What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
Your BMW key fob probably has many functions. It can be used for many things, including unlocking your doors, adjusting your windows, and even starting the engine.
But there are some secrets you might not know about. Let's take a look at some of the most useful ones.
Functions
The BMW key fob is a small, rectangular piece of plastic that has many buttons built into its side. The majority of these buttons unlock and lock the car however, some are distinctive. BMW owners, for instance can activate a secret function on their key fob by pressing the unlock button two times quickly. This is ideal for people who wish to cool down their vehicle during the scorching summer days.
The BMW key fob can also be used to begin your car. This is a wonderful security precaution that prevents unauthorised entry into the vehicle. To start the engine, the driver has to press the lock button on the key fob, then the circular arrow. For the latest 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 does not have the time to pull the door handle.
Additionally lastly, the BMW key fob can be utilized to control the vehicle's interior climate system. This is particularly useful for people who travel with multiple individuals, as it's possible to set each person's preferred temperature using their own key fob. The key fob of a hybrid BMW can be used to monitor the battery's charging status.
While the standard BMW key fobs can withstand normal levels of water, dropping them into water can cause significant damage. It is best to store the key fob in its case of protection when not in use. If you have lost your key fob, we can offer a service that will disable the device, making it useless to thieves. This can be accomplished by contact with the dealer or one of our technicians. A replacement for a lost BMW key fob can be purchased to restore full functionality to your car.
Design
BMW key fobs were once huge, clunky rectangular shapes in 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 look more appealing and less like the key opener. This new design also reduced rough edges on the keys which could pierce pockets or bags, and made the keys more comfortable to hold.
Then BMW introduced the Display Key, which puts all the features of your car in your hand. The BMW key fob features small LCD screens that lets you lock and unlock your vehicle, operate the air conditioning, and access vehicle information. Even hybrid models come with remote parking!
If you're in need of an upgrade, you can get the same great functionality by using a BMW Digital Key. You can unlock your vehicle with your smartphone if you have an appropriate model. This feature is only available on BMW vehicles manufactured after 2021 that use the iDrive 8 system.
Another new and exciting key from BMW is the Connected Remote Key, which allows you to start your vehicle and operate certain functions using your smartphone. The app allows you to remotely control the climate control of your car and monitor battery levels. You can see how much fuel remains in your car if it is equipped with this feature.
The process of replacing the BMW Digital Key is the same whether you're using an old-fashioned key or a BMW Digital Key. You'll need to bring your working key and the new one to Patrick BMW, and our technicians will assist you with everything. You can also purchase the 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 erases any programming it has and make it unusable. This is accomplished by turning the key from position one, then back quickly, five times in a row. Then, turn the key until it is at zero and take it out of the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key is a efficient method to start your car. The fob pairs with your smartphone or Apple Watch and works with BMW Connected Drive to unlock the vehicle and start the engine and much more. It also allows you to share the key with up to five others.
The key fob communicates encrypted signals to 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 if the device is in motion. The system also has an alarm built-in to stop unauthorized starts and disables the ignition switch which is a frequent target for thieves.
BMW also offers a variety of security options available including Passive Start, which disables the starter motor when the key fob is not within close proximity to the vehicle. This feature is available on many BMW models and provides additional security.
Many of the more advanced BMW models come with keyless access, which lets drivers enter and start the vehicle without having manually use any buttons or insert the physical key. This feature is typically activated by pressing the fob's lock button three times in the span of a second. In certain situations, you might have to press the lock on the fob three times 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 signal that identifies the fob and using it to gain access to the car. Some prefer a standard key case, which does not have this feature, but it will protect the fob from scratches.
A few BMW owners reported that their vehicles were taken by criminals who used signal amplifiers to increase the signal strength of the identifying signals. This type of attack is known as "Relay Attack" and can be avoided by keeping the key fob in a signal-blocking pocket or by installing a signal-blocking app on your smartphone.
Replacement
Everyone has had this experience - the battery in your BMW key fob dies or you'll need to purchase an extra one for your family. Thankfully, getting an alternative BMW key fob and programming it to your car is easy and inexpensive. You can buy a replacement from any dealership or locksmith that is authorized by BMW. A new key fob costs between $400 and $650 depending on the kind of BMW you drive.
Make sure there is no other ignition key in your BMW before you start programming a new keyfob. It is also recommended to shut all doors in your vehicle. Place your new key fob in the ignition and swiftly move it from position 1 to position 0, and back again. Hold down the unlock button and quickly press the BMW logo on your BMW keyfob. After you've completed this, remove your key and turn your car on. The doors will unlock and lock, which indicates that your new key fob has been successfully programmed.
Depending on your car model, you may have keys that have a key blade that is physically inside it, get more info or a key fob that doesn't have one. Each fob has a different process to sync with your vehicle, but the steps for each are identical. The only difference is that the metal key fob has to be placed in the ignition to begin your car.
If you have a BMW equipped with Comfort Access, the process is even more straightforward. Once you have programmed your new key fob to your BMW and inserted it into the ignition and press start.
While your BMW is a fantastic way to get around Decatur It is crucial to keep your key fob in good condition. If you're in search of a new BMW key fob, or a replacement, you can contact the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can assist you in finding the right key fob to your vehicle and even upgrade your BMW by introducing the Comfort Access upgrade to allow keyless entry and engine starting.