What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
Your BMW key fob probably has numerous functions. It can be used for a variety of purposes, including opening your doors, controlling your windows and even starting your engine.
There are some tricks that you might not know about. Let's take a look some of the most useful ones.
Functions
The BMW key fob is a small rectangular piece of plastic with many buttons built into its side. The majority of these buttons unlock and lock the car, but a few are distinct. For instance, BMW owners can activate an in-built function on the key fob to lower all of their windows at once by pressing the unlock button twice quickly. This is perfect for those who want to cool off their car on a hot summer day.
Another important benefit of the BMW key fob is that it can be used to start the car. This is a fantastic security measure and blocks unauthorized entry into the vehicle. To start the vehicle, the driver needs to first turn off 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 vehicle. This is particularly 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 lastly, the BMW key fob can be utilized to control the vehicle's interior climate system. This is especially convenient for people who travel with multiple individuals, as it's possible to set each individual's preferred temperature with their own key fob. If you own a hybrid BMW, the key fob can be used to determine the status of charging the battery of the vehicle.
While the standard BMW key fobs can withstand normal levels of water, dropping them into water can cause severe damage. For this reason, it's a good idea to keep the key fob in a protective case when not in use. If you happen to lose the key fob, a solution can be provided that will disable it, rendering it inaccessible to thieves. Contacting our dealer or technicians can do this. A replacement for the lost BMW key fob can then be purchased to restore functionality to your car.
Design
BMW key fobs were large, clunky rectangles of black that, from a distance, appeared like a bottle-opener. They were simple but functional. BMW then made them smaller and put a plastic casing around the base to make it appear more appealing and less like a key opener. The new design also trimmed the rough key edges that could poke through bags or pockets and made keys easier to hold.
Then BMW introduced the Display Key, which puts all the functions of your vehicle in your hand. The BMW key fob comes with an LCD screen which allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle, control the air conditioning, and access the information about your vehicle. Even hybrid models have remote parking!
If you're in need of a replacement key fob, you can have the same great functionality with a BMW Digital Key. You can unlock your car by using your smartphone, when you own an appropriate model. This feature is available for 2021 or newer BMW cars that use the iDrive 8 operating system.
Another new and exciting key from BMW is the Connected Remote Key, which lets you start your car and control some of its features with your smartphone. The app lets you remotely manage your car's climate control and check battery levels and more! You can also see how much gas you have left in your tank should your car be equipped with this feature.
The process for replacing the BMW Digital Key is the same whether you're using an old-fashioned key or a BMW Digital Key. Our technicians will assist you with the process if you bring both the old and new one to Patrick BMW. You can also purchase a BMW Key Protection Plan, which will cover the cost of replacement if your keys get 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 will erase all programming and render it inoperable. This is done five times by quickly turning the key from one position to zero and back. Then, turn it back to position zero and take it out of the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key makes it easy to start your vehicle. 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 also start the engine. It also allows you to share the key with up to five others.
The key fob is encrypted and transmits signals to the vehicle. This makes it difficult for hackers to intercept and replicate the signal. In addition, the UWB technology in the BMW Digital Key prevents relay attacks even when the fob is moving when it is being carried. The system employs an alarm to stop unauthorised starting and disables ignition switch.
BMW also offers a variety of optional security features, including Passive Start, which disables the starter motor when the key fob is not in close proximity to the vehicle. This feature is offered on a number of BMW models and offers additional security.
BMW's most advanced models come with keyless entry, which lets users to start their vehicle without having to manually insert a key or press any buttons. This feature is activated by pressing three times on the lock button on the fob in just one second. In certain situations it is possible to press the lock button on the fob three times and then turn on an additional remote start feature within the dashboard or on the steering wheel.
Some people carry their BMW keyfob in a pouch that blocks signals. This minimizes the risk of a third-party broadcasting the identifying code from the fob to gain access to the vehicle. Some prefer an ordinary key case which does not have this feature, but it will protect the fob from scratches.
A few BMW owners have reported that their cars were stolen by thieves who utilized a signal amplifier in order to boost the identifying signal. This kind of attack, also known as "Relay Attack", can be avoided by putting the key fob into pockets that block signals, or by installing an app on your phone to block signals.
Replacement
Everyone has experienced this - the battery in your BMW key fob fails or you have to purchase another one for your family. Fortunately, finding a replacement BMW key fob and programming it into your vehicle is simple and affordable. You can purchase an alternative from any dealer or locksmith who is authorized by BMW. A new key fob is likely to cost between $400 and $650, depending on the type of BMW you drive.
To program a new key fob to your BMW first, ensure that there isn't another key in the ignition. Close all doors of your vehicle. Put your new key fob into the ignition, then quickly move it website from position 1 to 0, and then back to position 1. Hold the unlock button and quickly press the BMW logo on your BMW keyfob. Once you've completed this, remove your key and turn the car on. The doors should unlock and lock, indicating that your new key fob has been successfully programmed.
Depending on your car model, you may have keys that have an actual key blade in it, or a key fob that does not have one. The process of synchronizing new fobs with your car is different for each one however, the steps are almost identical. The only difference is that the fob that has a metallic key in it will need to be placed in the ignition whenever you wish to start the car.
If you own a BMW equipped with Comfort Access, the process is even easier. Once you have programmed your new key fob to your BMW then, you can insert it into the ignition and press start.
It is important to keep your BMW key fob in good order. If you're looking for a new BMW key fob, or a replacement, you can contact the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can help you choose the best key fob for your needs and also upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry and engine starting.