What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
Your BMW key fob probably has numerous functions. It can be used to unlock your doors, manage your windows and even start your engine.
There are a few tricks you might not know about. Let's take a look some of the most effective ones.
Functions
The BMW key fob is a tiny, rectangular piece of plastic that has several buttons incorporated into its side. Most of them unlock and lock the car however, a few are unique. For instance, BMW owners can activate an in-built function on their key fob to lower all of their windows at once by pressing the unlock button twice. This is ideal for those who want to cool their vehicle during the scorching summer days.
Another important purpose of the BMW key fob is that it can be used to start the vehicle. This feature is a safety measure to ensure that no one is able to gain access to the vehicle. To start the engine, the driver has to press the lock button on the key fob, then press the circular arrow. This feature is also available on the latest BMW models to remotely start the car. This is especially useful when the driver is in a hurry for work and doesn't have time to get out of the car and open the door.
The BMW key fob also has the capability of controlling the internal climate system. This is especially useful for those who travel with multiple people since each key fob can be used to set the temperature of each person. If you own hybrid BMW key fob can be used to monitor the charging status of the vehicle's battery.
Dropping them into water is not recommended. It's best to store the key fob inside its protective case when it is not in use. If you do lose the key fob, a solution can be offered to deactivate it, making it useless for thieves. Contacting our dealer or technicians can do this. A replacement for the lost BMW key fob could be purchased to restore full functionality to your car.
Design
BMW key fobs were huge, clunky rectangular shapes in black that, from a distance, looked like a bottle-opener. They were simple, but functional. BMW then made them smaller and added a plastic casing around the base to make it appear more attractive and less like a key opener. The new design also trimmed rough edges on the key that could get into bags or pockets and made the keys easier for you to hold.
Then BMW introduced the Display Key, which puts all of your vehicle's functionality in your hand. It allows you to lock and unlock your car, operate your air conditioning, and display the vehicle's information on a small LCD touchscreen on the BMW key fob. Even hybrid models come with remote parking!
If you're in need of an upgrade key fob, you can have the same great functionality by using the BMW Digital Key. You can unlock your car by using your smartphone, when you own a compatible model. This feature is available for 2021 and more recent BMW vehicles that are equipped with the iDrive 8 operating system.
Another exciting new key from BMW is the Connected Remote Key, which lets you start your car and use certain functions using 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 how much fuel remains in your car, if it's equipped with this feature.
The procedure for replacing the BMW Digital Key is the same, whether you use an old-fashioned key or a BMW Digital Key. Our experts will assist you with the process when you bring your old key and new one to Patrick BMW. You can also purchase the BMW Key Protection Plan, which will cover the check here cost of replacement 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 erases any programming on it and render it inoperable. This is accomplished by turning the key to position one and then back in rapid succession, five times in one row. Then, turn it to position zero and take it out of the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key is a easy way to start your vehicle. 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 others.
The key fob connects to the vehicle via encrypted signals. It is therefore difficult for hackers and cloners to get the signal. In addition to this, the UWB technology of the BMW Digital Key prevents relay attacks even when the fob is moving when it is being carried. The system utilizes an alarm to block unauthorised starting and disables ignition switch.
BMW offers a variety of security options that can be added. Passive Start is one of them. It disables the starter motor if the key fob does not remain close 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 come with keyless access which allows drivers to get in and start the vehicle without having to manually push any buttons or insert the physical key. This feature is typically activated by pressing the lock button on the fob three times in a single second. In some instances, you may have to press the lock on the fob three times to activate the remote start feature on the dashboard or steering wheel.
Some people keep their BMW keyfob in a pouch that blocks signals. This reduces the chance of a third-party broadcasting the identifying code from the fob in order to gain access to the car. Others prefer to use an ordinary key case that does not come with this feature, but it will protect the fob from scratches.
Some BMW owners have reported that their cars have been stolen by criminals who simply employed a signal amplifier to increase the signal that identifies. This type of attack, known as "Relay Attack", can be prevented by placing the key fob into a pocket that blocks signals or by using an app on your smartphone to block signals.
Replacement
It happens to everyone - your BMW key fob battery dies or you require an extra battery for a family member. Fortunately, finding a replacement BMW key fob and programming it into your car is easy and inexpensive. You can buy 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 the new key fob into your BMW first, make sure that there is no other key in the ignition. Also, close all doors inside your vehicle. After that you'll need to insert the new key fob into the ignition and move it to position 1 and return to position 0 five times rapidly. Next, 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 your car on. The doors will unlock and lock, which indicates that your new key fob is successfully programmed.
Depending on the model of your car, you may have a key blade in your key fob, or without. Each one has a distinct method of synchronizing with your car, however the steps for each are nearly identical. The only difference is the metal key fob will need to be inserted into the ignition to start your car.
If you own an BMW equipped with Comfort Access, the process is even easier. Once you have programmed a new key fob, simply connect it to your BMW's ignition and press the start button.
While your BMW is a fantastic way to travel around Decatur, it is important to keep your key fob in a good condition. If you are looking for an updated BMW key fob, or a replacement one, you can reach the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can assist you in selecting the right key fob and also upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry or engine starting.