What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
Your BMW key fob is likely to have numerous functions. It can be used for many things, including opening your doors, controlling your windows, and even starting the engine.
There are some tricks that you might not be aware of. Here are a few of the most effective.
Functions
The BMW key fob consists of a small rectangular piece of plastic with many buttons incorporated into its sides. Most of them unlock and lock the car, but a few are distinctive. BMW owners, for instance can activate a hidden function on their key fob by pressing the unlock button two times quickly. This is ideal for those who want to cool off their car in the heat of summer.
The BMW key fob can be used to start your car. This is a fantastic security measure and blocks unauthorized entry into the vehicle. To start the engine, the driver has to press the lock button on the key fob and then press the circular arrow. This feature is also available on newer BMW models to start the vehicle remotely. This is particularly useful in situations where the driver is in a hurry for work and doesn't have the time to get out of the car to get the door handle.
The BMW key fob also has the capability of controlling the interior climate system. This is particularly convenient for those traveling with multiple people as each key fob can be used to determine the preferred temperature for each individual. The key fob of a hybrid BMW can be used to check on the battery's charge status.
Dropping them into water is not recommended. For this reason, it's recommended to keep the key fob in a safe case when not in use. If you happen to lose the key fob, a service can be provided that will deactivate it, making it unusable for thieves. Contacting our dealer or technicians will be able to do this. A replacement for the lost BMW key fob can then be purchased to restore functionality to your car.
Design
BMW key fobs were huge, clunky black rectangles that looked like an opener for bottles from a distance. They were basic, but they served a purpose. BMW then made them smaller and added a plastic casing around the base to make it appear more appealing and less like an opener for keys. The new design also reduced rough edges on the key that could poke into pockets or bags and made keys easier to hold.
BMW then introduced the Display Key which puts all the functions of your car in your hands. It allows you to lock and unlock your car, control your air conditioning, and view the vehicle's information on a small touchscreen LCD on the BMW key fob. It even lets you park remotely on hybrid models!
If you're in need of an alternative for your BMW Digital Key, you can enjoy the same great functionality by using the BMW Digital Key. You can unlock your vehicle using your smartphone when you own an appropriate model. This feature is only available on BMW vehicles built after 2021 using the iDrive 8 system.
The Connected Remote key is a innovative key from BMW that allows you to start your car and use certain functions using your smartphone. The app allows you to remotely control the climate control of your car as well as check the battery level and much more! You can check how much fuel remains in your car if it has this feature.
The process of replacing a BMW Digital Key is the same whether you're using a traditional 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 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 step is to reset the key, which erases any programming on it and render it useless. This is accomplished by turning the key from position one and then back in rapid succession five times in a row. Then, you turn it back to position zero and then pull off the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key makes it easy to start your car. The fob is compatible with your Apple Watch or smartphone and works with BMW Connected Drive. It can unlock the vehicle and start the engine. You can also share the key with five others.
The key fob transmits encrypted signals with the vehicle. It is therefore extremely difficult for hackers and cloners, to intercept the signal. Additionally to this, the UWB technology used in the BMW Digital Key prevents relay attacks even when the fob is moving while it's being carried. The system also has a built-in alarm to prevent unauthorized starts and disables the ignition switch which is a popular target for thieves.
BMW also provides a variety of security options available including Passive Start, which disables the starter motor if the key fob isn't in close proximity to the car. This feature is available on many of the brand's models and gives you security.
Many of the more advanced BMW models offer keyless access that lets drivers enter and start the car without having to manually press any buttons or insert the physical key. This feature is activated by pressing three times on the lock button on the fob within one second. In certain situations it may be necessary to press the button to lock the fob three times and then activate a separate remote start feature on the dashboard or on the steering wheel.
Some people carry their BMW keyfob in a bag that blocks signals. This decreases the possibility that a third party broadcasts the identifying code from the fob to gain access to the vehicle. Others prefer to use a standard key case, which doesn't have this feature but will still protect the fob from scratches.
A few BMW owners have reported that website their cars have been stolen by criminals who just employed a signal amplifier to boost the identifying signal. This kind of attack is referred to as "Relay Attack" and can be avoided by keeping the key fob in a signal-blocking pocket or by installing an app that blocks signals on your smartphone.
Replacement
It happens to everyone - your BMW key fob battery goes out, or you need a spare for a family member. Thankfully, getting an alternative BMW key fob and programming it to your car is simple and affordable. You can buy the replacement from any dealership or locksmith who is authorized by BMW. A new key fob will typically cost between $400 and $650, depending on the model of BMW you drive.
Check to see if there is other ignition key in your BMW before you start programming a new keyfob. Close all doors of your vehicle. Insert your new key fob in the ignition, and quickly turn it from position 1 to position 0, and then back to position 1. Hold down the unlock button and quickly press the BMW logo on your BMW keyfob. After you've completed this, remove the key and then turn on the vehicle. You should hear the doors unlock and lock, which indicates that your new key fob is successfully programmed.
Based on the model of your car depending on the model of your car, you could have a key fob that has an actual key blade in it, or a key fob that does not have one. The process of synchronizing new fobs with your car is different for each one however the steps are similar. The only difference is that a key fob with a metal key inside will need to be put into the ignition when you want to start the car.
If you have a BMW with Comfort Access, the process is even easier. After you have programmed the new key fob, simply connect it to your BMW's ignition and press the start button.
It is essential to keep your BMW key fob in working in good working order. If you're in search of an entirely new BMW key fob, or a replacement one, you can reach the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can help you find the right key fob to your vehicle, and we can even upgrade your BMW by introducing an upgrade to Comfort Access to enable keyless entry as well as engine starting.