What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
Your BMW key fob could have numerous functions. You can use it to unlock your doors, control your windows and even start the engine.
There are a few hidden tricks that you might not be aware of. Here are a few of the best.
Functions
The BMW key fob is a small, rectangular piece of plastic with many buttons built into its side. The majority of these buttons allow you to lock and unlock your car however, a few are distinct. For example, BMW owners can activate an invisible function on the key fob to lower all their windows simultaneously by pressing the unlock button two times. This is a great option for those who want to cool their vehicle on a hot summer's 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 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 newer BMW models to remotely start the vehicle. This feature is particularly beneficial when a driver is late to work and does not have the time to pull 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 individual's preferred temperature with their own key fob. For those who have hybrid BMW key fob, it can be used to check the state of charge of the battery of the vehicle.
Dropping them into water is not recommended. For this reason, it's recommended to keep the key fob in a secure case when not in use. If you do lose the key fob, a service can be offered to deactivate it, making it useless for thieves. Contacting the dealer or our technicians will be able to do this. A replacement for a lost BMW key fob can be purchased to restore functionality to your vehicle.
Design
BMW key fobs used to be huge rectangular black pieces that looked like a bottle opener from the distance. They were basic, but useful. Then BMW began to make them a little smaller and put a case made of plastic around the key's base that made it look nicer and less like the bottle opener. This new design also reduced the rough edges of the keys that could pierce bags or pockets and made keys more comfortable to hold.
BMW introduced the Display Key which puts all the features of your vehicle in your hand. It allows you to lock and unlock your car, control your air conditioning, and display the vehicle's information on a small LCD touchscreen on the BMW key fob. Even hybrid models come with remote parking!
BMW Digital Keys are an excellent alternative if you want to replace the BMW key fob. Just use your compatible smartphone to replace the BMW key fob and then unlock your car! This feature is only available for BMW vehicles built after 2021 using the iDrive 8 system.
The Connected Remote key is another amazing new key from BMW that allows you to start your car and use certain functions using your smartphone. The app lets you remotely control your car’s climate control and check battery levels. You can see the amount of fuel left in your car if it is equipped with this feature.
No matter if you're using a BMW Digital Key or a traditional key fob, the process of getting a replacement is similar. Our technicians will help you with the process if you bring your old key and the new one to Patrick BMW. You can also purchase an BMW Key Protection plan, which will pay for the cost of a replacement in the event that 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 erases all programming and render it useless. This is done five times by rapidly shifting the key from position one to position zero and back. Then switch the key until it is at zero and then remove it from the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key is a efficient way to start your vehicle. The fob works with your Apple Watch or smartphone and works with BMW Connected Drive. It allows you to unlock your vehicle and start the engine. You can also share the key with five people.
The key fob communicates encrypted signals with the vehicle. This makes it difficult for hackers to steal and replicate the signal. Additionally to this, the UWB technology in the BMW Digital Key prevents relay attacks, even if the fob is in motion when it is being carried. The system also has an inbuilt alarm system to block unauthorized starts and disables the ignition switch, which is a common target for thieves.
BMW offers a range of optional security features. Passive Start is one of them. It disables the starter motor when the key fob does remain in close proximity to your 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 access and start their car without having to manually inserting a key or pressing any buttons. This feature is activated by pressing three times on the lock button on the fob in just one second. In certain situations, you might have to press the lock on the fob three times to activate the remote start feature on the steering wheel or dashboard.
Some people carry their BMW keyfob in a pouch that blocks signals. This reduces the chance that a third party broadcasts the identification code from the fob to gain access to the vehicle. Some prefer using a standard case that doesn't have this feature, but it still protects the fob from scratches.
Some BMW owners have reported that their cars were snatched by criminals using an amplifier for signal strength to boost the identification signals. This type of attack is known as "Relay Attack" and can be prevented by keeping your key fob in a signal-blocking pocket or by installing a signal-blocking app on your phone.
Replacement
Everybody has experienced this: the battery in your BMW key fob goes out or you'll need to purchase a spare one for a family. It's simple and inexpensive to get a replacement BMW fob, and program it into your car. BMW authorized dealers or locksmiths can sell you an alternative key fob. A new key fob can cost between $400 and $650, depending on the type BMW you drive.
Make sure that there isn't other ignition key in your BMW before you begin programming the new keyfob. Close all doors of your vehicle. Place your new key fob in the ignition, and quickly change it from position 1 to position 0, and back again. Next, press the unlock button on your BMW key fob and press the BMW logo three times in rapid succession. Once you've completed this, take off the key and switch on the car. The vehicle's doors lock and unlock. This indicates that the new key fob was successfully programmed.
Based on the car model, you may have keys that have an actual key blade in it or a key fob that doesn't have one. Each fob has a different process to sync with your car, but the steps for each 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 wish to start the car.
If you have an BMW equipped with Comfort Access, the process is even more straightforward. website 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 fantastic way to travel around Decatur however, it is vital to keep your key fob in a good condition. Patrick BMW's parts department can assist you find a new BMW fob or replacement. We can help you choose the right key fob and upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry and engine starting.