What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
If you have a BMW, chances are that your key fob comes with a lot of functions. It can be used for many things, including unlocking your doors, controlling your windows, and even starting the engine.
However, there are some hidden tricks that you might not know about. Here are a few of the most effective.
Functions
The BMW key fob consists of an incredibly small piece of plastic that has many buttons incorporated into its sides. Most of the buttons are used to unlock and lock the vehicle, and certain buttons have additional functions. BMW owners, for instance can activate a hidden function on their key fob by pressing the unlock button two times quickly. This is ideal for people who wish to cool down their vehicle on the summer heat.
The BMW key fob can also be used to begin your vehicle. This feature is a safety measure to ensure that no one is able to gain access to the vehicle. To start the engine, drivers must first press the lock button on the key fob, then the circular arrow. For newer BMW models it can be used to remotely start the car. This is especially useful when the driver is running late for work and doesn't have the time to get out of the car to open the door handle.
The BMW key fob can also be used for controlling the interior climate system. This is particularly convenient for those traveling with multiple individuals as each key fob is able to set the temperature for each person. If you own a hybrid BMW key fob can be used to determine the charging status of 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 secure case when not in use. If you lose your key fob we can offer a service which will deactivate the device, making it inaccessible to thieves. This can be done by calling the dealer or one of our technicians. A replacement for a lost BMW key fob can be purchased to restore full functionality to your car.
Design
BMW key fobs were huge, clunky black rectangles that looked a bit like an open bottle from a distance. They were simple, but functional. Then BMW began to make them more compact and added a plastic case around the base of the key that made it appear more elegant and less like the bottle opener. This new design also reduced rough edges on the keys that could get into bags or pockets and made the keys easier to hold.
Then BMW introduced the Display Key, which puts all the features of your car in your hand. The BMW key fob features small LCD screens which allows you to lock and unlock your car, control the air conditioning, and access the vehicle's information. Even hybrid models have remote parking!
BMW Digital Keys are an excellent replacement option if you have to replace the BMW key fob. You can unlock your car with your smartphone if you have a compatible model. This feature is only available to BMW vehicles built after 2021 using the iDrive 8 system.
The Connected Remote key is a amazing new key from BMW that allows you to start your car and use certain functions using your smartphone. The app allows you to remotely manage your car's climate control and check battery levels and much more! You can check 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 getting the replacement is the same. Our experts will assist you with the process when you bring your old key and new one to Patrick BMW. You can also purchase an BMW Key Protection plan, which will cover the costs of a replacement if your keys are stolen or lost.
If you do lose your BMW key, don't panic! The first step is to reset the key, which will erase any programming that was stored on it and render it inoperable. This is done by turning the key from position one and then back quickly five times in the same row. Then switch the key to zero and 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 or start the engine and more. You can also share the key with five people.
The key fob is encrypted and transmits signals with the vehicle. It is therefore impossible for hackers and cloners to get the signal. Additionally to this, the UWB technology used in the BMW Digital Key prevents relay attacks, even if the fob is moving when it is being transported. The system utilizes an alarm to prevent unauthorized starting and disables ignition switch.
BMW offers a range of security features that are available as an option. Passive Start is one of them. It disables the starter motor if the key fob doesn't remain in close proximity to your car. This feature is available on many BMW models and provides an additional level of security.
BMW's more sophisticated models include keyless entry, which allows users to start their vehicle without having manually inserting a key or pressing any buttons. This feature can be activated by pressing three times on the lock button of the fob within one second. In certain situations, you might need to press the fob's lock three times to activate a remote start feature on the dashboard or steering wheel.
Some people carry their BMW keyfob in a pouch that blocks signals. This minimizes the risk that a third party broadcasts the identification code from the fob to gain access to the car. Others prefer to use the standard key case which does not have this feature, but it will protect the fob from scratches.
Some BMW owners reported that their cars were stolen by criminals using signal amplifiers to boost 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 installing a signal-blocking app on your smartphone.
Replacement
It happens to everyone - your BMW key fob battery dies or you need an extra battery for someone in your family. Fortunately, finding an alternative BMW key fob and programming it into your vehicle is easy and inexpensive. BMW authorized locksmiths or dealers can offer you a replacement key fob. A new key fob can cost between $400 and $650 depending on the model of BMW you drive.
To program a new key fob for your BMW first, make sure that there isn't another key in the ignition. It is also recommended to shut the doors of your vehicle. Next, insert your new key fob into the ignition, and move it to position 1 before turning return to position 0 five times quickly. Hold down the unlock button and quickly press the BMW logo on your BMW keyfob. Once you have completed this, remove the key and turn on the vehicle. The vehicle's doors lock and unlock. This means that the new key fob has been successfully programmed.
Depending on the model of your car, you could either have a key blade on your key fob or that isn't. The process for syncing new fobs to your vehicle is different for each one, but the steps are similar. The only difference is that a key fob that has a metal key in it will need to be inserted into the ignition when you want to start the car.
If you have a BMW equipped with Comfort Access the process is even easier. Once you have programmed the 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 travel around Decatur, it is important to keep your key fob in good working condition. Patrick BMW's parts check here department can assist you find a new BMW fob or replacement. We can help you choose the best key fob for your needs and also upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry and engine starting.