The Benefits of a BMW 3 Series Key Fob
The BMW Display Key goes far beyond the standard key fob by including the full-color touchscreen. It comes with a range of useful features that can be accessed by simply swiping your finger.
The standard BMW key fobs are made to withstand normal moisture levels. So, putting it in your wallet on a rainy afternoon is unlikely cause any damage. However, it's important to keep your battery up-to-date.
Keyless Entry
A BMW key fob is so much more than a way to unlock your car or start it. It's also a potent security token that protects your vehicle and its contents from theft. It's therefore important to keep the BMW key fob charged, and in sync with your car. Keep it in a secure place when not in use to prevent it from being lost or stolen.
It's likely that you'll need to replace your BMW key fob battery at some point during its lifespan. Fortunately, the procedure to do this is easy. First look for your BMW key fob's ignition button and make sure it's turned off. Then, remove the cover for your key fob and remove it with care. Then, carefully remove the old battery. Replace it with a fresh one (size CR2032) and then insert the cover back into the key fob. Press and hold the lock key until you hear the click (without turning off the engine). When you have done that, your doors will automatically unlock and lock, indicating that your BMW key fob is now programmed to your vehicle.
You might also be able to utilize the Comfort Access feature on your BMW which lets you open and close it by using a keyfob or a smartphone. To activate this feature, you'll need a compatible iPhone and the Apple Wallet app. Once you have those things just place your iPhone in the Smart Key Tray inside your BMW and then follow the directions on the Wallet app to connect it to your vehicle's key fob.
You can use the same procedure to program additional key fobs or an alternative, however you might need to deactivate existing ones first. Keep your BMW keyfob away from water since it can cause damage to the touchscreen. Do not expose the key fob to direct sunlight since it could permanently cause damage to the display. If you're worried about your BMW key fob being hacked or cloned, you should be aware that the security of this device is designed to be built into it. A sophisticated system makes sure that your car only unlocks only when it receives an unique identifying signal, which constantly changes.
Smart Keys Keys
A key fob that is equipped with Smart Keys functionality is able to unlock your car and then start it up without the requirement of a separate key or smartphone. You can use your smartphone's app to track who entered your car when.
You can download the app from your smartphone's app stores or sign in using the BMW Connected App. After you have logged in, it is possible to see who has access and modify any restrictions.
If you have Smart Keys on your key you can use them to open the doors of your BMW remotely and make use of Comfort Access features such as automatically locking the door as you come close. You can even use the app to control your parking brake. You can also control some features of your vehicle with the app, such as setting the volume of your music, or setting your climate control.
The key blade that is inside the key fob is of standard key size. You can use it to unlock doors manually and with Comfort Access. The key is water resistant, so you don't have to worry about it accidentally getting wet. You should not expose the key to direct sunlight or extreme heat as it may overheat.
You can program your BMW key fob to connect to the app on your smartphone by following a few easy steps. First, ensure that your phone is compatible with the Digital Key feature. The next step is to download the BMW Connected App, and sign in using your iCloud account. Then, you'll need place your iPhone in the tray for your smartphone and follow the instructions to activate the BMW Digital Key.
If you're looking to change the battery in your BMW key fob, you can click here do so easily by removing the backplate and replacing the CR2032 coin cell battery. Be careful when removing the backplate as it's sealed by glue. If you're unsure about doing it yourself, you could always call a professional automotive lock expert for assistance.
Proximity keys
Proximity keys are the latest advancement in keyless car entry systems. They do not require physical contact, but instead rely on a proximity detector to identify the key. This enables the driver to open doors and even start the car. This is a convenient method, but it also poses some security dangers.
A major issue is that, just like laptops and smartphones they are also susceptible to being stolen. Criminals could hack into the system to send identifying signals to an accomplice nearby or use a basic amplifier to detect the signals. To prevent this, some drivers decide to keep their key fobs in a pouch that blocks signals or cover.
Another issue is that motorists might forget to turn off the vehicle before leaving it. If you leave the car running at a store or drop it in a cup holder, it could start to run and lead to theft or carbon monoxide. Many drivers forget to put their keys in the ignition when they arrive at home, believing that the car is off. This can lead either to theft or, if you own a hybrid vehicle carbon monoxide, when your family is asleep.
Additionally, if your key fob becomes lost or its battery goes out unexpectedly, the vehicle won't start even if you've got the key to open the door. It is crucial to have a spare smart key or spare key made so that you or a trusted person can gain access to your vehicle in an emergency.
Fortunately, these issues can be resolved with right precautions. Be more aware of where you keep your key fob, making sure that it's off and in a locked position before you walk away from your vehicle, and by using an alarm system to remind you of what you must do to lower the chance of having proximity key-related problems.
BMW's most sophisticated fob is the Display Key, which comes with a touchscreen display. This innovative key may be slightly more susceptible to theft than traditional BMW fobs however, it's more secure. Keep your brand new BMW Display Key away from water and treat it the same way you would a smartphone.
Remote Start
If you own a BMW with Remote Start you can use your key fob, or the BMW Connected App to start your car prior to getting into. This allows you to warm your car on cold Decatur mornings, or cool your cabin during Pekin commutes. If your BMW did not have Remote Start, you can upgrade it by purchasing an OEM kit at our parts center and scheduling the service at your convenience.
The button on the base of the majority of BMW key fobs allows you to create an emergency copy of your keys. This is helpful when your fob is soaked or if you are not in the vicinity of a locksmith. Some people also keep a spare key on the fob so that additional family members can access their cars without calling our dealership for keyless entry or Comfort Access.
The standard BMW key fob is very resistant to moisture, which means it can safely withstand a day in the rain or a trip to the wash machine. The BMW Display Key with touchscreen, however, is a bit more fragile and should not be left in water for long.
BMW key fobs can be used to store up to three profiles. This allows you to modify your vehicle settings based on the keys you have. Unlocking the correct fob with your iDrive system will set all relevant settings, from the seat position to radio presets, for the profile you have selected. If you wish to switch drivers, all you need to do is to press the lock button twice on the key fob.
If your BMW key fob doesn't work correctly, you'll need to replace the battery (size CR2032) within. Remove the cover of the fob, then remove the old batteries, then gently replace the new ones. You can purchase a new BMW key battery at our parts department, or purchase a new one on the internet. If your key fob is equipped with Comfort Access, you will also have to disable the feature and then code the vehicle to erase your current key profile prior to you pair it with another.