What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
If you have a BMW it is likely that your key fob comes with many functions. It can be used for a variety of purposes, including unlocking your doors, adjusting your windows and even starting your engine.
There are a few secret techniques that you may not have heard of. Let's take a look some of the most useful ones.
Functions
The BMW key fob consists of a small rectangle of plastic with a number buttons embedded into its side. The majority of the buttons are used to unlock and lock the vehicle, however some have additional functions. For instance, BMW owners can activate a hidden function on their key fob to lower all of their windows simultaneously by pressing the unlock button twice. This is a great option for those looking to cool off their car in the heat of summer.
Another major benefit of the BMW key fob is that it can be used to start the car. This feature is a safety measure to ensure that no one is able to gain access to the vehicle. To start the car, the driver has to first turn off the lock on the fob of the key and then the circular arrow. This feature is also available on newer BMW models to remotely start the car. This feature is particularly beneficial when a driver is running late to work and does not have the time to pull the door handle.
Lastly, the BMW key fob can be used to control the vehicle's interior climate system. This is especially useful for those who travel with multiple individuals as each key fob can be used to determine the preferred temperature of each person. If you have hybrid BMW key fob, it can be used to monitor the status of charging the vehicle's battery.
While the standard BMW key fobs are able to withstand normal levels of moisture, dropping them in water can cause significant damage. For this reason, it's recommended to keep the key fob in a secure case when not in use. If you do lose the key fob, a replacement is available to deactivate it, making it inaccessible to thieves. This can be accomplished by contact with the dealer or one of our technicians. A replacement for the lost BMW key fob can then be purchased to restore functionality to your vehicle.
Design
BMW key fobs were once large, clunky rectangles of black that, from a distance, appeared like a bottle-opener. They were simple, but useful. Then BMW began to make them a little smaller and put an aluminum case around the base of the key, which made it look more attractive and a little less like the bottle opener. This new design also reduced rough edges on the keys that could get into pockets or bags and made the keys easier for you to hold.
BMW introduced the Display Key which puts all the features of your vehicle in your palm. The BMW key fob has an LCD screen that lets you lock and unlock your car, control the air conditioning, and access the information about your vehicle. It even offers remote parking on hybrid models!
BMW Digital Keys are a fantastic replacement option if you have to replace the BMW key fob. You can unlock your vehicle by using your smartphone, if you have an appropriate model. This feature is only available to BMW vehicles built after 2021 that use the iDrive 8 system.
The Connected Remote key is another innovative key from BMW that allows you to start your car and control certain features using your smartphone. The app allows you to remotely control your car’s climate control and check battery levels. You can even see how you've got gas left in your tank, if the car is equipped with that feature.
The procedure for replacing a 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 along with the new one to Patrick BMW, and our technicians will help you with everything. You can also purchase an BMW Key Protection plan, which will cover the cost of a replacement if your keys are lost or stolen.
If you do lose your BMW key, don't panic! The first thing you have to do is reset the key. This erases all programming and render it unusable. This is accomplished five times by rapidly changing the key from position one to position zero and back. Then, turn it back to position zero and then pull it out of the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key makes it easy to start your car. The fob is compatible with your Apple Watch or smartphone and is compatible with BMW Connected Drive. It allows you to unlock your vehicle and start the engine. It also allows you to share the key with up to five others.
The key fob communicates with the vehicle using encrypted signals. It is therefore impossible for hackers and cloners to get the signal. The UWB technology of the BMW Digital Key also prevents attacks on relays even when it is in motion. The system employs an alarm to prevent unauthorized starting and disables the ignition switch.
BMW offers a variety of security features that are available as an option. Passive Start is one such feature that disables the starter motor when the key fob does remain in close proximity to your car. This feature is available on several models from the brand and provides additional peace of mind.
A lot of the more sophisticated BMW models have keyless access that allows drivers to enter and start the vehicle without having manually use any buttons or insert the physical key. This feature is usually activated by pressing the lock button on the fob three times in the span of a second. In some cases it may be necessary to press the lock button on the fob three times and then switch on an additional remote start feature within the dashboard or on the steering wheel.
Some people keep their BMW key fob in a case that blocks signals. This minimizes the risk of a third-party broadcasting the unique code that is on the fob to gain access to the vehicle. Some prefer the standard key case which doesn't have this feature but will still protect the fob from scratches.
Some BMW owners have reported that their cars were stolen by criminals who just utilized a signal amplifier in order to boost the identifying signal. This type of attack is referred to as "Relay Attack" and can be avoided by keeping the key fob in a signal-blocking pocket or by using an app that blocks signals on your phone.
Replacement
It happens to everyone It happens to everyone - your BMW key fob battery goes out, or you need a spare for a family member. It's easy and affordable to purchase a replacement BMW fob, and program it into your car. You can purchase a replacement from any dealership or locksmith who is authorized by BMW. A new key fob is likely to cost between $400 and $650, depending on the kind of BMW you drive.
Make sure there is no other ignition key in your BMW before you start programming a new keyfob. Close all doors in your vehicle. Insert your new key fob in the ignition and swiftly turn it from position 1 to 0, and back to position 1. Press the unlock button and then press the BMW logo on your BMW keyfob. Once you've completed this, take off the key and then turn on the car. The vehicle's doors lock and unlock. This means that the new key fob has been successfully programmed.
Depending on your car model depending on the model of your car, you could have an ignition key fob with an actual key blade in it, or a fob that doesn't have one. Each key fob has its own method of synchronizing with your car, but the steps for each are almost identical. The only difference is the metal key fob has to be placed in the ignition to begin your car.
If you own an BMW with Comfort Access, the process is even easier. After get more info you have programmed a new key fob, simply insert it into your BMW's ignition and press the start button.
It is important to ensure that your BMW key fob in working condition. If you're in search of an entirely new BMW key fob or replacement for your existing one, contact the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can help you locate the perfect key fob for your vehicle, and we can even upgrade your BMW with an upgrade to Comfort Access to enable keyless entry as well as engine starting.