What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
If you own an BMW it is likely that your key fob comes with numerous functions. It can be used to unlock your doors, manage your windows and even start your engine.
There are some tricks that you might not know about. Let's look at some of the most effective ones.
Functions
The BMW key fob is a tiny, rectangular piece of plastic that has a number of buttons integrated into its side. The majority of these buttons are used to unlock and lock the vehicle, but some have additional functions. 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 vehicle. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized access to the vehicle. To start the car, the driver must first press the lock on the fob of the key and then press the circular arrow. This feature is also available on the latest BMW models to start the vehicle remotely. 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 open the door.
The BMW key fob also has the capability of controlling the interior climate system. This is especially convenient for those who travel with several individuals, as it's possible to set each person's preferred temperature using their own key fob. For those who have hybrid BMW, the key fob can be used to determine the state of charge of the vehicle's battery.
Dropping them into water is not recommended. For this reason, it's a good idea to keep the key fob in a safe case when not in use. If you do lose the key fob, a solution can be provided that will disable it, rendering it inaccessible to thieves. Contacting our dealer or technicians will be able to do this. A replacement for the lost BMW key fob can then 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 basic, but they served a purpose. BMW then made them smaller and added a plastic casing around the base to make it look better and less like an opener for keys. The new design also trimmed the rough key edges which could puncture bags or pockets and made keys more comfortable to hold.
BMW then introduced the Display Key which puts all the functionality of your vehicle in your palm. It lets you 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. It even lets you park remotely on hybrid models!
If you're in need of an alternative for your BMW Digital Key, you can enjoy the same great function with the BMW Digital Key. You can unlock your vehicle using your smartphone when you own a compatible model. This feature is only available to BMW vehicles manufactured after 2021 with the iDrive 8 system.
The Connected Remote key is a amazing new key from BMW that lets you start your vehicle and operate some features with your smartphone. The app lets you remotely control your car's climate control as well as check the battery level and more! You can see the amount of fuel 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 an old-fashioned key or a BMW Digital Key. You'll have to bring your original key along with the new one to Patrick BMW, and our technicians will help you with everything. You can also purchase an BMW Key Protection plan, which will pay for the cost of a replacement in the event that your keys get lost or stolen.
If you do lose your BMW key, don't panic! The first thing to do is reset the key. This will erase all programming and render it inoperable. This is accomplished by turning the key from position one and back quickly, five times in one row. Then, turn it back to position zero and take off 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 vehicle using encrypted signals. It is therefore extremely difficult for hackers and cloners, to intercept the signal. In addition, the new bmw key fob UWB technology used in the BMW Digital Key prevents relay attacks, even if the fob is in motion while it's being carried. The system utilizes an alarm to stop unauthorised starting and disables ignition switch.
BMW offers a variety of security options that can be added. Passive Start is one such feature that disables the starter motor if the key fob doesn't remain in close proximity to your vehicle. This feature is available in several models from the brand and provides additional peace of mind.
A number of the more advanced BMW models have keyless access that allows drivers to enter and start the vehicle without having manually press any buttons or insert an actual key. This feature is activated by pressing three times on the lock button of the fob within one second. In certain situations it may be necessary to press the button to lock the fob three times, and then turn on an additional remote start feature within the dashboard or on the steering wheel.
Some people keep their BMW keyfob in a pouch that blocks signals. This minimizes the risk that a third party broadcasts the identifying code from the fob in order to gain access to the vehicle. Others prefer to use an ordinary key case which does not have this feature but will still protect the fob from scratches.
Some BMW owners have reported that their vehicles were stolen by criminals who just employed a signal amplifier to increase the signal that identifies. This kind of attack, known as "Relay Attack", can be avoided by putting the key fob in pockets that block signals, or by installing an application on your smartphone to block signals.
Replacement
It happens to everyone - your BMW key fob battery fails or you require a spare for someone in your family. It's affordable and easy to purchase a replacement BMW fob and then program it into your car. BMW authorized dealers or locksmiths can sell you the replacement key fob. A new key fob costs between $400 and $650 based on the kind of BMW you drive.
Check to see if there is other ignition key in your BMW before you start programming a new keyfob. Close all doors in your vehicle. Insert your new key fob in the ignition, then quickly turn it from position 1 to position zero, and then back again. Press the unlock button and then press the BMW logo on your BMW keyfob. Once you have completed this, remove the key and turn on the car. You should hear the doors unlock and lock, indicating that your new key fob has been successfully programmed.
Depending on the model of your car, you might either have a key blade on your key fob or one that isn't. The process of synchronizing new fobs with your car is different for each however, the steps are nearly identical. The only difference is that the key fob with a metal key in it will need to be inserted into the ignition when you are ready to start your car.
If you have a BMW equipped with Comfort Access the process is even simpler. Once you have programmed your new key fob to your BMW, insert it in the ignition and press start.
It is important to ensure that your BMW key fob in good condition. If you are looking for a new BMW key fob or a replacement one, you can reach the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can assist you in selecting the best key fob for your needs and also upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry and engine starting.