What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
If you own an BMW it is likely that your key fob has numerous functions. It can be used for many things, including unlocking your doors, adjusting your windows, and even starting the engine.
But there are some hidden tricks that you might not be aware of. Let's look at some of the most effective ones.
Functions
The BMW key fob is a tiny, rectangular piece of plastic that has many buttons built into its side. The majority of the buttons are used to unlock and lock the vehicle, and some have additional functions. For example, BMW owners can activate an invisible function on their key fob to lower all of their windows at once by pressing the unlock button twice quickly. This is a great option for those who wish to cool down their car during the summer heat.
The BMW key fob can also be used to start your vehicle. This is a wonderful security measure and blocks unauthorized entry into the vehicle. To start the vehicle, the driver needs to first press the lock on the key fob and then press the circular arrow. This feature is also available on newer BMW models to remotely start the car. This is particularly helpful in situations where the driver is running late for work and doesn't have the time to get out of the car to open the door handle.
Lastly lastly, the BMW key fob can also be utilized to control the vehicle's interior climate system. This is especially helpful for those who travel with multiple people as each key fob can be used to determine the preferred temperature of each person. If you own a hybrid BMW key fob can be used to check the charging status of the vehicle's battery.
While the standard BMW key fobs can withstand normal levels of water, dropping them into water can cause serious damage. It's recommended to keep the key fob in a protective case when not in use. If you lose your key fob, we can provide a service that will disable the device, rendering it inaccessible to thieves. This can be done by contacting the dealer or one of our technicians. A replacement for a lost BMW key fob can be purchased to restore 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 basic, but useful. BMW then made them smaller and also added a plastic casing around the base to make it look more attractive and less like an opener for keys. This new design also minimized the rough edges of the keys which could puncture bags or pockets, and made keys easier to hold.
BMW then introduced the Display Key which puts all the functions of your car in your hands. It allows you to lock and unlock your car, control your air conditioning, and display the information about your vehicle on a tiny LCD touchscreen on the BMW key fob. It even allows remote parking on hybrid models!
If you're in need of an upgrade for your BMW Digital Key, you can enjoy the same great function with a BMW Digital Key. You can unlock your car with your smartphone provided you have a compatible model. This feature is only available to BMW vehicles built after 2021 that use the iDrive 8 system.
Another new and exciting key from BMW is the Connected Remote Key that allows you to start your vehicle and use some of its features with your smartphone. The app allows you to remotely manage your car's climate control and check the battery level. You can see how much fuel is left in your car if it is equipped with this feature.
The process of replacing the BMW Digital Key is the same, whether you use an old-fashioned key or a BMW Digital Key. You'll have to bring the original key and the new one to Patrick BMW, and our technicians will assist you with everything. You can also purchase the BMW Key Protection plan, which will pay for the cost of a replacement in the event that keys get lost or stolen.
If 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 useless. This is done five times by quickly shifting the key from position one to position zero and back. Then, turn it back to position zero and take off the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key is a convenient method to start your car. 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. It also allows you to share the key with up to five others.
The key fob is encrypted and transmits signals with the vehicle. It is therefore difficult for hackers and cloners, to intercept the signal. The UWB technology of the BMW Digital Key also prevents attacks on relays even if the device is moving. The system also uses an alarm built-in to stop unauthorized starts and disables the ignition switch which is a popular target for thieves.
BMW offers a variety of security options that can be added. Passive Start is one of them. It will disable the starter motor if the key fob does not remain within close proximity to your car. This feature is available on many BMW models and provides additional security.
A lot of the more sophisticated BMW models come with keyless access that lets drivers enter and start the car without having to manually use any buttons or insert a physical key. This feature is usually activated by pressing the fob's lock button three times within one second. In certain situations it may be necessary to press the lock button on the fob three times to then activate the remote start feature in the dashboard or on the steering wheel.
Some people carry their BMW keyfob in a bag that blocks signals. This reduces the chance that a third party broadcasts the unique code that is on the fob in order to gain access to the car. Some prefer using an ordinary case that doesn't have this feature, but still protects the fob from scratches.
Some BMW owners reported that their cars were snatched by criminals using a signal amplifier to boost the identification 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
Everyone has experienced this - the battery in your BMW key fob fails or you have to purchase a spare one for a family. It's easy and affordable to purchase a new BMW fob, and then program it into your car. BMW authorized locksmiths or dealers can offer you the replacement key fob. A new key fob can cost between $400 and $650 based on the kind of BMW you drive.
To program the new key fob into your BMW first, make sure that there isn't another key in the ignition. Close all the doors of your vehicle. Place your new key fob into the ignition, then quickly change it from position 1 to position 0, and back to position 1. Hold the unlock button and quickly press the BMW logo on your BMW keyfob. Once you have completed this, take off here the key and then turn on the car. The doors should lock and unlock, indicating that your new key fob has been successfully programmed.
Depending on the model of your car, you may have a key blade inside your key fob, or without. The procedure for syncing new fobs to your car differs for each however the steps are similar. The only difference is that a key fob that has a metal key in it needs to be put into the ignition when you want to start the car.
If you have a BMW with Comfort Access the process is much simpler. Once you have programmed your new key fob into your BMW, insert it in the ignition and press start.
While your BMW is a great way to travel around Decatur It is crucial that you keep your key fob in good condition. If you're looking for an updated BMW key fob, or a replacement, you can contact the parts department at Patrick BMW. 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.