in-built function on their key fob to lower all of their windows at once by pressing the unlock button two times. This is ideal for people who wish to cool down their vehicle on a hot summer's day.
Another significant purpose of the BMW key fob is that it can be used to start the car. This feature is a safety measure to prevent unauthorized access to the vehicle. To start the car, the driver must first turn off the lock on the fob of the key and then the circular arrow. For the latest BMW models the feature can be used to remotely start the car. This feature is especially useful when a driver is late to work and doesn't have the time to pull the door handle.
Lastly, the BMW key fob can be utilized to control the vehicle's interior climate system. This is particularly helpful for people who travel with multiple individuals, as it's possible to set each individual's preferred temperatures with their individual key fob. For those who have a hybrid BMW key fob can be used to check the charging status of the battery in the vehicle.
Dropping them into water is not recommended. This is why it's best to keep the key fob in a secure case when not in use. If you do lose the key fob, a service can be provided that will disable it, rendering it useless for thieves. This can be accomplished by contacting the dealer or one of our technicians. A replacement for a lost BMW key fob could be purchased to restore functionality to your vehicle.
Design
BMW key fobs were large, clunky rectangles of black that from a distance looked like a bottle-opener. They were basic, but they served a purpose. BMW then made them smaller and put a plastic casing around the base to make it look better and less like a key opener. This new design also minimized the rough edges of keys that 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 hands. It lets you lock and unlock your car, operate your air conditioning, and display vehicle information on a small LCD touchscreen on the BMW key fob. Even hybrid models come with remote parking!
If you're in need of an upgrade key fob, you can have the same functionality and features with a BMW Digital Key. You can unlock your vehicle with your smartphone provided you have a compatible model. This feature is available on 2021 or newer BMW vehicles with the iDrive 8 operating system.
The Connected Remote key is another cool new key from BMW that lets you start your car and control some features with your smartphone. The app allows you to remotely control your car’s climate control and check battery levels. You can even check how you've got gas left in your tank, in the event that your car is equipped with this feature.
If you're using a BMW Digital Key or a traditional key fob the process of obtaining the replacement is the same. You'll need to bring your working key and the new one to Patrick BMW, and our technicians will help you with everything. You can also choose to purchase an BMW Key Protection plan, which will pay for the cost of a replacement if your keys get stolen or lost.
If you do lose your BMW key, don't panic! The first step is to reset the key, which erases any programming it has and render it useless. This is accomplished by turning the key from position one and back in quick succession five times in one row. Then, turn it to position zero and take it out of the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key makes it easy to start your vehicle. The fob is compatible with your Apple Watch or smartphone and works with BMW Connected Drive. It can unlock the vehicle and start the engine. It also lets you share the key with up to five others.
The key fob transmits encrypted signals with the vehicle. 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 when it is being transported. The system uses an alarm to block unauthorised starting and disables the ignition switch.
BMW offers a range of security options that can be added. Passive Start is one feature that will disable the starter motor if the key fob does not remain close to your vehicle. This feature is available in all models of the brand and gives you security.
BMW's most advanced models come with keyless entry, which lets drivers to access their car without having to manually insert a key or push any buttons. This feature can be activated by pressing three times on the lock button of the fob in a single second. In some instances, you may need to press the lock button on the fob three times, and then activate a separate remote start feature on the dashboard or on the steering wheel.
Some people carry their BMW key fob in a case that blocks signals. This decreases the possibility of a third-party broadcasting the identification code from the fob to gain access to the car. Some people prefer to use an ordinary case that does not have the feature, but it still protects the fob against scratches.
A few BMW owners have reported that their cars have been stolen by criminals who simply used a signal amplifier to increase the signal that identifies. This type of attack, known as "Relay Attack", can be avoided by putting the key fob in pockets that block signals or by using an app on your smartphone to block signals.
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 a replacement BMW key fob and programming it into your vehicle is easy and affordable. BMW authorized locksmiths or dealers can offer you a replacement key fob. A new key fob is likely to cost between $400 and $650, based on the model of BMW you drive.
Make sure there is no other ignition key in your BMW before you start programming the new keyfob. It is also recommended to shut the doors of your vehicle. Next, insert the new key fob into the ignition and move it to position 1 and back to position 0 five times in rapid succession. Then, hold down 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 vehicle's doors unlock and lock. This means that the new key fob has been successfully programmed.
Depending on your car model, you may have an ignition key fob with an actual key blade in it, or a fob that does not have one. The procedure for syncing new fobs with your car is different for each, but the steps are similar. The only difference is that the metal key fob needs to be placed in the ignition to begin your car.
If you own an BMW equipped with Comfort Access, the process is even simpler. Once you have programmed an entirely 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, it is important that you keep your key fob in good condition. If you are looking for an entirely new BMW key fob or replacement one, you can bmw replacement key cost reach the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can help you find the right key fob to your car and even upgrade your BMW by introducing an upgrade to Comfort Access to allow keyless entry and engine starting.