What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
If you own an BMW, chances are that your key fob has many functions. It can be used to do a variety of things, such as unlocking your doors, controlling your windows, and even starting the engine.
There are some tricks you might not be aware of. Let's take a look at some of the most effective ones.
Functions
The BMW key fob consists of an incredibly small piece of plastic that has several buttons incorporated in its side. Most of them unlock and lock the car, but a few are distinct. For instance, BMW owners can activate an invisible function on their key fob to lower all of their windows at once by pressing the unlock button twice quickly. This is ideal for people who want to cool their vehicle during the scorching summer days.
Another significant benefit of the BMW key fob is that it can be used to start the car. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized access to the vehicle. To start the engine, the driver has to press the lock button on the key fob and then the circular arrow. This feature is also available on the latest BMW models to remotely start the vehicle. This is particularly useful when the driver is in a hurry for work and doesn't have the time to get out of the car to get the door.
The BMW key fob can also be used for controlling the interior climate system. This is especially convenient for those who travel with several individuals, as it's possible to set each person's preferred temperatures with their individual key fob. If you have a hybrid BMW key fob can be used to check the status of charging the vehicle's battery.
Dropping them in water is not recommended. It's best to keep the key fob in a secure case when not in use. If you do lose the key fob, a service can be provided that will deactivate it, making it inaccessible to thieves. This can be done by calling the dealer or one of our technicians. You can purchase a new BMW key fob to re-establish the functionality of your vehicle.
Design
BMW key fobs used to be huge, clunky black rectangles that looked like a bottle opener from the distance. They were basic, but useful. BMW then made them smaller and added a plastic casing around the base to make it appear more attractive and less like an opener for keys. This new design also reduced the rough edges of keys that could poke through bags or pockets and made keys more comfortable to hold.
BMW introduced the Display Key which puts all the functions of your car in your palm. It lets you lock and unlock your car, control your air conditioning, and view vehicle information on a small touchscreen LCD on the BMW key fob. Even hybrid models can have remote parking!
BMW Digital Keys are a great replacement if you need to replace the BMW key fob. You can unlock your car by using your smartphone, when you own a compatible model. This feature is available on 2021 or newer BMW cars that use the iDrive 8 operating system.
The Connected Remote key is another cool new key from BMW that lets you start your car and control certain functions using your smartphone. The app allows you to remotely control your car’s climate control and monitor battery levels. You can also see how you've got gas left in your tank should your car be equipped with that feature.
If you're using a BMW Digital Key or a traditional key fob the process for getting a replacement is similar. Our technicians will assist you with the process when you bring your old key and new one to Patrick BMW. You can also purchase an BMW Key Protection plan, which will pay for the cost of a replacement if your keys get stolen or lost.
If you do lose your BMW key, don't panic! The first thing to do is reset the key. This erases all programming and render it useless. This is done by turning the key from position one, then back quickly, five times in one row. Then, turn the key to position zero and remove it from the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key is a convenient 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 and start the engine and much more. It also lets you share the key with up to five other people.
The key fob communicates with vehicle via encrypted signals. This makes it impossible for hackers to steal and replicate the signal. In addition, the UWB technology used in the BMW Digital Key prevents relay attacks even when the fob is in motion while it's being carried. The system also uses 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 security options that can be added. Passive Start is one feature that disables the starter motor if the key fob doesn't remain within close proximity to your car. This feature is available on a variety of BMW models and provides additional peace of mind.
BMW's more advanced models feature keyless entry, which lets drivers to access their car without having to manually inserting website a key or pressing any buttons. This feature can be activated by pressing three times on the lock button of the fob within one second. In certain situations it is possible to press the button to lock the fob three times and then turn on a separate remote start feature in the dashboard or on the steering wheel.
Some people choose to carry their BMW key fob in a pouch that blocks signals which minimizes the possibility of a third-party broadcasting the identification signal from the fob and using it to access the car. Others prefer to use an ordinary key case which does not have this feature, but can protect the fob from scratches.
Some BMW owners have reported that their cars were snatched by criminals who used signal amplifiers to boost the identification signals. This kind of attack is known as "Relay Attack" and can be prevented by keeping the key fob in a signal blocking pocket or by using a signal-blocking app on your smartphone.
Replacement
Everyone has had this experience - the battery in your BMW key fob goes out or you have to purchase a spare one for a family. It's easy and affordable to purchase a new BMW fob, and then program it into your vehicle. You can purchase the replacement from any dealership or locksmith that is authorized by BMW. A new key fob can 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 isn't another key in the ignition. It is also recommended to shut all doors inside your vehicle. Put your new key fob into the ignition, then quickly move it from position 1 to position 0, and back to position 1. Press the unlock button and quickly press the BMW logo on your BMW keyfob. Once you've completed this, take off the key and then turn on the vehicle. You should hear your car's doors lock and unlock. This means that the new key fob has been successfully programmed.
Based on the car model, you may have a key fob that has a physical key blade inside it or a key fob that does not have one. The process of synchronizing new fobs to your car is different for each one however, the steps are similar. The only difference is that the fob with a metal key in it needs to be put into the ignition when you wish to start the car.
If you own an BMW with Comfort Access, the process is even more straightforward. Once you have programmed a new key fob, simply connect it to the ignition of your car and press the start button.
While your BMW is a great way to travel around Decatur, it is important that you keep your key fob in good working condition. Patrick BMW's parts department can assist you find a replacement BMW fob or a replacement. We can help you select the correct key fob and upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry and engine starting.