What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
Your BMW key fob could have many functions. It can be used to do a variety of things, such as opening your doors, controlling your windows as well as starting the engine.
However, there are some hidden tricks that you might not have heard of. Let's look at some of the most useful ones.
Functions
The BMW key fob is an incredibly small piece of plastic that has many buttons incorporated in its side. Most of these buttons are used to lock and unlock the vehicle, but a few have more unique functions. For instance, BMW owners can activate an invisible function on their key fob to lower all their windows simultaneously by pressing the unlock button two times. This is a great option for those who wish to cool down their vehicle on the summer heat.
Another significant function of the BMW key fob is that it can be used to start the car. This feature is a great security precaution that prevents unauthorised entry into the vehicle. To start the vehicle, the driver needs to first turn off the lock on the key fob and then the circular arrow. For newer BMW models, this feature can also be used 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.
Additionally, the BMW key fob may also be used to control the vehicle's interior climate system. This is especially helpful for people who travel with several individuals as each key fob can be used to set the preferred temperature for each individual. If you have hybrid BMW key fob, it can be used to monitor the state of charge of the battery of the vehicle.
Dropping them into water is not recommended. It is best to store the key fob inside its case of protection when not in use. If you lose your key fob we can offer a solution which will deactivate the device, making it useless to thieves. Contacting our dealer or technicians will do this. You can buy a replacement BMW key fob to re-establish the functionality of your vehicle.
Design
BMW key fobs were once large, clunky rectangles of black that from a distance looked like a bottle-opener. They were basic, but they served a purpose. BMW then made them smaller and also added a plastic casing around the base to make it look more appealing and less like an opener for keys. The new design also trimmed rough edges on the key that could get into pockets or bags and made the keys more comfortable to hold.
Then BMW introduced the Display Key, which puts all the functions of your vehicle in the palm of your hand. The BMW key fob comes with small LCD screens that allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle, operate the air conditioning, and access the vehicle's information. Even hybrid models come with remote parking!
BMW Digital Keys are a great replacement option if you have to replace the BMW key fob. You can use any smartphone compatible to replace the BMW key fob and unlock your vehicle! This feature is only available on BMW vehicles made after 2021 that use the iDrive 8 system.
The Connected Remote key is another amazing new key from BMW that allows you to start your car and control certain features using your smartphone. The app lets you remotely control the climate control of your car, check battery levels, and more! You can also 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 a replacement is similar. Our technicians will assist you in the process if you bring the old and new one to Patrick BMW. You can also purchase an BMW Key Protection Plan, which will cover replacement costs in the event that your keys are lost or stolen.
If you do lose your BMW key, don't panic! The first thing to do is reset the key. This will erase all programming and render it inoperable. This is accomplished by turning the key to position one and back in quick succession, five times in the same row. Then, turn it back to position zero and take it out of the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key is a efficient way to start your vehicle. The fob is compatible with your Apple Watch or smartphone and is compatible with BMW Connected Drive. It can unlock the vehicle and start the engine. You can also share the key with five others.
The key fob communicates encrypted 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 when it is moving. The system also incorporates an inbuilt alarm system to block unauthorised starts and disables the ignition switch, which is a common target for thieves.
BMW offers a variety of security features that are available as an option. Passive Start is one of them. It will disable the starter motor if the key fob does not remain in close proximity to your car. This feature is offered on a number of BMW models and can provide additional peace of mind.
BMW's more advanced models feature keyless here entry that allows drivers to access their vehicle without having to manually insert a key or push any buttons. This feature is typically activated by pressing the fob's lock button three times in a single second. In some instances, you may need to press the button to lock the fob three times, and then switch on the remote start feature within the dashboard or on the steering wheel.
Some people keep their BMW keyfob in a pouch that blocks signals. This minimizes the risk that a third party broadcasts the identification code from the fob in order to gain access to the vehicle. Others prefer to use an ordinary key case that does not come with this feature, but it will protect the fob from scratches.
A few BMW owners reported that their cars were snatched by criminals using an amplifier for signal strength to increase the signal strength of the identifying signals. This kind of attack, known as "Relay Attack", can be avoided by putting the key fob into an area that blocks signals, or by installing an app on your phone to block signals.
Replacement
Everyone has had this experience - the battery in your BMW key fob fails or you have to purchase another one for your family. It's affordable and easy to get a replacement BMW fob, and program it into your car. You can buy a replacement from any dealership or locksmith who is authorized by BMW. A new key fob can cost between $400 and $650, based on the kind of BMW you drive.
Make sure that there isn't other ignition key in your BMW before you begin programming a new keyfob. It is also recommended to shut all doors inside your vehicle. After that put your new key fob in the ignition, and move it to position 1 and back to position 0 five times in rapid succession. Hold down the unlock button, then press the BMW logo on your BMW keyfob. After you have finished this, remove your key and turn the car on. You should hear the doors unlock and lock, which indicates that your new key fob is successfully programmed.
Depending on your car model depending on the model of your car, you could have an ignition key fob with a physical key blade inside it, or a fob that doesn't have one. Each key fob has its own process to sync with your car, however the steps for each are almost identical. The only difference is that the metal key fob has to be put in the ignition to begin your car.
If you have an BMW with Comfort Access, the process is even easier. Once you have programmed your new key fob to your BMW, insert it in the ignition and press start.
It is important to maintain your BMW key fob in working order. Patrick BMW's parts department will help you locate a new BMW fob or replacement. We can assist you in finding the right key fob to your car, and we can even upgrade your BMW with an upgrade to Comfort Access to enable keyless entry as well as engine starting.