What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
If you have a BMW, chances are that your key fob is equipped with a lot of functions. It can be used to unlock your doors, control your windows, and even start the engine.
There are some tricks that you may not be aware of. Here are some of the best.
Functions
The BMW key fob is a small, rectangular piece of plastic, with several buttons incorporated into its side. Most of these buttons allow you to lock and unlock your car however, a few are distinctive. BMW owners, for instance, can activate a secret function on their key fob by pressing the unlock button two times quickly. This is a great option for those who wish to cool down their vehicle on a hot summer's day.
The BMW key fob can also be used to begin your vehicle. This feature is a great security precaution that prevents unauthorised entry into the vehicle. To start the car, the driver has to first push the lock on the key fob and then press the circular arrow. For the latest BMW models it can be used to remotely start the car. This is especially useful when the driver is in a hurry for work and doesn't have time to get out of the car and open the door.
Lastly, the BMW key fob can be utilized to control the vehicle's interior climate system. This is particularly useful for those who travel with several individuals, as it's possible to set each person's preferred temperatures with their individual key fob. For those who have a hybrid BMW, the key fob can be used to check the status of charging the battery in the vehicle.
While the standard BMW key fobs are able to withstand normal levels of moisture, dropping them in water can cause severe damage. It is recommended to keep the key fob inside its protective case when not in use. If you have lost your key fob, we can provide a service that will disable the device, rendering it inaccessible to thieves. Contacting the dealer or our technicians will be able to do this. A replacement for a lost BMW key fob could be purchased to restore full functionality to your car.
Design
BMW key fobs were once huge, clunky rectangular shapes in black that, from a distance, looked like a bottle opener. They were simple, but functional. Then BMW began to make them smaller and also added a plastic case around the base of the key, which made it look more attractive and less resemble the bottle opener. The new design also reduced the rough edges of the key that could poke into bags or pockets and made the keys more comfortable to hold.
BMW has since introduced the Display Key which puts all the functionality of your vehicle in your hands. The BMW key fob comes with an LCD screen that allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle, operate the air conditioning and view the vehicle's information. It even lets you park remotely on hybrid models!
If you're in need of an alternative, you can get the same great function with the BMW Digital Key. Just use your compatible smartphone to replace the BMW key fob, and then unlock your vehicle! This feature is only available for BMW vehicles made after 2021 with the iDrive 8 system.
Another exciting new key from BMW is the Connected Remote Key, which allows you to start your vehicle and control certain features using your smartphone. The app allows you to remotely manage your car's climate control and check battery levels. You can even check how much gas you have left in your tank, in the event that your car is equipped with that feature.
The process for replacing a BMW Digital Key is the same, whether you use an old-fashioned key or a BMW Digital Key. Our technicians will help you with the process if you bring the old and new one to Patrick BMW. You can also purchase the BMW Key Protection Plan, which covers the cost of replacement if your keys get 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 on it and make it unusable. This is accomplished five times by rapidly turning the key from position one to position zero and back. Then, turn the key to position 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 much more. It also lets you share the key with up to five other people.
The key fob transmits encrypted signals with the vehicle. This makes it difficult for hackers to intercept and clone the signal. Additionally to this, the UWB technology in the BMW Digital Key prevents relay attacks even if the fob is moving when it is being transported. The system also uses a built-in alarm to prevent non-authorized starts and disables ignition switch which is a frequent target for thieves.
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 does remain within close proximity to your car. This feature is available on many BMW models and can provide an additional level of security.
Many of the more advanced BMW models offer keyless access, which allows drivers to enter and start the vehicle without having manually use any buttons or insert a physical key. This feature is typically activated by pressing the fob's lock button three times in the span of a second. In some cases you may need to press the lock on the fob three times to activate a remote start feature on the dashboard or steering wheel.
Some people choose to carry their BMW key fob in a pouch that blocks signals which minimizes the possibility of a third-party broadcasting the identifying signal from the fob and allowing access to the car. Some prefer the standard key case which doesn't have this feature, but can protect the fob from scratches.
Some BMW owners have reported that their cars were stolen by criminals who used signal amplifiers to boost the identification signals. This type of attack, also known as "Relay Attack", can be avoided by putting the key fob into a pocket that blocks signals, or by installing an app on your smartphone to block signals.
Replacement
Everybody has experienced this: the battery in your BMW key fob goes out or you'll need to purchase an extra one for your family. Fortunately, finding a replacement BMW key fob and programming it to your car is simple and affordable. BMW authorized locksmiths or dealers can sell you an alternative key fob. A new key fob will typically cost between $400 and $650, based on the type of BMW you drive.
Make sure that there isn't other ignition key in your BMW before you start programming the new keyfob. It is also recommended to shut the doors of your vehicle. Insert your new key fob in the ignition, then quickly turn it from position 1 to position 0, and then back to position 1. Next, press the unlock button on your BMW key fob and press the BMW logo three times in rapid succession. After you have finished this, take off your key and turn your car on. You should hear your 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 a key fob that has an actual key blade in it, or a key fob that doesn't have one. Each key fob has its own method of synchronizing with your vehicle, but the steps for each are identical. The only difference is that the metal key fob will need to be inserted into the ignition to start your vehicle.
If you have a check here BMW equipped with Comfort Access, the process is even easier. Once you have programmed your new key fob in your BMW and inserted it into the ignition and press start.
It is essential to maintain your BMW key fob in good order. If you're in search of an entirely new BMW key fob or a replacement for your existing one, contact the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can assist you in finding the right key fob to your vehicle and can upgrade your BMW by introducing an upgrade to Comfort Access to enable keyless entry as well as engine starting.