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, controlling your windows and even starting your engine.
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Functions
The BMW key fob is a tiny, rectangular piece of plastic with many buttons built into its side. Most of them allow you to lock and unlock your car however, some are unique. For example, BMW owners can activate a hidden function on their key fob to lower all of their windows simultaneously by pressing the unlock button two times. This is ideal for those who wish to cool down their car during a hot summer's day.
Another important function of the BMW key fob is that it can be used to start the car. This feature is a great safety precaution and prevents unauthorized entry into the vehicle. To start the engine, the driver must press the lock button on the key fob, then press the circular arrow. This feature is also available on the latest BMW models to remotely start the car. This is especially useful in situations where the driver is late for work and doesn't have the time to get out of the car to get the door.
The BMW key fob also has the capability of controlling the internal climate system. This is especially helpful for those traveling with multiple people since each key fob can be used to determine the preferred temperature of each person. The key fob on a hybrid BMW can be used to check on the battery's charging status.
Dropping them into water is not recommended. This is why it's recommended to keep the key fob in a secure case when not in use. If you happen to lose the key fob, a replacement is available to deactivate it, making it useless for thieves. Contacting the dealer or one of our technicians will do this. You can purchase a replacement BMW key fob to repair your car's functionality.
Design
BMW key fobs were once large, clunky rectangles of black that, from a distance, appeared like a bottle opener. They were basic, but useful. Then BMW began to make them a little more compact and added a plastic case around the key's base that made it appear more elegant and a little less like the bottle opener. The new design also reduced rough edges on the keys that could poke into pockets or bags, and made the keys easier to hold.
Then BMW introduced the Display Key, which puts all the features of your car in the palm of your hand. The BMW key fob has small LCD screens that allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle, operate the air conditioning and display the information about your vehicle. Even hybrid models have remote parking!
BMW Digital Keys are a fantastic replacement if you need to replace the BMW key fob. You can unlock your vehicle with your smartphone if you have an appropriate model. This feature is available for 2021 and later BMW cars that use the iDrive 8 operating system.
Another new and exciting key from BMW is the Connected Remote Key that allows you to start your vehicle and operate some of its features with your smartphone. The app lets you remotely control the climate control of your car and check the battery level. You can see how much fuel is left in your car, if it's equipped with this feature.
The process for replacing a BMW Digital Key is the same, whether you use an old-fashioned key or a BMW Digital Key. You'll need to bring your working key and the new one to Patrick BMW, and our technicians will help you with everything. You can also choose to purchase a BMW Key Protection plan, which will cover the cost of a replacement if keys get lost or stolen.
If you do lose your BMW key, don't panic! The first click here thing you have 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 in rapid succession, five times in a row. Then, turn it back to zero and then take it out of the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key is a convenient method to start your vehicle. The fob is compatible with your smartphone or Apple Watch and works with BMW Connected Drive to unlock the vehicle, start the engine, and much more. It also lets you share the key with up to five others.
The key fob connects to the vehicle using encrypted signals. This makes it impossible for hackers to intercept and replicate the signal. The UWB technology of the BMW Digital Key also prevents relay attacks even if it is in motion. The system employs an alarm to stop unauthorised starting and disables the ignition switch.
BMW offers a variety of security options that can be added. Passive Start is one such feature that disables the starter motor if the key fob doesn't remain close to your car. This feature is offered on a number of BMW models and offers additional peace of mind.
Many of the more advanced BMW models come with keyless access which allows drivers to get in and start the vehicle without having manually press any buttons or insert an actual key. This feature is usually activated by pressing the lock button on the fob three times in a single second. In certain situations it may be necessary to press the lock button on the fob three times to then switch on an additional remote start feature within the dashboard or on the steering wheel.
Some people prefer 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 gain access to the car. Some people prefer to use a standard case that does not have the feature, but it still protects the fob against scratches.
A few BMW owners have reported that their cars were stolen by thieves who used a signal amplifier to boost the identifying signal. This type of attack, known as "Relay Attack", can be prevented by placing the key fob in a pocket that blocks signals, or by utilizing an app on your phone to block signals.
Replacement
It happens to everyone and it happens to you too - your BMW key fob battery fails or you require a spare for someone in your family. It's easy and affordable to purchase a new BMW fob and then program it into your car. BMW authorized locksmiths or dealers can sell you an alternative key fob. A new key fob is likely to cost between $400 and $650, based on the type of BMW you drive.
Make sure that there isn't other ignition key in your BMW before you start programming a new keyfob. Also, close all doors in your vehicle. Next put your new key fob into the ignition and turn it to position 1, then back to position 0 five times rapidly. Hold down the unlock button, then press the BMW logo on your BMW keyfob. Once you've completed this, remove the key and switch on the car. You should hear your car's doors lock and unlock. This means that the new key fob was successfully programmed.
Depending on your car model depending on the model of your car, you could have keys that have a physical key blade inside it, or a key fob that doesn't have one. Each one has a distinct method of synchronizing with your car, however the steps for each are nearly identical. The only difference is that a key fob with a metal key inside will need to be placed in the ignition whenever you wish to start the car.
If you have a BMW with Comfort Access, the process is even more straightforward. After you have programmed a new key fob, simply insert it into the ignition of your car and press the start button.
While your BMW is a fantastic way to get around Decatur, it is important to keep your key fob in good condition. If you're in search of an entirely new BMW key fob, or a replacement, you can contact the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can help you locate the right key fob to your vehicle and can upgrade your BMW by introducing the Comfort Access upgrade to enable keyless entry as well as engine starting.