What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
If you have a BMW, chances are that your key fob is equipped with a lot of functions. You can use it for many things, including unlocking your doors, controlling your windows as well as starting the engine.
There are some tricks you may not be aware of. Here are some of the most effective.
Functions
The BMW key fob is a small, rectangular piece of plastic with many buttons built into its side. Most of them allow you to lock and unlock your car, but a few are distinctive. BMW owners, for example can activate a hidden function on their key fob by pressing the unlock button twice quickly. This is ideal for people who want to cool their vehicle on the scorching summer days.
Another significant function of the BMW key fob is that it can be used to start the vehicle. This is a fantastic security precaution that prevents unauthorised entry into the vehicle. To start the engine, the driver must press the lock button on the key fob, then the circular arrow. For the latest BMW models the feature can be used to remotely start the car. This is particularly helpful in situations where the driver is running late for work and doesn't have the time to get out of the car to open the door.
Lastly it is worth noting that the BMW key fob can be used to control the car's interior climate system. This is especially helpful for people who travel with several people as each key fob is able to set the preferred temperature for each person. If you have a hybrid BMW, the key fob can be used to monitor the status of charging the battery in the vehicle.
While standard BMW key fobs are able to withstand normal levels of water, dropping them into water can cause serious damage. It's best to store the key fob inside its case that is protected when not in use. If you lose your key fob we can offer a service which will deactivate the device, rendering it inaccessible to thieves. This can be done by contact with the dealer or one of our technicians. A replacement for the lost BMW key fob could be purchased to restore functionality to your car.
Design
BMW key fobs were once big rectangular black pieces that looked kind of like an opener for bottles from a distance. They were simple, but functional. Then BMW started to make them more compact and added an aluminum case around the key's base that made it look more attractive and less resemble a bottle opener. This new design also reduced the rough edges of the keys which could puncture bags or pockets, and made the keys easier to hold.
Then BMW introduced the Display Key, which puts all the functions of your vehicle in the palm of your hand. It allows you to 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. Even hybrid models have remote parking!
BMW Digital Keys are a fantastic replacement if you need to replace the BMW key fob. You can use any smartphone compatible to replace the BMW key fob and then unlock your vehicle! This feature is available on 2021 and later BMW vehicles that are equipped with the iDrive 8 operating system.
The Connected Remote key is another amazing new key from BMW that lets you start your car and use certain functions using your smartphone. The app lets you remotely control your car’s climate control and monitor battery levels. You can check 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 for getting an replacement is the same. Our technicians will help you with the process if you bring the old and new one to Patrick BMW. You can also purchase a BMW Key Protection plan, which will cover the costs of a replacement if your keys get 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 render it inoperable. This is done by turning the key to position one and then back in quick succession, five times in the same row. Then switch the key until it is at zero and remove it from the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key makes it easy to start your vehicle. The fob works with your smartphone or Apple Watch and works with BMW Connected Drive to unlock the vehicle, start the engine, and more. You can also share the key with five other people.
The key fob communicates with the vehicle via encrypted signals. It is therefore 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 moving. The system utilizes an alarm to prevent unauthorized starting and disables the ignition switch.
BMW also provides a variety of security options available including Passive Start, which disables the starter motor when the key fob isn't in close proximity to the vehicle. This feature is available on many BMW models and can provide additional peace of mind.
Many of the more advanced BMW models come with keyless access, which allows drivers to enter and start the vehicle without having manually press any buttons or insert the physical key. This feature is usually activated by pressing the fob's lock button three times within one second. In certain situations, you might need to press the lock on the fob three times to activate the remote start feature on the steering wheel or dashboard.
Some people prefer to carry their BMW key fob in a pouch with a signal blocker which minimizes the possibility of a third party broadcasting the identification signal from here the fob and allowing access to the car. Some prefer using 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 cars have been stolen by criminals who just employed a signal amplifier to boost the identifying signal. This type of attack is known as "Relay Attack" and can be avoided by keeping the key fob in a signal blocking pocket or by using an app that blocks signals on your phone.
Replacement
Everyone has experienced this - the battery in your BMW key fob goes out or you need to buy an extra one for your family. Thankfully, getting the replacement BMW key fob and programming it to your car is simple and affordable. You can purchase an alternative from any dealer or locksmith who is authorized by BMW. A new key fob is likely to cost between $400 and $650, based on the kind of BMW you drive.
To program the new key fob into your BMW, first make sure that there is no other key in the ignition. Close all the doors of your vehicle. Then you'll need to insert the new key fob into the ignition and switch it to position 1 and back to position 0 five times quickly. Next, press the unlock button on your BMW key fob and press the BMW logo three times in rapid succession. Once you have completed this, take off the key and turn on the vehicle. You should hear your vehicle's doors unlock and lock. This indicates that the new key fob has been successfully programmed.
Based on the model of your car, you may have a key fob that has a key blade that is physically inside it, or a key fob that does not have one. The process of synchronizing new fobs with your car is different for each however the steps are nearly identical. The only difference is that a key fob that has a metal key in it needs to be put 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 the new key fob, simply insert it into the ignition of your BMW and press the start button.
While your BMW is a great way to get around Decatur, it is important that you keep your key fob in good working condition. Patrick BMW's parts department will help you find a replacement BMW fob or replacement. We can assist you in selecting the correct key fob and also upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry or engine starting.