What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
If you own an BMW, chances are that your key fob comes with numerous functions. You can use it to do a variety of things, such as opening your doors, controlling your windows, and even starting the engine.
There are a few hidden tricks that you might not know about. Here are some of the best.
Functions
The BMW key fob is a small rectangle of plastic that has many buttons incorporated into its sides. Most of these buttons allow you to lock and unlock your car however, a few are distinctive. BMW owners, for example, can activate a secret function on their key fob by pressing the unlock button twice quickly. This is a great option for those who want to cool their car during a hot summer's day.
The BMW key fob can also be used to begin your vehicle. This feature is a great 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 and then press the circular arrow. This feature is also available on the latest BMW models to remotely start the car. This feature is particularly useful when the driver is running late to work and doesn't have time to open the door handle.
The BMW key fob can also be used for controlling the internal climate system. This is particularly useful for those who travel with multiple individuals, as it's possible to set each person's preferred temperatures with their individual key fob. If you own a hybrid BMW key fob can be used to determine the charging status of the battery of the vehicle.
Dropping them into water is not recommended. It's recommended to keep the key fob in a secure case when not in use. If you lose your key fob, we can provide a service that will disable the device, rendering it inaccessible to thieves. Contacting the dealer or one of our technicians will be able to do this. You can purchase a new BMW key fob to re-establish your car's functionality.
Design
BMW key fobs were once big, clunky rectangles in black that from a distance looked like a bottle-opener. They were simple, but functional. BMW then made them smaller and also added a plastic casing around the base to make it look better and less like an opener for keys. The new design also trimmed rough edges on the keys that could get into bags or pockets, and made the keys more comfortable to hold.
BMW has since introduced the Display Key which puts all the features of your vehicle in your palm. The BMW key fob features a small LCD screen that lets you lock and unlock your car, control the air conditioning, and access the information about your vehicle. Even hybrid models have remote parking!
BMW Digital Keys are a great alternative if you want to replace the BMW key fob. You can unlock your car with your smartphone provided you have a compatible model. This feature is only available to BMW vehicles built after 2021 using the iDrive 8 system.
The Connected Remote key is another innovative key from BMW that allows you to start your car and use certain features using your smartphone. The app allows you to remotely control the climate control of your car and monitor battery levels. You can also see how you've got gas left in your tank, if the car is equipped with this feature.
The process for replacing a BMW Digital Key is the same, whether you use an old-fashioned key or a BMW Digital Key. Our technicians will help you with the process if you bring the old and new one to Patrick BMW. You can also purchase the 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 need to do is reset the key. This will erase all programming and render it useless. This is accomplished five times by quickly changing the key from position one to position zero and back. Then you can turn the key until it is at zero and then remove it from the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key makes it easy to start your car. It is compatible with your Apple Watch or smartphone and works with BMW Connected Drive. It can unlock the vehicle and then start the engine. You can also share the key with five other click here people.
The key fob connects to the vehicle via encrypted signals. This makes it difficult for hackers to intercept and replicate the signal. The UWB technology of the BMW Digital Key also prevents attacks on relays even if the device is moving. The system utilizes an alarm to stop unauthorised starting and disables ignition switch.
BMW also offers a range of security options available including Passive Start, which disables the starter motor if the key fob is not within close proximity to the vehicle. This feature is available on many BMW models and provides additional security.
BMW's most advanced models come with keyless entry, which allows drivers to access their vehicle without having manually inserting a key or pressing any buttons. This feature is typically activated by pressing the fob's lock button three times in the span of a second. In some cases it is possible to press the lock button on the fob three times to then turn on an additional remote start feature in the dashboard or on the steering wheel.
Some people choose to carry their BMW key fob in a signal-blocking pouch, which reduces the risk of a third-party broadcasting the signal that identifies the fob and allowing access to the car. Others prefer to use an ordinary key case which doesn't have this feature, but can protect the fob from scratches.
A few BMW owners have reported that their cars have been stolen by thieves who used a signal amplifier to boost the identifying signal. This kind of attack is known as "Relay Attack" and can be avoided by keeping the key fob in a signal blocking pocket or by using a signal-blocking app on your smartphone.
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 an alternative BMW key fob and programming it into your vehicle is easy and inexpensive. You can buy a replacement from any dealership or locksmith who is authorized by BMW. A new key fob costs between $400 and $650, depending on the kind of BMW you drive.
Make sure that there isn't other ignition key in your BMW before you start programming the new keyfob. It is also recommended to shut all doors inside your vehicle. Place your new key fob in the ignition, then quickly turn it from position 1 to position zero, and then back to position 1. Hold down the unlock button, then press the BMW logo on your BMW keyfob. Once you've completed this, remove the key and switch on the vehicle. The doors should unlock and lock, indicating that your new key fob is successfully programmed.
Based on the model of your car, you may have a key blade inside your key fob or that isn't. The process for syncing new fobs to your vehicle is different for each one however, the steps are similar. The only difference is that a key fob that has a metal key in it needs to be placed in the ignition whenever you want to start the car.
If you have a BMW with Comfort Access, the process is even simpler. Once you have programmed your new key fob to your BMW then, you can insert it into the ignition and press start.
It is crucial to keep your BMW key fob in good in good working order. If you're looking for an updated BMW key fob, or a replacement, you can contact 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.