What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
If you own an BMW you are likely to find that your key fob has many functions. It can be used for many things, including opening your doors, controlling your windows as well as starting the engine.
There are a few tricks you might not be aware of. Here are a few of the most effective.
Functions
The BMW key fob is a small rectangle of plastic that has a number buttons embedded into its side. Most of the buttons are used to unlock and lock the vehicle, and a few have more unique functions. BMW owners, for example can activate a hidden function on their key fob by pressing the unlock button twice quickly. This is ideal for those looking to cool off their car during a hot summer day.
The BMW key fob can be used to start your car. This feature is a great safety precaution and prevents unauthorized entry into the vehicle. To start the vehicle, the driver needs to first turn off the lock on the fob of the key and then press the circular arrow. For newer BMW models, this feature can also be used to remotely start the vehicle. This is particularly helpful when the driver is late for work and doesn't have time to get out of the car to open the door handle.
The BMW key fob also has the capability of controlling the interior climate system. This is especially convenient for people who travel with multiple people, as it is possible to set each individual's preferred temperature with their own key fob. If you own a hybrid BMW, the key fob can be used to monitor the status of charging the battery in the vehicle.
While the standard BMW key fobs can handle normal levels of moisture, dropping them in water can cause significant damage. This is why it's best to keep the key fob in a safe case when not in use. If you lose the key fob, a solution is available to disable it, making it unusable for thieves. This can be done by calling the dealer or one of our technicians. A replacement for a lost BMW key fob can then be purchased to restore functionality to your vehicle.
Design
BMW key fobs used to be big rectangular black pieces that looked kind of like an open bottle from a distance. They were simple, but functional. Then BMW started to make them a little smaller and put a plastic case around the key's base that made it look nicer and less like a bottle opener. This new design also reduced rough edges on the keys that could poke into pockets or bags and made keys more comfortable to hold.
BMW has since introduced the Display Key which puts all the functions of your car in your hand. The BMW key fob comes with an LCD screen which allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle, control the air conditioning and display the vehicle's information. Even hybrid models come with remote parking!
If you're in need of an upgrade, you can get the same functionality and features by using a BMW Digital Key. You can unlock your car using your smartphone if you have a compatible model. This feature is only available on BMW vehicles made 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 certain features using your smartphone. The app allows you to remotely control your car's climate control, check battery levels, and much more! You can also see how much gas you have left in your tank in the event that your car is equipped with that feature.
The process for replacing a BMW Digital Key is the same whether you're using an old-fashioned key or a BMW Digital Key. Our technicians will help you with the process if you bring both your old key 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 have to do is reset the key. This will erase all programming and render it inoperable. This is done by turning the key from position one, then back in quick succession, five times in a row. Then, turn it back to zero and then take off the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key is a easy way to start your car. The fob is compatible 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 people.
The key fob is encrypted and transmits signals to the vehicle. It is therefore extremely difficult for hackers and cloners, to intercept the signal. The UWB technology of the BMW Digital Key also prevents attacks on relays even when it is in motion. The system also incorporates an inbuilt alarm system to block unauthorized starts and disables the ignition switch which is a frequent target for thieves.
BMW also offers a variety of security options that are available, including Passive Start, which disables the starter motor if the key fob isn't near to the car. This feature is available in several models from the brand and gives you security.
A number of the more replacement bmw car key advanced BMW models have keyless access that allows drivers to get in and start the car without having to manually press any buttons or insert a physical key. This feature can be activated by pressing three times on the lock button on the fob within one second. In some instances it is possible to press the button to lock the fob three times, and then turn on the remote start feature on the dashboard or on the steering wheel.
Some people keep their BMW key fob in a case that blocks signals. This decreases the possibility of a third-party broadcasting the identification code from the fob in order to gain access to the car. Some people prefer to use a standard case, which doesn't have this feature, but it still protects the fob against scratches.
A few BMW owners have reported that their vehicles were stolen by criminals who just utilized a signal amplifier in order to boost the identifying signal. This kind of attack is referred to as "Relay Attack" and can be prevented by keeping the key fob in a signal-blocking pocket or by using an app that blocks signals on your smartphone.
Replacement
Everyone has experienced this - the battery in your BMW key fob fails or you'll need to purchase an extra one for your family. Thankfully, getting a replacement BMW key fob and programming it into your vehicle is simple and affordable. You can buy the replacement from any dealership or locksmith authorized by BMW. A new key fob costs between $400 and $650, depending on the kind of BMW you drive.
To program the new key fob into your BMW first, make sure that there isn't another key in the ignition. You should also close the doors of your vehicle. Place your new key fob in the ignition, then quickly change it from position 1 to 0, and back again. 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, remove your key and turn the car on. You should hear the doors unlock and lock, indicating that your new key fob has been successfully programmed.
Based on the model of your car You may have a key fob that has a physical key blade inside it, or a fob that doesn't have one. The procedure for syncing new fobs with your car is different for each one, but the steps are almost identical. The only difference is that the key fob that has a metallic key in it will need to be placed in the ignition whenever 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 in your BMW and inserted it into the ignition and press start.
While your BMW is a great way to get around Decatur, it is important to keep your key fob in good condition. Patrick BMW's parts department will help you locate a new BMW fob or a replacement. We can help you locate the right key fob for your vehicle, and we can even upgrade your BMW by introducing the Comfort Access upgrade to enable keyless entry as well as engine starting.