What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
Your BMW key fob is likely to have numerous functions. It can be used for many things, including opening your doors, controlling your windows, and even starting the engine.
There are a few tricks you might not be aware of. Let's take a look at some of the most effective ones.
Functions
The BMW key fob is a small rectangular piece of plastic with many buttons built into its side. Most of these buttons are used to lock and unlock the vehicle, however a few have more unique functions. BMW owners, for instance, can activate a secret function on their key fob by pressing the unlock button twice quickly. This is a great option for those who want to cool down their car during a hot summer day.
The BMW key fob can also be used to begin your car. This feature is a great security precaution that prevents unauthorised entry into the vehicle. To start the engine, the driver must press the lock button on the key fob, then the circular arrow. This feature is also available on the latest BMW models to remotely start the car. This feature is especially useful when the driver is late to work and doesn't have time to open the door handle.
The BMW key fob can also be used for controlling the internal 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. For those who have a hybrid BMW, the key fob can be used to check the state of charge of the battery of the vehicle.
Dropping them into water is not recommended. This is why it's best to keep the key fob in a safe case when not in use. If you lose your key fob we can offer a service that will deactivate the device, making it useless to thieves. This can be accomplished by contact with the dealer or one of our technicians. You can buy a replacement BMW key fob to re-establish your car's functionality.
Design
BMW key fobs were large rectangular black pieces that looked like a bottle opener from the distance. They were simple but functional. BMW then made them smaller and added a plastic casing around the base to make it look more appealing and less like a key opener. The new design also trimmed rough edges on the keys that could get into bags or pockets, and made the keys more comfortable to hold.
Then BMW introduced the Display Key, which puts all of your vehicle's functionality in your hand. The BMW key fob has small LCD screens which allows you to lock and unlock your car, control the air conditioning and view the vehicle's information. It even offers remote parking on hybrid models!
If you're in need of an alternative key fob, you can have the same functionality and features with a BMW Digital Key. You can unlock your car with your smartphone when you own a compatible model. This feature is available on 2021 and more recent BMW vehicles that are equipped with the iDrive 8 operating system.
The Connected Remote key is another innovative key from BMW that allows you to start your car and control some features with your smartphone. The app allows you to remotely control the climate control of your car and check battery levels and much more! You can see the amount of fuel left in your car if it has this feature.
If you're using a BMW Digital Key or a traditional key fob the process for getting the replacement is the same. You'll have to bring your original key and the new one to Patrick BMW, and our technicians will help you with everything. You can also choose to purchase a BMW Key Protection plan, which will cover the costs of a replacement if your keys are 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 inoperable. This is accomplished by turning the key from position one, then back in rapid succession five times in a row. Then, turn it to zero and then take it out of the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key makes it easy to start your car. The fob works with your smartphone or Apple Watch and works with BMW Connected Drive to unlock the vehicle, start the engine, and much more. You can also share the key with five other people.
The key fob communicates with the vehicle using encrypted signals. This makes it difficult for hackers to steal and replicate the signal. Additionally, the UWB technology of the BMW Digital Key prevents relay attacks even when the fob is moving while it's being transported. The system also uses a built-in alarm to prevent unauthorised starts and disables the ignition switch which is a frequent target for thieves.
BMW also offers a range of security options that are available, including Passive Start, which disables the starter motor when the key fob is not in close proximity to the car. This feature is offered in all models of the brand and provides additional peace of mind.
Many of the more advanced BMW models offer keyless access, which allows drivers to get in and start the vehicle without having manually use any buttons or insert an actual key. This feature can be activated by pressing three times on the lock button of the fob in a single second. In some cases you may need to press the fob's lock three times to activate the remote start feature on the dashboard or steering wheel.
Some people carry their BMW key fob in a signal-blocking pouch which minimizes the possibility of a third party broadcasting the signal that identifies the fob and allowing access to the car. Some people prefer to use an ordinary case that does not have the feature, but it does protect the fob against scratches.
Some BMW owners reported that their cars were stolen by criminals who used a signal amplifier to boost the identification signals. This kind of attack, referred to as "Relay Attack", can be prevented by placing the key fob into pockets that block signals or by using an application on your smartphone to block signals.
Replacement
Everyone has had this experience - the battery in your BMW key fob goes out or you'll need to purchase an extra one for your family. It's affordable and easy to get a click here replacement BMW fob and then program it into your car. You can purchase the replacement from any dealership or locksmith that is authorized by BMW. A new key fob can cost between $400 and $650, based on the model of BMW you drive.
Make sure that there isn't other ignition key in your BMW before you begin programming the new keyfob. You should also close all doors inside your vehicle. Then you'll need to insert your new key fob in the ignition, and switch it to position 1 before turning back to position 0 five times in rapid succession. Then, 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 the car on. The doors should lock and unlock, indicating that your new key fob has been successfully programmed.
Based on the model of your car, you might have a key blade inside your key fob or one that isn't. Each one has a distinct 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 inserted into the ignition to start your car.
If you have a BMW equipped with Comfort Access the process is even easier. After you've programmed the new key fob, simply insert it into your BMW's ignition and press the start button.
It is important to maintain your BMW key fob in good condition. If you're in search of an updated BMW key fob or replacement one, you can reach the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can assist you in finding the right key fob to your vehicle, and we can even upgrade your BMW with an upgrade to Comfort Access to enable keyless entry as well as engine starting.