What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
Your BMW key fob is likely to have many functions. You can use it to unlock your doors, operate your windows, and even start the engine.
However, there are some hidden tricks that you might not know about. Let's take a look at some of the most effective ones.
Functions
The BMW key fob is a tiny, rectangular piece of plastic with a number of buttons integrated into its side. Most of these buttons are used to lock and unlock the vehicle, and some have additional functions. BMW owners, for example can activate a hidden function on their key fob by pressing the unlock button twice quickly. This is a great option for those who wish to cool down their vehicle on the scorching summer days.
Another significant function of the BMW key fob is that it can be used to start the car. This is a fantastic security precaution that prevents unauthorised entry into the vehicle. To start the vehicle, the driver needs to first turn off the lock on the key fob, and then the circular arrow. This feature is also available on the latest BMW models to remotely start the car. This feature is especially useful when a driver is running late to work and doesn't have time to turn the door handle.
Finally, the BMW key fob can also be used to control the vehicle's interior climate system. This is especially helpful for those traveling with multiple individuals as each key fob is able to set the preferred temperature for each individual. The key fob of a hybrid BMW can be used to check on the battery's charge status.
While standard BMW key fobs can withstand normal levels of moisture, dropping them in water can cause serious damage. This is why it's a good idea to keep the key fob in a secure case when not in use. If you lose your key fob we can offer a service which will deactivate the device, making it inaccessible to thieves. This can be accomplished by calling the dealer or one of our technicians. You can buy a replacement BMW key fob to restore the functionality of your vehicle.
Design
BMW key fobs used to be big black, clunky rectangles that looked like an opener for bottles from a distance. They were basic, but useful. Then BMW began to make them a little more compact and added an aluminum case around the base of the key that made it appear more elegant and less resemble a bottle opener. This new design also reduced the rough edges of keys that could pierce bags or pockets, and made keys easier to hold.
Then BMW introduced the Display Key, which puts all of your vehicle's functionality in the palm of your hand. The BMW key fob has small LCD screens that allows you to lock and unlock your car, control the air conditioning and display the information about your vehicle. It even offers remote parking on hybrid models!
BMW Digital Keys are an excellent alternative if you want to replace your BMW key fob. You can unlock your car by using your smartphone, when you own an appropriate model. This feature is only available to BMW vehicles made after 2021 that use the iDrive 8 system.
The Connected Remote key is a cool new key from BMW that lets you start your car and control some features with your smartphone. The app allows you to control your car’s climate control and check battery levels. You can even 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 the BMW Digital Key is the same regardless of whether you're using an old-fashioned key or a BMW Digital Key. You'll need to bring your working key along with the new one to Patrick BMW, and our technicians will assist you with everything. You can also purchase a BMW Key Protection plan, which will pay for the cost of a replacement in the event that your keys are stolen or lost.
If you do lose your BMW key, don't panic! The first thing to do is reset the key. This will erase all programming and render it useless. This is accomplished by turning the key to position one and back in rapid succession, five times in the same row. Then, turn the key to position zero and then remove it from the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key is a easy method to start your vehicle. The fob works with your smartphone or Apple Watch and works with BMW Connected Drive to unlock the vehicle and start the engine and much more. It also allows you to share the key with up to five other people.
The key fob communicates with the vehicle via encrypted signals. This makes it difficult for hackers to steal and clone the signal. The UWB technology of the BMW Digital Key also prevents relay attacks even if it is moving. The system also incorporates a built-in alarm to prevent non-authorized starts and disables 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 if the key fob does not remain within close proximity to your car. This feature is available in several models from the brand and gives you peace of mind.
BMW's more advanced models feature keyless entry, which lets drivers to access their vehicle without having to manually insert a key or press any buttons. This feature can be activated by pressing three times on the lock button of the fob in just one second. In some cases it may be necessary to press the button to lock the fob three times to then switch on the remote start feature in the dashboard or new bmw key on the steering wheel.
Some people choose to carry their BMW key fob in a pouch that blocks signals 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 the standard key case which doesn't have this feature but will still protect the fob from scratches.
A few BMW owners have reported that their cars were stolen by thieves who utilized a signal amplifier in order to boost the identifying signal. This type of attack, known as "Relay Attack", can be avoided by putting the key fob into a pocket that blocks signals, or by utilizing an app on your phone 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. It's easy and affordable to get a replacement BMW fob, and then program it into your car. BMW authorized locksmiths or dealers can offer you an alternative key fob. A new key fob will typically cost between $400 and $650, depending on the kind of BMW you drive.
To program a new key fob for your BMW, first make sure that there isn't another key in the ignition. Close all doors in your vehicle. After that put your new key fob in the ignition, and switch it to position 1 and back to position 0 five times in rapid succession. Next, press the unlock button on your BMW key fob and press the BMW logo three times in rapid succession. After you've completed this, remove your key and turn the car on. The doors should unlock and lock, which indicates that your new key fob has been successfully programmed.
Based on the model of your car, you may either have a key blade on your key fob, or without. The procedure for syncing new fobs to your vehicle is different for each however the steps are almost identical. The only difference is that a 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 own an BMW with Comfort Access, the process is even easier. Once you have programmed your new key fob into your BMW then, you can insert it into the ignition and press start.
While your BMW is a great way to travel around Decatur, it is important that you keep your key fob in a good condition. If you're in search of an entirely new BMW key fob or replacement for your existing one, contact the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can help you find the right key fob for your car and even upgrade your BMW by introducing a Comfort Access upgrade to enable keyless entry and engine starting.