What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
Your BMW key fob could have numerous functions. It can be used for many things, including unlocking your doors, adjusting your windows as well as starting the engine.
There are some tricks that you may not be aware of. Let's take a look some of the most effective ones.
Functions
The BMW key fob is an incredibly small piece of plastic that has several buttons incorporated into its sides. The majority of these buttons unlock and lock the car however, a few are distinctive. For example, BMW owners can activate an invisible function on their key fob to lower all of their windows simultaneously by pressing the unlock button twice. This is a great option for those who wish to cool down their vehicle during a hot summer's day.
The BMW key fob can also be used to start your vehicle. This feature is a safety measure to prevent unauthorized access to the vehicle. To start the vehicle, the driver needs to first push the lock on the key fob, and then press the circular arrow. This feature is also available on the latest BMW models to start the vehicle remotely. This feature is particularly useful when the driver is late to work and doesn't have time to turn the door.
The BMW key fob also has the capability of controlling the interior climate system. This is particularly helpful for people who travel with multiple people, since it is possible to set each individual's preferred temperature with their own key fob. If you have hybrid BMW key fob can be used to determine the state of charge of the battery of the vehicle.
Dropping them in water is not recommended. It's best to store the key fob in its case that is protected when it is not in use. If you lose your key fob, we can provide a service that will deactivate the device, rendering it useless to thieves. This can be accomplished by contact with the dealer or one of our technicians. A replacement for a lost BMW key fob can be purchased to restore functionality to your car.
Design
BMW key fobs were once large, clunky rectangles of black that, from a distance, appeared like a bottle-opener. They were simple but functional. BMW then made them smaller and added a plastic casing around the base to make it appear more appealing and less like the key opener. This new design also minimized the rough edges of keys that could poke through bags or pockets and made the keys easier to hold.
BMW then introduced the Display Key which puts all the functionality of your vehicle in your hand. It lets you lock and unlock your car, control your air conditioning, and display the vehicle's information on a small touchscreen LCD on the BMW key fob. Even hybrid models come with remote parking!
If you're in need of a replacement, you can get the same functionality and features by using the BMW Digital Key. You can unlock your vehicle using 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 a innovative key from BMW that lets you start your vehicle and operate some features with your smartphone. The app allows you to remotely control your car’s climate control and check the battery level. You can even see how much gas is left in your tank, in the event that your car is equipped with that feature.
Whether you're using a BMW Digital Key or a traditional key fob the process of obtaining the replacement is the same. Our technicians will assist you in the process if you bring your old key and the new one to Patrick BMW. You can also purchase a BMW Key Protection Plan, which will cover replacement costs when keys are lost or stolen.
If you do lose your BMW key, don't panic! The first step is to reset the key, which erases any programming it has and make it unusable. This is done by turning the key from position one and then back quickly five times in a row. Then, you turn it back to position zero and take it out of the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key makes it easy to start your car. The fob pairs with your smartphone or Apple Watch and works with BMW Connected Drive to unlock the vehicle and start the engine and much more. You can also share the key with five others.
The key fob communicates with the vehicle using encrypted signals. It more info is therefore impossible for hackers and cloners to get the signal. The UWB technology of the BMW Digital Key also prevents relay attacks even if it is in motion. The system also uses a built-in alarm to prevent unauthorised starts and disables the ignition switch which is a popular target for thieves.
BMW also offers a variety of optional security features, including Passive Start, which disables the starter motor when the key fob isn't near to the car. This feature is available in many of the brand's models and provides additional security.
Many of the more advanced BMW models offer keyless access, which allows drivers to enter and start the car without having to manually press any buttons or insert an actual key. This feature is typically activated by pressing the fob's lock button three times within one second. In some instances, you may need to press the lock button on the fob three times, and then turn on a separate remote start feature on the dashboard or on the steering wheel.
Some people choose to carry their BMW key fob in a pouch with a signal blocker that reduces the chance of a third party broadcasting the identifying signal from the fob and using it to gain access to the car. Some prefer using a standard case that does not come with the feature, but it does protect the fob against scratches.
Some BMW owners have reported that their vehicles were stolen by criminals who just used a signal amplifier to increase the signal that identifies. This type of attack, known as "Relay Attack", can be prevented by placing the key fob in a pocket that blocks signals or by using an application on your smartphone to block signals.
Replacement
It happens to everyone - your BMW key fob battery goes out or you need an extra battery for someone in your family. Thankfully, getting a replacement BMW key fob and programming it to your car is easy and affordable. BMW authorized dealers or locksmiths can sell you an alternative key fob. A new key fob will typically cost between $400 and $650, depending on the type of BMW you drive.
Check to see if there is other ignition key in your BMW before you begin programming a new keyfob. You should also close all doors inside your vehicle. After that put the new key fob into the ignition and turn it to position 1, then return to position 0 five times quickly. Then, press the unlock button on your BMW key fob and press the BMW logo three times in rapid succession. After you've completed this, take off the key and then turn on the car. The doors should lock and unlock, indicating that your new key fob has been successfully programmed.
Based on the model of your car, you may either have a key blade in your key fob or one without. The procedure for syncing new fobs to your car is different for each one, but the steps are almost identical. The only difference is that the key fob that has a metal key in it will need to be put into the ignition when you are ready to start your car.
If you own an BMW equipped with Comfort Access, the process is even easier. Once you have programmed your new key fob in your BMW and inserted it into the ignition and press start.
It is essential to ensure that your BMW key fob in good condition. Patrick BMW's parts department will help you find a replacement BMW fob or replacement. We can help you select the correct key fob and upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry and engine starting.