What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
If you have an BMW, chances are that your key fob has many functions. It can be used to do a variety of things, such as unlocking your doors, controlling your windows as well as starting the engine.
But there are some secret techniques that you may not have heard of. Here are some of the most effective.
Functions
The BMW key fob is an incredibly small piece of plastic with many buttons incorporated in its side. Most of these buttons unlock and lock the car, but a few are distinct. 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 want to cool their car during the summer heat.
Another important function of the BMW key fob is that it can be used to start the vehicle. This is a fantastic safety precaution and prevents unauthorized entry into the vehicle. To start the car, the driver must first push the lock on the key fob, and then the circular arrow. For the latest BMW models it can be used to remotely start the car. This is especially useful in a situation where the driver is late for work and doesn't have time to get out of the car to get the door.
Lastly it is worth noting that the BMW key fob can also be utilized to control the vehicle's interior climate system. This is particularly useful for people who travel with multiple people, as it is possible to set each person's preferred temperature using their own key fob. If you own a hybrid BMW, the key fob can be used to monitor the charging status of the battery in the vehicle.
While the standard BMW key fobs can handle normal levels of water, dropping them into water can cause significant damage. It's best to store the key fob inside its case that is protected when it is not in use. If you lose the key fob, a replacement can be offered to deactivate it, making it useless for thieves. This can be accomplished by calling the dealer or one of our technicians. You can purchase a new BMW key fob to repair your car's functionality.
Design
BMW key fobs used to be large rectangular black pieces that looked kind of like an opener for bottles from a distance. They were basic, but useful. Then BMW began to make them a little more compact and added a plastic case around the base of the key, which made it look more attractive and less like a bottle opener. This new design also minimized the rough edges of the keys that could poke through 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 hand. The BMW key fob has small LCD screens which allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle, control the air conditioning and display the information about your vehicle. It even allows remote parking on hybrid models!
If you're in need of a replacement for your BMW Digital Key, you can enjoy the same great function by using a BMW Digital Key. You can unlock your car using your smartphone if you have an appropriate model. This feature is available on 2021 or more recent BMW cars that use the iDrive 8 operating system.
The Connected Remote key is another amazing new key from BMW that allows you to start your car and use certain functions using your smartphone. The app lets you remotely control the climate control of your car, check battery levels, and more! You can also see how much fuel is left in your car if it is equipped with this feature.
The procedure for replacing a BMW Digital Key is the same whether you're using the traditional key or a BMW Digital Key. Our technicians will help you with the process if you bring both your old key and the new one to Patrick BMW. You can also purchase an BMW Key Protection Plan, which will cover replacement costs when keys are 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 it has and render it useless. This is done five times by rapidly shifting the key from one position to zero and back. Then, turn it 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 works with your smartphone or Apple Watch and works with BMW Connected Drive to unlock the vehicle or 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. 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 if the device is moving. The system also uses a built-in alarm to prevent unauthorized starts and disables the ignition switch, which is a common target for thieves.
BMW also offers a range of security options available including Passive Start, which disables the starter motor when the key fob isn't near to the vehicle. This feature is offered on a number of BMW models and can provide an additional level of security.
BMW's more advanced models feature keyless entry, which allows users to start their vehicle without having to manually inserting a key or pressing any buttons. This feature is usually activated by pressing the fob's lock button three times in the span of a second. In some cases you may have to press the lock on the fob 3 times in order to activate the remote start feature on the dashboard or steering wheel.
Some people prefer to carry their BMW key fob in a signal-blocking pouch which minimizes the possibility of a third-party broadcasting the identification signal from the fob and allowing access to the car. Some people prefer to use a standard case that does not come with the feature, but still protects the fob from scratches.
A few BMW owners have reported that their cars were stolen by criminals who just used a signal amplifier to increase the signal that identifies. This kind of attack, referred to as "Relay Attack", can be prevented by placing the key fob in pockets that block signals, or by installing an app on your smartphone to block signals.
Replacement
It happens to everyone and it happens to you too - your BMW key fob battery goes out or you need a spare for someone in your family. Fortunately, finding the replacement BMW key fob and programming it into your vehicle is simple and affordable. BMW authorized locksmiths or dealers can offer you an alternative key fob. A new key fob is likely to cost between $400 and $650, based on the model of BMW you drive.
To program a new key fob to your BMW first, make sure that there isn't another key in the ignition. It is also recommended to shut all doors in your vehicle. Place your new key fob in the ignition, then quickly change it from position 1 to position zero, 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've completed this, take off your key and turn your car on. The vehicle's doors unlock and lock. This indicates that the new key fob has been successfully programmed.
Based on the model of your car, you could either have a key blade inside your key fob or without. The procedure for syncing new fobs to your vehicle differs for each, but the steps are almost more info identical. The only difference is that the key fob with a metal key in it needs to be inserted into the ignition when you want to start the car.
If you own a BMW with Comfort Access, the process is even more straightforward. Once you have programmed a new key fob, simply insert it into the ignition of your car and press the start button.
It is essential to keep your BMW key fob in working in good working order. Patrick BMW's parts department can help you locate a new BMW fob or replacement. We can assist you in selecting the right key fob and also upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry or engine starting.